My Dark World (Gabentine Fic)

Normal

The days went by quickly and I found myself actually loving Richland. The group decided to change the name because having a community named the danger zone was dumb as shit. So, we took a vote and now we are Richland. I've been at this community for about two months now and the others still have not figured out that I'm blind. The only people who know are Javi, Luke, and Clementine. Tripp, Jesus, Eleanor, and Ava know too but, they haven't made it back yet.

I know that I may not act like a blind person but, come on. I know for a fact the others have seen me wearing my sunglasses all day and Carl walked in on me using my cane last week in the meeting hall. They have to at least be catching on. Right?

I go on runs with Javi so, I can feel like I'm doing my part in the community and he hates it. He hates that I feel like I have to prove myself or something to the others. Javi doesn't treat me like a piece of fragile glass but, he stays really close to me on our runs. I like doing stuff with the others because it makes me feel normal.

And being normal is all I've ever wanted. But, normal isn't an option in the world today and it will probably get you killed. When I get to thinking about being cursed with my condition, I try to think about the upsides. I'll never have to see a loved one die, I judge people on their personalities, and women will never ask me if they look good.

Speaking of women.

Clementine hasn't exactly had a full conversation with me since we talked in the woods. A greeting here and there, maybe even a goodbye, but never an ongoing conversation. Javi told me that the kid she was looking for had turned into a walker and she had to kill him. A situation like that could really fuck up a person so, I didn't want to push and left her alone. I really wanted to make friends at this place but, I've been struggling.

I've introduced myself to everyone and can chat with them. But, they never came up to me and just wanted to hangout. Carl was kind of an ass and was always on runs. Glenn and Maggie just wanted to talk about the food supply and rationing. Daryl kept to himself and spent his time in the woods and with Carol. Beth helped Rick with Judith and watched over her while he went on runs with Carl. Javi and Luke were always on guard duty and counted how much ammo we have. I don't really know what Clementine does during her time but, I'm sure it's something badass. I could usually be found in the small part of the woods behind my house, practicing with my machetes and my knives.

Today I was coming back from a run with Javi. We went about 30 miles and found an abandoned Walgreens that had some left over medication. It was an easy run but, I was looking forward to taking a hot shower and eating some of Carol's cooking. My watch had beeped an hour ago so, it was well into the night as we walked through the gate. Luke greeted us and took our things to the medical tent and took Sam to get some food. The air felt strange and the hair on my arms stood up on end, signifying that something wasn't right. I reluctantly shook it off and walked to my house to get a change of clothes before I took a shower. However, as soon as I stepped up my first step on my porch, I was blown back from an explosion.

"GABE!"

My back hit the pavement hard and my ears were ringing. I could feel blisters start to cover my face and chest and my glasses were scorching. I flung them off of my face and heard footsteps come up from behind me. Cheap cologne filled my nose and I looked over to Javi.

"It's okay, Javi. I'm okay."

I could hear Javi take in a breath to speak but, was cut off by another voice.

"Let's take everything from these assholes!"

My body was hoisted up and I was quickly taken to someone's house. It smelled of pine and instantly knew I was in Rick's house.

"RICK! WE'RE BEING ATTACKED!"

The sound of boots stomping down the stairs was thundering in my ears and Rick's gravely voice spoke in front of us.

"I'll get everyone rounded up."

Javi set me down in a cushioned chair and responded to Rick.

"They blew up Gabe's house. We're going to need everyone helping."

I tried standing up but, found a hand pushing me back down.

"No, Gabe. You're hurt and I need someone to watch Judith while we do this. Can you do that?"

Rick was asking a blind person to watch his very own infant daughter. Guilt weighed heavily on me and I had to tell him the truth.

"Rick, I'm fucking blind and you're asking me to watch your daughter."

A rough hand patted my head in comfort.

"I know, Gabe. I trust you. Come on, Javi. We gotta go. Gabe, we'll be back and she's in her crib upstairs."

He knew? For how long?

The slam of the closing door made me jump and I heard a cry come from upstairs. I shook of my singed jacket and started slowly going up the stairs where Judith was. I felt the walls beside me and her cries were getting louder. I finally made it to her room and opened the door. Her cries stopped upon seeing me walk through the doors and not her dad but, she started crying again. I walked slowly across the room and banged my toe on a chair.

"Motherfu-dge."

I remembered where I was and sucked it up. I shuffled some more and found myself standing in front of Judith in her crib. Her cries were like knives going into my shattered eardrums and I picked her up. I began to slowly walk over to the chair I hurt my toe on and began rocking her. Her cries quieted down but, they were still coming out of her. I quietly hushed her and started singing softly to her.

"And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you'll feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now. "

Her breathing became deep and Judith started squirming when I stopped singing and heard the gunshots outside. I cursed the intruders for almost waking her and started singing again.

"And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's meant to be broken
I just want you to know who I am."

This time, Judith fell fully asleep and I was left alone with my thoughts and her soft snores filling the room. My blisters were stinging like a bitch but, that didn't matter to me. In that moment, I truly felt like a normal person.