A New Verge

The Dream Catcher

After Jesus had left Javier's new home, he made his way through town slowly. It was an old habit he had, but instantly he began to assess the town for safety. This included going along the walls and checking each board to make sure nothing was loose or misplaced. He knew he should probably just relax and enjoy his night, but he was always thinking ahead. He was always planning for the future. Jesus dug his boot in the dirt absentmindedly as he became distracted by an exposed piece in the wall. Instantly, he bent over and looked for something to cover the gap that had somehow formed. Once he found the loose board, he set to work and continued on for quite  some time more.

He then went back to join his fellow friends and soldiers who were already resting in the "visitor" section of houses. He made sure everyone was safe before he himself finally settled down for the night. Of course, he was exhausted as his days often never seemed to stop. Hopefully soon, he would get the chance to rest, though Jesus was doubtful.

Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Gabe remained diligently by Clementine's side. He was getting more and more tired by the minute, but he fought to stay awake just in case she woke up. Eleanor remained close by, keeping a watch on both of the kids. She was trying to step up and show she could be a team player and she could help Javi and the rest of Richmond. A lot of it stemmed from wanting to gain the Garcías back as friends.

Eleanor had realized too late that she had messed up. Hell, Javi could barely look at her. Gabe never seemed particularly fond of Eleanor, but he was distant as well due to his Uncle's decision to be cold with Eleanor. At one time, she thought that turning them into Joan was the right choice. She thought this was smart for their survival, but now she knew how dangerously stupid she had been. Eleanor had put their entire group in danger, and this resulted in Tripp's death. As confusing as her feelings were for Tripp when they were together, she was even more confused now as she felt a vacant ache in her chest.

She sighed, standing upright from Clem again. "Nothing yet. I think she's just dehydrated and exhausted...Everything else seems okay." Eleanor yawned, putting her stethoscope around her neck again. "I'm going to...head to bed. But if either of you need anything, let me know."

Gabe lifted his head, his eyes bloodshot and tired as he nodded. "Okay." Gabe spoke, clearly all his enthusiasm gone. He was beyond drained, and also worried about Clem. Clem, who was his only friend left. Maybe even the last person his age who was still surviving. She knew what it was like to go from normalcy to this horrid world. She understood loss, and what it was like to grow up without a biological dad or mom. Clementine had seen hardships even worse than Gabe, and he truly understood that. But regardless, he was hoping once they found AJ she would be able to come back to Richmond and stay with his family where she would be safe.

Gabe's eyes began to flutter closed, his fingers curling around her hand. Gabe glanced to their hands for just a moment, becoming distracted by the sight. Gabe quickly snapped out of it, deciding he would try to wake her up one last time before he maybe took a nap of his own. Quietly, he moved to shake Clementine awake, speaking her name.

"Clementine....I'm so tired... just wake up for a minute so I know you're okay....wake up, Clem." Gabe shook her some, not even realizing how his actions would likely annoy her. Who knew when the last time Clementine had gotten some sleep?

Gabe was getting frustrated that she wasn't waking up, groaning as he sat back. But literally as he did so, her brown eyes opened wide as can be. The room was dark, and for once Clem was in a place she didn't recognize. The panic and fear began to set in that maybe she had fallen asleep in a place that some man had found her, bringing her back to his group of liars, cheaters, killers, and rapists. It was a quick and panicked thought, Gabe's hands instantly setting her off.