We Meet Again

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from The Walking Dead TV show, which is the property of AMC. I do not claim any ownership over the characters or the world of The Walking Dead. This story is of my own invention and is not part of the official story line. Thank you to the writers of The Walking Dead for creating the phenomenon that is Richonne.

#

Five Years Ago

A collective hush spread throughout the courtroom as the judge called for silence. Michonne Daniels gripped the trembling hand of her client, more to calm herself than the woman whose future rested on this decision. Michonne hoped her steely expression masked the anxiety she felt. A bead of sweat trickled down the side of her face.

The jury foreman, a composed woman in her late forties, rose from her chair. She read from a small sheet of paper, a hint of despondency in her voice. "We, the jury, find the defendant, Sadie Matthews, guilty of the charge of first degree manslaughter."

Simultaneous cries of joy and outrage erupted from the audience. Michonne clenched her free hand into a fist, attempting to halt the tears that threatened to burst forth. She turned to Sadie, the woman's haggard face a mask of calm and sadness.

Jail had not been kind to Sadie. A girl of only twenty-two, she looked as though she had aged years in a matter of months. Tears streamed down the sharp edges of her cheekbones, plopping onto the faded table.

"You know," Sadie said, as she stared straight ahead, "I've read more in the last three months than I have in my entire life. That bastard never approved of books. He said they poisoned wives against their husbands. This one by the Dalai Lama-" Sadie choked on a sob.

Michonne squeezed the young woman's hand.

"'Through violence, you may solve one problem, but you sow the seeds for another'." She turned to face Michonne. "He is wise, that one."

Michonne responded in the most confident tone she could muster. "We will fight this. I'm going to do everything in my power to get this appealed. You just have to stay strong." The words rang hollow even to her own ears. She feared this woman's children would be grown before she stepped beyond prison walls.

Sadie turned to Michonne with a somber smile on her face. "Thank you, Michonne. You're the only person who's ever fought for me." Sadie's bones cracked as she rose from her chair, wiping away the burgeoning tears. "I'm going to kiss my babies goodbye."

The bailiff moved to handcuff Sadie but Michonne silently pleaded with her eyes. He noticed the weeping boy and girl pressed against the railing. He nodded to Michonne and she nodded in thanks.

Sadie moved to her children, crouching down to smother them with kisses. "What are these tears for?" Sadie asked in a playful tone. "Mama's just going away for a little while. Be sure to mind your Gran and do your homework every night. I'm gonna be checking on you real soon." She hugged them both tightly while they wept.

"How much does Mama love you?" she asked in a clear voice.

The older of the two, a brunette with big brown eyes set in her round face, answered between sniffles. "More than birds love the sky..."

"...and fish love the sea," Sadie finished with her. Her younger brother cried harder. Michonne's swallowed what felt like sandpaper.

The bailiff cleared his throat. Sadie gave each of her children a final kiss on the cheek and turned to Michonne. She whispered words Michonne would never forget and hugged the lawyer with urgency. The bailiff handcuffed Sadie and led her through the door to the county jail. Sadie looked back at Michonne and managed a small smile. In that moment, Michonne wished she'd never become a lawyer.