Heartless ➳ TWD² [COMPLETED]

Chapter VIII ➳ Warning

FOR whatever reason, I decided that today would be a good day to reread Carl's letter that he wrote to me. I laid in bed, just holding the fragile piece of paper in my left hand while my right hand laid across my belly. I just stared at it, hearing him say those same words to me.

Dear Tess,
I wanted to start off by saying that I'm sorry. I know that you wanted me to live. I remember all of the sacrifices that you made, especially for me.

You are so much braver than you think and so much more amazing than you would like to believe. You always made me feel safe, even when in the face of danger. You were always there, willing to take the bullet for me at the snap of the fingers. I didn't realize that until it was too late...

Please help take care of my dad for me. Michonne will only be able to do so much on her own. And, if you could, would you help with Judith, too? I know that you're not going to be alright after I'm gone, so I'm not even going to tell you to be strong for me. You will find your will one day again.

I will miss you every single second that I'm not with you. I love you, Big Sis.

- Carl

I could still hear his voice, but it was becoming very faint and it's getting harder and harder to remember it. Worst of all, I'm starting to forget Glenn and Abraham's, too. Izzy and Sasha's, as well. It has made me so much more weaker and more fragile.

I can be strong, but without them... I don't know how much longer that I can go. After Negan finally falls to his death, then maybe, I can sleep better at night, but I highly doubt it.

"TESS!" I heard someone call out my name, as I finally came outside and the wind immediately hit me. I looked over and saw Paul standing there, so I made my way to him. "Hey, there you are."

"Here I am," I sighed, smirking. I looked away and saw Alden and Brie inside by the Hilltop's perimeter. "What is everybody doing today?"

"Walkers are outside," he answered, slowly shaking his head. "Alden and Brie are 'bout to try clearing them out."

I nodded and said, "Alright. I'll go help them out, then."

"Tess," he breathed out and grabbed my arm, making me stay back. Our eyes met, identical to one another. "You don't have to."

"They'll need the muscle," I tried telling him before I finally turned my back and started to walk away, right to where Brie and Alden were standing. "Hey, Paul tells me that y'all are gonna clear out the Walkers. I'll help."

Brie turned with a smile and nodded. "Thanks, Tess. We'll really appreciate the help."

"Yeah, Tess. Thank you," Alden added before took one little step towards me. "Could I actually speak to you over here alone for a moment?"