You're Alive

Chapter Twenty-Two

(Clementine's POV)

   It's been a long time since Rocky climbed up into the vent. Everyone was starting to get worried. We hoped that she didn't get caught by Lily, or worse, killed by Walkers. Alvie paced the floor, back and forth. He's been doing this for a while, and I swear there's going to be a dent in the floor soon.
   Kenny and Lee were asleep. They took the first watch while Alvie and I slept. I looked up at Alvie, he had Alvin's looks, but he had Rebecca's personality. Alvie would stop and put his ear to the door, as though he heard something, then he would shake his head and continue pacing.
   I was leaning against the metal wall, facing the door, my hand on the hilt of my katana. I tried talking to Alvie, but he seemed to be extremely distracted by something. With no one to talk to, I started cleaning and sharpening my katana again. My thoughts were on Alvie, wondering what was bothering him so bad.

(Alvie's POV)

   It's been far too long since Rocky disappeared to find a way out for us. I paced the floor, my legs itching to help her, but I knew I would be needed here with Clementine. Since everyone was exhausted, we had shifts. Lee and Kenny on one, and Clem and I on the other.
   I noticed that Clem would try to talk to me, but I ignored her. I was listening for anything that would signal Rocky's return. I know I haven't been with this group for a long time, but they're survivors as well. Maybe I can combine my group with theirs...
   I turned my attention to Clem, who has her head tilted, "You alright, Al?" She asked. I nodded, "Yeah, just thinking." I responded. She chuckled, "Thinking alone is dangerous during an apocalypse. It could drive people to insanity."
   I chuckled and rolles my eyes sarcastically, "Speaking like an elder already, Clem?" She raised an eyebrow then she got the joke, "Hey! I'm not that old!!!" She exclaimed. I pretended to be shocked, "Then why do I see a grey strand of hair?"
   "WHAT!?" She yelped, checking her hair. I fell to the floor, laughing my ass off as Clementine started cussing me out. Lee and Kenny woke up, alert. I held my stomach as Clem ran to them, "Is there a strand of grey hair in my hair!?" She asked, freaking out.
   Kenny looked puzzled as Lee looked at me and sighed, but had an amused smirk on his face. Once I calmed down, I couldn't help but smile like a fool. Even during the darkest of times, laughter breaks through.
   Unfortunetally, our amusment didn't last long. For one thing, Rocky wasn't back. And two, the door to our prison clicked, slowly opening. Our hearts lurched, not knowing if it was Rocky saving us, or Death opening the Doors To Hell for us.