Safe haven | Rick Grimes

115. WE WILL GET AWAY, TOGETHER

Chapter one hundred and fifteen

"We will get away, together."

Five years after the bridge explosion, Scarlett stands before a community council after rescuing several of their members.

"My name is Scarlett Grimes," she states clearly. "Years ago, my husband sacrificed his life so our people could live."

As she speaks, memory flashes in her mind: Rick standing on the bridge, pulling the trigger of his revolver, and the horrific explosion that followed. It is the very same gun and jacket she carries with her now.

"We never found a body," Scarlett continues, her voice steadying. "So I held onto this belief that he was still out there, fighting to get back. And recently, I found something that turned that belief into a reality."

She thinks of the clues she uncovered—his old cowboy boots and the custom drawings of her and Judith etched into the phone screen.

Taking a deep breath, she addresses the council directly. "I was on my way to his last known location when I stumbled upon your people. They needed help, so I helped them. That's the only reason I am here. Now, I would gladly be on my way."

The lead councilwoman, Elle, speaks up. "I want to thank you."

Scarlett raises her brows. "You don't have to thank me."

"I do," Elle insists, leaning forward. "But then again, I don't know you, and you don't know us. Which is why I want to get to know you, and tell you about our community."

"What you have built here is great," Scarlett cuts in, growing impatient. "But I really need to get moving."

"You could be an asset to this place," Elle counters smoothly. "You know... if you don't find your husband."

Behind Scarlett, the couple she rescued sit quietly. Bailey finally speaks up, looking at the leader. "Elle, just give her a horse."

"No, no," Scarlett says, her brow furrowing as the tension in the room shifts. "Now I'm more concerned about whether I am even allowed to leave."

"I didn't mean to offend you," Elle says quickly, trying to soften her tone. "You saved my sister and her boyfriend. We should discuss more than just—"

"Just give her a horse and let her leave," Aiden interrupts sharply, backing his girlfriend.

"I meant to say if you do find him, you could be part of this community—both of you," Elle clarifies, trying to smooth things over.

Scarlett glares at her. "Those people he sacrificed his life for? That's our community. Our kids are back there right now, waiting for me to bring their father back. So like I've been saying—and you haven't been listening to—I need to go."

"Go where?" Elle asks.

"Bridgers Terminal, up north," Scarlett tells her flatly.

"You don't want to go north. Not now," Elle warns. "Stay with us until the migration is over."

Scarlett scoffs. "You're kidding me, right?"

"The tri-state area had millions of people before," Bailey interjects, leaning forward. "Now they're 'the wailing.' We don't know why, but this time of year, a lot of massive crowds move south. In a couple of months, they'll migrate back north. It'll be safe then."

Scarlett rolls her eyes. "Safe."

"Just stay with us for a little while," Elle presses. "Get to know us."