Love's Conquer

Better Angels

After what felt like an endless cycle of discussions, the only people willing to make a stand for Randall's life consisted of myself, Dale and then Andrea. Everyone else stayed quiet, burying their heads in the sand.

Today had left the group feeling broken. We all questioned those around us, as well as ourselves. Should I have said more? Am I thinking the right thing? What will happen otherwise? These being the type of questions we were all left to think as we cowered away in the comfort of our safe spaces, waiting for the bullet to ring through our ears.

I sat on the porch of the main house, alone, watching the moonlight begin to shine down on the main barn. From the distance, I could see Rick, Shane and Daryl take Randall to his execution. I wanted to watch. I wanted to remember.

I twiddled my fingers together before rising to my feet. My breath causing a mist with every exhale. The icy air pinching at my skin as I grasped the sides of the grey sweater Maggie had given me and wrapped it tightly around my body. My chest was heavy with exhaustion and every step towards the barn felt like a marathon. My entire being was shattered.

"Please, don't. Don't. Don't." I heard the young boy cry. The pit in my stomach growled and I couldn't tell whether it was to warn me off or to remind me I was wasting away from the lack of protein in my system.

The cries intensified the closer I got and I soon found myself stood in the entrance of the barn. I took in the sight in front of me; Daryl was leant against one of the wooden pillars, Shane stood tall with his arms crossed and Rick was pained with the duty of executioner as Randall knelt before him. I looked up at him, seeing the confliction in his eyes, the pain, the guilt, the frustration, all of it.

"Rick..." I said quietly, causing him to abruptly turn his head to face mine. Our stare speaking volumes without uttering a single syllable.

"Do it Dad." Carl spoke up from behind me, causing me to spin on my feet in shock. "Do it."

"Carl!" I whisper shouted, unable to process his words as I picked up in my arms and carried him away from the scene.

"What did I tell you, Carl? Huh? What did I say?" Shane said angrily, walking alongside us.

"Put me down!" Carl tried to wiggle out from my hold but I wouldn't let him.

"Here, let me take him." Shane ushered for me to hand him over and I did, watching Shane throw the boy over his shoulder and cart him towards the main camp.

I turned to see Daryl shove Randall out of the barn and towards the shed we had been holding him prisoner in. I brought my gaze back to the last man standing and entered the barn, a glimmer of fear in his eyes.

"I couldn't do it." Rick finally spoke.

He began to tremble slightly, the words of his young son paining him. I took my stride towards him and embraced him, wrapping my arms around his neck and allowing his head to rest against mine. "I know."

Rick and I made our way towards the main camp, bracing ourselves for how the group may or may not react to the final outcome of what was supposed to be an execution. Everyone widened their eyes towards us, their faces asking whether it was finally over or not.

"We're keeping him in custody for now." Rick explained simply.

"I'm gonna go find Dale." Andrea smiled towards us, sensing his rejoice when he hears the news.

"I'll go with you." I stated, leaving Rick's side to join Andrea's.

We made our way towards the RV, assuming he would be holed up inside.