One year later

Chapter Ten

The next morning I wake up at dawn, then think about going to see Daniel before turning over and going back to sleep. I didn't want to talk to him yet, wasn't sure I could.

"Lee?"

"What is it, sweet pea?"

"Do you think my parents . . . Are safe? In Savannah?"

Lee sighs, looking slightly pained.

"I don't know, Clementine," he replies, looking out to the train tracks. I lean out the train to try and look outside. I lean a little too far and almost topple out the cart. Lee catches my arm and pulls me to safety.

"Careful! You could get really hurt, you know," he says anxiously.

"I'm sorry Lee," I reply, feeling downcast.

His face softens, "that's alright, sweet pea," he says. I beam at him.

"And Clementine, about your parents . . . I'm sure they're fine. But if something has happened to them, I'll take care of you, okay?"

I smile at his kind words. "Thank you, Lee. I will take care of you too," I say solemnly, making him chuckle.

"That's very kind of you, but I think I'll be fine honey. I just hope this world doesn't turn you into a bad person . . .  like me." He sighs, looking out at the passing scenery.

I frown slightly at this. "But you're not a bad person, Lee. Are you?" I ask him in confusion.

"I don't know, sweet pea. I mean, I don't think I am . . . But I did something bad once."

"Oh." Is all I can say.

We sit in silence for a short while, the only sound being the train as it thunders along the tracks.

"What did you do?" I ask finally.

"I had a wife once Clem, but she was in love with another man. She cheated on me with this man, and so I was angry that I did something I shouldn't have. I regret it now, especially since I'm not an angry person, unless I think what someone is doing is wrong. And what they did was very wrong. But I still regret it."

"Oh," I repeat.

We continue to sit in silence for a while.

"Lee?"

"What is it, sweat pea?"

"I think you're a good person."

Lee smiles.

"Thank you, Clem. I think you're a good person too."

"Really? Lee, do you have kids?"

He laughs, "I never had kids, but I always wanted a little girl or boy. Your parents are very lucky to have you."

I beam at him and he laughs again, the sun streaming into the carrige, the birds chirping, everything happy happy happy . . .