Shadow (TWD Carl)

~Chapter 39~

Today was the day our group was introduced to the processes of the place. Carol was apparently offered a job to help out and make food for older people. She happily explained that it would be a great way to meet a lot of the neighbors. As I wandered around the house, I noticed that Jack and Kira had already headed out. Probably went to meet with the other kids...

I decided to go outside and have some time to myself. As I walked out the front door, I almost slammed right into another figure. I tilted my head down a little and saw Ron was standing half way down the steps. "Oh, morning Ron."

"Hey, uhh, I mean, good morning." He stuttered as I turned to lock the door. "I was wondering if you wanted to go for a walk, you know, talk and get to know each other a bit."

"I was actually about to go for a walk," I pondered whether to go with Ron or by myself, "But I wouldn't mind having some company."

"Cool." We both headed down the stairs in a silence which I was quite comfortable with. However, Ron had to interrupt it almost instantly. "So where are you from?"

Does it really matter anymore? "Australia."

"Oh, how'd you end up here then?"

"I was on a trip with my family and neighbors. Guess it didn't turn out much like a vacation after all."

"Maybe not, but you must admit, you've met some pretty cool people along the way." I only nodded in response as I thought about those I had befriended since coming to America. The time has really flown by. I can remember all of their faces as if I had met them all yesterday. "But leaving that behind us, what's your favorite color?"

"Sorry, that's quite personal." I stated with a joking undertone. He scoffed and rolled his eyes with a smirk.

"Is it now? Okay, what color is your toothbrush?"

"Blue."

"So your favorite color is blue?" I stared at him for a few seconds before slightly laughing at his conclusion.

"Just because my toothbrush is blue, doesn't mean that my favorite color is blue."

"But is it though?"

"My lips are sealed." I put my hand up to my head and laughed at how stupid the conversation was. "I can't believe you're trying so hard to find out my favorite color. It's not a big deal."

"I know, but its made you laugh." I smiled up at him before looking back down to my moving feet. "When I met you yesterday you looked so serious and cold. I thought 'what could I do to wipe that frown off'."

"Well, congratulations, you did it. Honestly, I was a little worried about Carl more than anything yesterday. He seemed so lost in thought." I muttered. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Ron had slightly furrowed his eyebrows.

"A little. He brightened up in the end though. He seems like he'd be a good guy to be around."

I looked up as I saw that we had reached the gate at the back end of the community. I stopped in my tracks as Ron did the same. "So, what are you going to be doing for the day?"

"I mostly just sit and play video games unless I'm needed for something. My mom usually lets me help hand out supplies from the pantry, but that's only if I'm given permission by others. Everyone has their duties." As we turn and walk back to the house, his eyes lit up with realization. "Oh yeah, I heard from Jack that you had apparently earned a job from Deanna."

Oh thanks Jack, really helping my case here. "Sort of. I more or less dmeanded one, wanting to pitch in and do my part around here."

"Well, what job did you get?"