With Sophia's head nestled on Ellie's lap and Carl tucked into her side, eyes drooping and sleepy, the dark haired woman felt lighter than she had since before the world had ended. Children made her feel sane and slightly less broken than she truly was, it was a false sense of security but one she'd clung to throughout all of her foster homes.
She was always the oldest in the homes she was placed in and the younger children would be drawn to her like magnets, clinging to her and begging her for the protection and hope they needed. And she would give it to them, she gave all she had to those orphans, more often than not she gave more than she could spare.
Carol rose to her toes from her seat by the bonfire in front of the prison, her eyes trained on the daughter she'd just gotten back. Ellie couldn't imagine the pain and torment this woman must have went through when Sophia was missing, she'd only known the little girl for a few months and she couldn't even imagine losing her.
"Sophia, lets get you to bed. I have your bunk all made up and I have fresh pajamas laid out for you." The older woman grinned and held out a hand for the tiny blonde.
Sophia took her mother's hand only to pull her onto the ground beside her and snuggle into her side.
"I can't sleep without my song." She explained to her bewildered mother, turning to Ellie and smiling. "You have to sing for me."Ellie shook her head quickly
"Soph.. you don't..""You sing?" Maggie smiled softly from across the fire, she was settled in Glenn's lap and he was smiling too.
"Oh no.. not much.." she was fairly certain she was it beet red at this point.
"Like a damn angel she does." Merle laughed loudly, Ellie's eyes traveled to the long haired Hunter beside him. Daryl was watching her with curious eyes.
"Merle.." Ellie warned.
"Ain't no sense in hidin' it darlin' I'm used to hearin' it now too. Know I'll sleep better after you sing." He crossed his arms behind the back of his neck and leaned back expectantly, ever present mischief in his eyes.
"Could use a little music around here, especially after a day like today." Abraham spoke up from beside Rosita, his deep voice tired and strained. Eugene had been talking about some strand of cold going around the prison earlier today.
"Listen.. I ain't no singer. Had a guitar and notebook before the dead started walking, that's all." Ellie scratched the back of her neck awkwardly and watched as Rick kicked at Daryl's foot and whispered something that made the quiet man blush and mutter something under his breath.
"That's all ya need." Hershel smiled encouragingly. He reminded her of an old social worker she'd seen a few times, Warm and strong but a little broken just like her. No way she could say no to him and he damn well knew it.
Taking a deep breath and looking around at all of the gazes locked solely on hers she released a puff of air through her lips and sighed
"Alright.. alright.."
YOU ARE READING
All I've Ever Known
RomanceShe's a fighter. A warrior. A survivor. She's also alone. When the world stopped turning and the dead started living 24 year old Ellie Mitchell was left to make it through the carnage and destruction entirely on her own. It's been 2 years and Elli...