"The Dahlonega Dead" (Carl Grimes FanFiction)

Episode 18: Come Close

                It was coming onto the fifth day we had been hanging. Carl regained consciousness…I didn’t dare finish what I was going to tell him. Whatever that may be…

                The weather was horrid. The cold and the heat..it all sucked to say the freaking least. The worst thing was watching Carl’s wrist turn red and raw. I didn’t care about me anymore. He needed to be all right…fine job I’m doing of taking care of him.

                Gabby wasn’t allowed to talk to us. The three new people must have been some more of her group. Is this why she told us to leave? I almost wish we had. What was I thinking?! These people might be just as bad as those cannibal freaks at…what was it? Terminus?

                People like Roy. They can’t function in a world like this. Isn’t Gabby tempted to just…end it for him? Maybe she’s not as screwed up as we are…

                But, people like the Governor, or people gone crazy like that guy at the cabin…it leaves the question of…do you leave them alone, or go out of your way to dispose of them?

                “What’s goin’ on?” A sturdy woman’s voice bolted into my ears. I slowly opened my eyes as Carl did the same.

                I saw a woman under a hat with red frizzy hair and a slim build walk over to the man who did this to us.

                “Vernetta!” Gabby ran to her. “They were here when I got back. They seem ok. Can’t they just leave?” She asked in a whisper.

                The woman Vernetta turned to us. “If they want. Conroy? You did this?” She frowned her thin lips towards the man.

                “So they wouldn’t get away.”

                She slapped him then turned to us. Why is she the head honcho? Not that I’m complaining…

                Up she came and untied us. She helped Carl down and messed with his hair. He was so weak though. I was distracted by my thought process when she undid my ropes and I fell directly on my left foot making a bolt of pain feel like I broke something.

                “AH!” I yelped.

                Carl walked over to me trying to help but Vernetta interrupted him. “You’re all right. Come on.” She smiled.

                I slowly hopped up. Gosh…pathetic.

                “I’m sorry this happened. Gabby! Get some water! Professor! Help me with her.”

                We went down the steps and before I could touch the ground, this tall man, the professor, swooped me up in his arms. I’ll just say this now. He wasn’t ugly, but he wasn’t handsome either.

                “I don’t do manual labor. Remember.” He frowned.

                “Do as you’re told.” Vernetta grinned.

                Gabby came running up to me with a cup of water. “Here.” She spoke concerned.

                I coughed. “Carl.” I tried to look back only catching a glimpse of him. The grandmother and Roy were next to him helping him inside a house.

                “Granny’s taking care of him. Don’t worry.” She said before Vernetta and I were escorted into an odd shop building. Soon, I was sitting down with a hot meal in front of me and the night sky overtaking us.