Abide » Alden

5. New World

We had gone to a museum to get supplies. We found a wagon, plow, and Cyndie found a canoe. We had just managed to get the wagon across the cracking glass. What a dumb architectural decision.

I was on the other side of the glass floor keeping the rope tied around a column steady along with Gabriel. Ezekiel and Carol were carrying the plow across.

The glass collapsed and Ezekiel fell in with a shout, "Save the plow!"

Luckily Rick pulled him out by a strained rope or else Ezekiel would have died for a hunk of metal.

I heave a big sigh, grateful that I was even included on this mission. With everything that was going on in the war, I was overlooked like crumbs left on a dirty plate.

Of course, excuses were made on why I was left out. For instance, I was told that I was too involved considering my Dad's murder and my... torture. But Maggie's husband was murdered right in front of her and she was a major leader in the fight against Negan.

I guess I just need to learn to let that go. The war is over now and the communities are working to integrate the Saviors into our world. As much as I hate the idea, I admire the magnanimous efforts these people put into everything.

I mount my horse, a stark white stallion. I make eye contact with Tara. We smile at each other and I look over at Alden. He smiles at me and I can't help but smile back. When the war ended and it was apparent that Alden wanted to stay and become a trustworthy citizen of Hilltop, I began to let my guard down. Not completely, obviously. But just enough to let friendship bloom.

We ride back to our communities. Some are riding in a wagon and some are on horses. Daryl was riding ahead on his motorcycle, patrolling the road ahead.

Without purpose, I ride alongside Alden. His chestnut horse matches pace with my stallion. Two other guys ride on the other side of Alden.

"Think your Dad'll take on another apprentice?" Alden offers for the long haired male on the other side of the boy in the light blue button-down.

"I don't see why not," Ken in the button-down nonchalantly replies.

The long-haired brunet comments, "I can't tell if he likes me."

Ken answers, "He's just quiet."

I wonder if people make the same observation about me. I mean, I don't care what other people think of me, but it'd be nice to know.

I quickly lose my sense of awareness and my eyes dull. I lose focus in my vision as my mind drifts away from reality.

What would it be like to be normal? Would I be treated better if I just acted differently? Is it my scars and short curly hair? No. Nothing that trivial needs to worried about. I'm perfectly content with being ignored. But it would be nice not to be treated like a monster. I guess I'm a monster—

"You good?" A soft voice makes me drift back to reality.

In a slightly dazed state, I look over to the man beside me, "Yeah. Just lost track of reality."

"What has your mind stealing you?"

I look into his soft eyes. From spending more time with him, I've noticed his gentle mannerisms and it makes me wonder how he could be so gentle in a world like this and live with Saviors.