The Silent Type (Gabentine Fic)

Are You There God? It's Me, Gabe

Dying was never part of my life plan. I wanted to live a long life and grow old with the woman I love and watch our kids and grandchildren grow up. However, that changed when the apocalypse started and chances of survival were slim. I don't even know how I got this far and feel proud of myself but, I also feel pain. Pain for leaving my family behind and leaving Clem with AJ. I did believe in God for a long time but, the faith wavered when the dead started to rise from the ground and everything just went wrong. I don't know what's waiting for me on the other side but, I don't want to be alone.

White. That's all I see for miles on end. It feels like I'm in a room but, there are no walls anywhere around me.

"Hello! Is anybody there?"

Silence

"Can someone tell me where I am?"

Silence

I start grumbling to myself and start to walk around before a voice calls out.

"Hello Gabe."

"Who's there? How do you know my name?"

"I've been watching over you for a long time so you can say I'm your guardian."

"Okay buddy. Just come out so I can see you."

There's a chuckle and a man appears to my left causing me to jump in surprise. I give him a glance over and look at his appearance. The man is about 6 foot tall with a light beard going on. Kind of dark skin and wearing a blue button down and jeans. I glance back up at him before asking more questions.

"What's your name? Why am I here? And what happened?"

The man quirks an eyebrow at me before answering my questions.

"My name is Lee Everett, you died, and you were bitten by a walker."

Why does that name sound familiar?

"Okay so why were you watching me? And for how long?"

Lee lets out a sigh and gives me a somber look.

"I've actually been watching you and Clem. Have been ever since you saved her that day in the woods. I'd like to thank you for that too."

Why would he watch me and Clem? What's the connection? Wait. Lee? As in Clem's Lee that was bit and died? Holy shit

"Hey I know you! Clem told me all about you!"

Lee gives me a sad smile and nods his head.

"Yes, I was with Clem from the beginning as I will be until eternity. I'm glad you made it here but, sad to see Clem that upset again. It hasn't been easy watching her struggle with life but, you made her smile again and for that I owe you everything."

I grow sad thinking about Clementine and being without her and Lee puts a hand on my shoulder before guiding me to a door that appeared out of nowhere. I let him lead me to sofa with a tv screen in front of us. Lee grabs a remote and turns it on with a click. I see my family in some sort of waiting room, sobbing and holding each other. My heart wrenches at the scene and a lump forms in my throat. Lee turns the channel and this time it's Clem and AJ. AJ is sitting in Clem's lap with my beanie over his face, muffling the sounds his cries. Clementine is whispering soothing words to him and rocking him back and forth. Her eyes are bloodshot and her voice is hoarse, like she had been screaming all night. I look away from the screen and close my eyes.

"Please. Turn it off."

There's a click and everything is quiet. Lee turns towards me to get my attention.

"Gabe, this isn't the end for you. You are currently in a hospital getting vaccinated for the bite. The doctors put you to sleep with medicine but, you slipped into a coma. The doctors informed your family that you might not wake up and to say goodbye. They take you off your life support today and you need to fight. You've escaped death before, multiple times actually, but this is different. You need to fight your hardest."

So Washington was real? There's a cure?

"I'll do whatever it takes to get back to my family."

Lee gives me a hopeful smile and nods his head.

"I know you will. I need you to think back to what really brought your true happiness. All the moments in your life that will stay with you forever."

I think back to the time when Clem killed David and the relief and happiness it brought me. A vague door appears in the corner of the room and Lee urges me to continue. I think about me and Clem's first time and the love I felt. The door is taking shape and getting more color. Or the time when Clem helped me save my family. The door is now fully there and go to open it but, find it locked.

"You need to dig deep to unlock the door. Think really hard about your happiest memory and it should open."

I nod my head and close my eyes, thinking. Me becoming AJ's dad, taking Clem on our first date, kissing Clem for the first time, and holding her. I try the door but, it still won't budge. Then, it hits me. Hearing Clem say she loved me for the first time and seeing it in her eyes.

Click

The door opens and I hear voices. I turn back to Lee and hug him. He return the hug before whispering in my ear.

"Tell Clem that I'll always be watching over you guys and that I love her. Now go before your too late."

I step back and walk through the door but, turn back once more to wave goodbye and I start walking towards a shinning light.

Nothing can stop me from getting to my family.