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Reveal the Light

Flashback

"Dad," the long-haired sheriff addressed. "We're going back to Alexandria?"

Rick sighed. "Yeah."

Even in the dark of the night, Rick could see the dissatisfied look on Carl's face.

"Why can't we just fight them?" he asked, frustration clearly on his voice.

Rick nearly stopped in his tracks in disbelief. "We have Maggie and Glenn to think about. We need to get them help first."

Carl pursed his lips for a moment as his eyes slightly flickered downward. He rubbed his hands together for warmth, exhaled sharply, and caught up to Daryl. He was beginning to breathe heavier from the weight of Glenn.

"You alright, kid?" Daryl asked him.

"Yep."

"You sure?" he pressed.

"Yeah," Carl said shortly.

Daryl huffed. "You know, it's not real easy for anyone to see these kind 'a thangs. You sure you're okay, son?"

His mind reeled as he remembered the previous hour's events. He recalled crying. He hated tears. They made him look weak, vulnerable, childish. He waved his childhood goodbye a long time ago. There just wasn't time for that in this world. If you were weak, you'd get eaten by a walker, die from starvation, or fall into the hands of a monster like Negan... which is exactly what happened to Eugene and almost Glenn. Even though he hated it, he had forced himself to watch the brutal mutilation of Eugene. He knew he'd need to remember it. That way, he'd have ample reason to slaughter the monster responsible. Ever since the start of the trouble with the Saviors, he'd begun planning his revenge. If he had his way, they'd have gone after the Saviors much sooner.

Carl groaned. "No. Not really."

Daryl scoffed. "That's what I thought," he laughed, but seeing that Carl wasn't in a laughing mood, he continued. "Wanna tell me what's goin' on?"

"It's just," he began. "I wish that Negan would understand all the pain he's caused. I want him to pay for what he's done. Is that too much to ask?"

Daryl thought about this for a few moments.

"Son, you're talkin' about 'an eye for an eye' and that stuff. I get it. Eugene didn't deserve to die. Neither did all those other innocent folks."

"Yeah," the younger admitted.

"No, listen," Daryl instructed. "You're in no position to act upon this sorta thang."

"What?" Carl asked, with anger and confusion clouding his face.

"I'm not insultin' you, kid. I'm sayin' you're too angry to think clearly."

Ohhh.

"Take a step back, make your plan wisely, and then go do it," Daryl advised.

It was like the lightbulb came on in Carl's young mind. Maybe that's why it was so hard for him to succeed in anything when he was upset. Maybe that's why it was so hard for him to hit the target with his rifle these days. It wasn't because of his missing eye. It was because of his anger. No wonder it was difficult to concentrate on any one thing other than Negan.

"You get it?" Daryl's voice interrupted.

"Yeah," Carl blinked. "Thanks."

Daryl grunted under the pressure of Glenn's dead-weight.

"Need a hand?" Carl offered.

"Sure," the marksman replied as the young sheriff took hold of Glenn's legs. He sighed quietly in relief so he wouldn't seem weak.

Together, they managed to walk semi-sideways at the same pace. At first, it was a bit difficult since it was dark, and they were attempting to get to Alexandria quickly. Soon, however, they were fast-walking with little effort involved in upholding Glenn.

The whole group was still following Carol, and with Rick's sharp memory, they arrived at the gates of Alexandria without detection. The walls were truly a wondrous sight. Spencer was currently on watch.

"Spencer!" Rick whispered.

The silhouette looked around for the source of the soft noise he'd heard.

"Down here!" Rick whispered again.

"Rick?" Spencer observed.

"Open the gates!"

A bit hazily, Spencer climbed down his post and opened the gates. The group flooded in, looking for Denise.

"She's in her house," Spencer answered.

They ran to Denise's door and rushed in. There was no use in knocking. Hearing the commotion, Denise ran down the stairs in her pajamas and a robe.

"What's going on?" she asked as she put on her glasses.

"It's Glenn!" Maggie cried.

"Oh my," Denise gasped at the sight of Glenn hanging limp between Daryl and Carl.

"Maggie needs help, too," Aaron reminded.

"Not now! Glenn needs more attention," the soon-to-be-mother sacrificed.

"I can I love you help one of you right now," Denise said.

"Help Glenn for Pete's sake!" Maggie nearly yelled.

So, Denise began her work. "Set him over there," she said, pointing to the nearest bed.

Quickly, Carl and Daryl heaved Glenn over the bed and onto the white sheets.

"Everyone out of the room...especially Maggie!" Denise ordered.

With sorrow and worry on their faces, they began to leave the make-shift operating room and into the kitchen.

"Except you two," she decreed, referring to Tara and Sasha. "You guys can help me."

The two women did as they were told and closed the door behind the others.