Heartless ➳ TWD² [COMPLETED]

Chapter XXXIII ➳ The Calm

➳ "I stand before you today at the start of a new tomorrow," Ezekiel addressed everyone up on the balcony of the theater at the Kingdom. Beside him was a paper-figure of the late and great, Shiva. "A tomorrow made possible by the sacrifices of many over the years."

When I heard that, I briefly closed my eyes in remembrance of all whom we have lost so far. This included my twin brother, who we recently lost. Paul should be here today, but he isn't and it hurts so much to remember what could've been.

"Among them, a man whose mission was to build community and strengthen the bonds between us," Ezekiel continued to announce to everyone, as we remembered Rick in these tough times. "A man who had to destroy the thing that connected us... in order to save us." I remembered that day at the bridge when Rick rejected our help, so that he could save us — even if that meant he would parish with that horde of Walkers.

"It took us far too long to fulfill the promise of Rick Grimes and his son, Carl, envisioned — the same promise Paul Rovia, better known to most as Jesus, believed in what he brought us all together those many years ago."

I gulped down a huge lump after hearing Zeke say my brother's name aloud, for everyone to acknowledge him on this day of all. Oh, dear, gosh... I missed him so much. I have never wanted anyone back like I did him.

"We've always been bound to each other," Zeke continued on with his sermon, shining some love and positivity over the mention of our lost loved ones names. "We always will be." Absolutely. "We fought our way back to each other. We have grown. The crossing over the river may be gone, rebuilt a bridge, nonetheless."

With that said, everyone started to applaud him and his well-spoken speech. "Today is proof that we can unite, not against a common enemy, but for the common good." Ezekiel smiled from up above and paused for that very moment.

And, in that very moment, the sun readjusted from afar and it almost made me believe that Paul was up above me right now. He was smiling and I could almost hear his voice clearly say to me, "Tess, it's okay. No matter what, I will always be here for you — like I have repeatedly told you before. Nothing's actually changed. I'm still here and I love you."

Instead of crying after hearing his voice again, I smiled as I gazed up to the light, nodding and knowing full and well that my brother was still with me. No matter what, I will never be alone — thanks to him.

"So, eat, drink, trade, and be merry," Zeke started to conclude altogether with that same smile plastered across his face, "'cause we got a lotta lost time to make up for."