The Next World

Chapter 40

"Amelia. Baby, wake up," a familiar voice said softly.

I opened my eyes and looked up.

"Mom?" I said.

"Yes. Sweetheart it's me," she said opening her arms.

She looked just how I remembered her. I got up and rushed to her. I held onto her tightly.

"Wait, does this mean...does this mean I'm dead?" I asked looking around when we parted.

We were back in our old house.

"No. You've just been knocked out cold. I guess you can say you're dreaming," Max said coming into view.

"Max!" I shouted embracing him tightly.

"Hey, big sis. It's been awhile," he said.

Tears were streaming down my face. I couldn't believe this was happening.

"Hey, baby girl," dad said from behind me.

I wiped away my tears to make room for more as I turned around and hugged him.

"You've been through a lot," mom said.

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you all," I said.

"It's not your fault, honey. You've been carrying that weight since this whole thing started. It's not your fault," mom continued placing her hand on my cheek.

It felt so good. It was all so real. I felt like I hadn't gone through all the shit I had gone through. My family was here and I was happy.

"We uh...we've come across some people that you may want to say hi to," dad said moving out of the way.

First it was Lori. Next was Hershel, Beth, Tyreese, Noah and finally, Denise. I stepped back because the sight of all of them was too much to handle. They all looked as they did before they died. This was unlike any dream I've ever had before.

"How is it you're all here?" I asked.

"I have a theory," Hershel started.

"I'd love to hear it," I said smiling at him.

"All of us have something in common," he continued.

"Which is?" I asked.

"We all loved you," Beth chimed in.

I wiped away more tears.

"That still doesn't explain how you all are here at the same time," I said.

"You've been through a lot, sweetheart. You all have. And I can't thank you enough for looking out for Rick and Carl. And little Judith," Lori said making her way to me.

"Daryl's not dead. He would have been here if he was," Denise said as if she was reading my mind.

"He's gonna pull through," she continued.

"I think I would've liked to have met him," Dad said.

I smiled.

"More heavy shit is coming," Noah said.

I looked at him.

"So, you guys are warning me or what?" I asked looking at all of them.

"No. We just wanted to give you some advice," Tyreese said.

"Well, I'm all ears," I said.

"Whatever happens, you gotta keep going. You've been doing so well. We are all very proud of you," mom said.