Turned

Lori Grimes

*alarm sounds*

Ugh... 7:00...

I wonder if i should visit rick today...

Its no use, he wont even know I'm there...

Dragging myself out of bed, i go to wake up carl.

"Carl, honey, time to get up. Its time for school." I lean down to kiss his forehead, "come on, it's 7:00." I whisper.

He rolls over, and I head downstairs to make breakfast.

As I turn on the TV and go to turn on the stove, instead of hearing the news channel, i hear the emergency broadcast.

What could this be for?

I walk over to our small square television mounted on the wall. As I read, my mind mind begins racing.

Cannibal Outbreak.

Stay indoors until further notice.

Do not let anyone in your home.

Please remain calm.

What could that mean? Is this a prank? This can't be real. Cannibals? What does that even mean?

"Carl!" I yell, almost out of instinct.

"Carl!" I dash upstairs, and barge in his room without knocking.

"Carl. We need to leave. Now."

With him following me down the stairs, i pick up the phone and call shane.

"Hello? Shane?"

I put my hand over the speaker.

"Carl! Eat your breakfast!"

"Lori? Have you seen the-"

"Yes, I've seen it, i need you to come over." I begin pacing back and forth in our small living room.

"Lori, i dont know if i can do that."

"Wh-what to you mean?" Tucking my hair behind my ear, one of my many signs that i am stressed and worried.

"Take a look outside."

My jaw drops in disbelief. Innocent people, neighbors, friends, either laying bloody and torn apart, or walking looking dead as well.

"Shane... Please, i..." I cover my mouth trying to muffle the sobs.

"Ill try everything i can."

*20 minutes later*

Carl and i both packed as much as we can carry on foot, and just in time. I hear shane in the backyard knocking on the glass door.

"Shane!" I let him inside, "I'm so glad you made it!"

"No time to talk, are you and carl all packed up?"

"Yep... Just like you said. Food, cloth- wait!" I drop my bags and run to my bedroom. As i come back shane smiles and rolls his eyes.

"Lori, we cant bring those, there are too many, they'll be way to heavy to carry."

"I am going to carry them. They are very important to me." I stuff the photo albums into my bag, and put it onto my back.

*2 hours later*

we arrive at a camp by the woods about 20 miles out of the city. There are a couple of other families there. We. exit the car, keeping carl close to me.

We are all unable to speak, the day has been to much for us. While holding his hand, carl and i set up the small tent shane brought, and lay inside it together.

"Carl, I'm sorry you had to see that. Your only a kid, this isn't right. There has to be a cure soon, its all going to be okay." I lie down, laying his head on my chest, and pushing his hair back, kiss his forehead.

"Thats okay... Do you think dad is alright?" Carl's throat sounds tight, like he has been crying, along with the rest of us.

I completely forgot about rick. My own husband. With all of these events happening i had no time to think of what we will do about him still being in the hospital...

"Im sure he is okay. If we dont see him again, you need to remember he loved us... And we need to stay strong. I love you."

"I love you too, mom."

And with that, we drifted off to sleep.

One of the most peaceful nights we will have for a very long time.