A New World (A Walking Dead fanfic)

The Saviors Are Coming

A/N: Sorry that this took me FOREVER to update. I ended up having an internship this summer that, on top of a job and running, gave me little free time. So, bear with me on this one.

RIP Scott Wilson.

***

Lilly,

I know that you're sad, but you can't be. If you're going to survive this world you can't be sad that I am no longer in it. Remember the good times that we had, like when we went on that camping trip when we were younger and we snuck out of the tent to eat the rest of the s'mores. Or the time that we put that really spicy hot sauce in your dad's chili at one of our family reunions. I think my favorite memory was when you punched Luke and gave him a bloody nose because you were tired of him bullying me on our way to elementary school. That was the day I started looking up to you. I know I never told you that in person, thinking that you wouldn't take me seriously, but I kind of regret it. At least you know now.

You have to continue being brave and fighting for what you know is right, which means stopping my dad and Negan from fighting. There's no point in it and I know that you know this too. All of us are stronger together than we are separate. I know that we never got to say goodbye. I love you Lil and I will always be with you. Beat this world for me.

- Carl

I refold the letter, a single tear falling on it. I slide the letter in my back pocket as I stand up, grabbing the food and water as I make my way towards one of the tables where I see Daryl sitting with Tara. As they see me approach, Tara says something quickly to Daryl and gets up, giving me a small smile as she walks past me.

"Hey," Daryl says as I sit next to him.

"Hey," I respond as I lay my head on his shoulder.

"How are you holding up kiddo?" he asks, pulling me into a side hug.

I shrug in response. "Better, but still numb. Like, it still doesn't seem real ya know?"

"Yeah. I get it. Still doesn't seem like he's gone."

I sit up and start to nibble at my food. "I wish Uncle Rick was here."

"I'm sure they'll make their way here soon," Daryl says.

"Um, hey guys," one of the guards yells over to us.

Daryl and I both stand as the doors open.

"Uncle Rick?" I run over to him and Michonne, throwing my arms around him. It takes him a minute before he hugs me back. I look up at him to see that look that I've only seen once before, when I first saw him at the prison after Aunt Lori and my father died on the same day.

"Hey," he looks down at me with tears in his eyes, hugging me tighter. "I'm glad that you're here, that you're okay." He kisses the top of my head.

"I'm happy to see you both," I respond as I pull away and go to hug Michonne. I hear Uncle Rick start to walk away and pull away to see him go over to where Judith is with Enid.

"I'm going to go finish my food then probably head to bed. I think a long rest will do me some good," I tell Michonne, giving a half smile.

"Do whatever you need to." She gives me a quick hug before going to join Uncle Rick and Judith.

***

After a quick shower, I hop into bed and bundle up under the covers. I find it hard to fall asleep right away, my mind wondering. I turn over and open the top drawer of the nightstand next to the bed, pulling out the letter. I read it over again for at least the tenth time since I came into the room.