Life Goes On (The Walking Dead)

Chapter Eleven

Everyone was motionless. Multiple pairs of widened eyes fixed onto the gun in the strangers hands.

Jim's face was flushed an unnaturally dark shade of red. Sweat plastered his hair to his forehead and dripped of his face.

The man with the gun spoke, barely controlled anger in his voice. "You failed to mention that you have someone who looks ready to turn at any minute" His lips were pursed as he readjusted his grip on his gun.

Looking at his white knuckles and the sweat beading on his forehead, I realized he was nervous. He didnt want to hurt anybody at all.

Rick finally spoke up, apparently over the shock.

"We came for a cure" His voice rose slightly, hopefully.

The man responded sharply. "There is no cure, you're wasting your time here"

Ricks eyes deepened and he licked his lips, as though his mouth had become desperatley dry.

"There has to be. Its the CDC. You have to have a cure"

The blonde man spoke again. "My name is Dr. Edwin Jenner. I've worked here for years. If there was a cure we'd have it, but there isn't so we don't. I repeat: You're wasting your time"

"Please," was all Rick said.

"I think you need to leave" was Jenner's response.

Rick remained silent and when no one moved Jenner stiffened.

"I said leave. Now!" His voice had turned cold and menacing, raising to a shout.

Once again, no one moved. Looking around, curious no one else was speaking, especially Shane or Merle. But glancing around I saw Carol. She had tears sliding down her kind face as her daughter sobbed quietly, her face buried in her mother's shirt. Her face was so devastated it broke my heart.

"Please" I rapsed.

Everyone looked at me in surprise. I jolted, shocked at myself. Clearing my throat I continued.

"Please let us stay. Help us. If you turn us away it'll be the same as gunning us all down right here. We have children."

"You have an infected man."

"You said so yourself, you're a doctor. That means its your responsibility to help him. Even if you can't save him you have to try"

"I can't! Don't you see! I have tried! There's nothing left! No cure, no chance, no hope!," he exploded, face suddenly red.

"Please, we'll do anything" I pleaded.

He suddenly slackened, face draining of all emotion, as he nodded. My heart lifted as he strode over to Jim.

"Someone help me. I have to get him to the operations room. Keep in mind, it is probably too late, he looks as though he is an inch from death's door"

Shane and Rick hurried forward and scooped Jim up. The two men carried Jim as Jenner led the way.

I lowered myself gently on the shining white floors. I crossed my legs and sat my head in my hands, waiting.

I felt a tap on my arm. I peeked around my hand to see Carl.

"Can I sit with you?"

I nodded, somewhat baffled as to why he wouldn't want to be with his mom.

I pulled him in for a reassuring hug.

"I'm tired" He said.

"Me too. We'll get to sleep soon enough, sweetheart"

"I hope so"

I silently agreed. We were gearing for a long night. I silently prayed Jim would make it. I was shocked at how strongly I felt, especially since I didn't know him. I hoped this world wouldn't deprive me of the chance to.

~~~~Hours Later~~~~

My eyelids felt droopy as I sat waiting for news of Jim. Merle, Daryl, and I were the only ones still up. Rick and Shane hadn't come back and the rest of us were asleep, curled up on the floor peacefully. Merle leaned against a wall, arms crossed, face indifferent. Daryl was pacing, hands thrust deep into his pockets, talking quietly with Merle. My vision was darkening and I struggled to stay awake. I had a moment to recognize defeat as blackness claimed me and I was engulfed in sleep.