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CHAPTER NINE,
family trip.
━━━━
It was quiet in the prison. The only sound that echoed through the prison was the soft whispers of the group in the cell beside hers. Nicole’s eyes fluttered open; she couldn’t feel the restriction on her wrist anymore. The right side of her abdomen was numb, but there was a cold chill that settled on her. Her green eyes skimmed the grey walls of the cell before she carefully sat up, clutching the bandage on her stomach. She realized that she didn’t have a shirt on - probably because it was easier to bandage her better without it. She could feel a needle in her right arm, and her eyes followed the tube up to the empty blood bag. Nicole didn’t hesitate to pull it out.
Nicole used the top bunk to pull herself up. She wondered if she should even be walking around with these stitches embedded in her side right now. As Nicole stepped forward, she could hear familiar voices talking - though she couldn’t pinpoint exactly who it was until she got closer to the door. The blonde poked her head around the doorframe while using it for support; she could hear her name being mentioned by Carol’s weak voice. There was a sudden wash of relief that spread across her body at the knowledge that she was okay. “I hope y’all weren’t planning on having a party without me,” Nicole spoke just loud enough for everyone to hear.
Daryl didn’t hesitate to embrace her in a tight hug. “Easy, Dixon,” she muttered, joining his tight embrace. “I got stitches.” Daryl pulled away with a playful scoff.
“Never stopped ya before,” he retorted with a smirk. “Hell, ya broke yer ankle, and ya still kept annoyin’ me.” Nicole rolled her eyes, punching his arm. She ignored the prisoners, but she gave Nadia, Hershel, Beth, and Carl a hug and kissed the baby on her forehead.
She turned to meet Rick’s tired and bloodshot eyes. Nicole didn’t bother to wait as she pulled him into a hug. She’d never seen him this mentally and emotionally exhausted. It took everything both of them had to not break down into utter tears. The pair eventually separated, and Nicole saw Carol - bruised, bloody and battered. Her heart dropped. “Carol,” she whispered. The way they embraced each other, you couldn’t tell that they were ever at each other’s throats. It was too late for that and too unimportant. All that mattered was that both of them were safe.
The group gave their affection to one another while a new pair of eyes watched. Nicole stepped out of the cell to give Carol some extra room, but she noticed a woman standing and watching them from behind the cafeteria iron bars. “Rick,” Nicole spoke and motioned her head towards the woman. The woman turned away, walking into another part of the cafeteria. Rick sighed motioned for Daryl to follow him.
