Stumbling upon Alexandria, Reese recounts the events up until now. Meeting Rick's group at the prison, scavenging, sickness, and attacks while creating an attachment to the stoic Bowman.
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Eyelids lift only to fall.
Open, then fall.
open and fall once again.
Extremely heavy.
Heavy breaths, heavy head, the chilled air that cooled her lungs with each intake. The room spun, bright colors dancing across her vision as she tried to adjust to the blinding lights. A pressure gripping her arm causing pins and needles to prick her fingertips.
Tighter and tighter.
A warm hand pinching her wrist. Instinctively pulling and kicking to be freed.
“It’s okay. You’re alright.” A voice informs her as she tires herself out. Exhaustion having a secure hold of her. “You’re severely dehydrated.” He informs. She felt like old gum. The musty smell of herself, the very fabric of her clothes, stuck to her, along with a thick layer of dirt baked into her skin from the Georgia heat. The shriek of Velcro pulls her from her thoughts, the pressure in her arm dissipating. Sweat beaded up on her brow as she slumped back onto the bed, panting heavily. “Blood pressure’s a little low.” The unfamiliar voice informs resuming his work. Clocking her pulse, her eyes trailing up the tubes. An IV bag above her head as her eyes rolled back into her skull. She was certain she had died. Or was going to.
~.~
“Guilty.”
The overweight man bellowed, adjusting his glasses, as the court erupted into applause. The woman exhales a breath, gripping her knee with her good hand. While the other was pinned to her chest in a brace. Everything was either broken, torn, shattered, or bruised. Having to be mended together in ways she empathized with Raggedy Ann. Screws in her arm, plates in her knee—she didn’t want to find out what was holding her orbital socket together. She had begged the hospital to let her out a week early just to see the verdict. She wanted to hear it in person. She wanted to see HIS face. Gathering up what little remained for her courage along with the few measly stands of self-esteem.
“You don’t have to. You’ve already won.” The comforting words of her sister reached her ears.
“I need to.” She releases a shaky breath, wiping a tear with the back of her hand, hissing from the salt biting at her stitches. She stands, making her way to the podium. Every step sent a jolt of pain through her body. She gripped the wood in front of her while handing her cane to her sister by her side.
It was going to be worth it. She lifted her head, holding it high even though it throbbed and her eyes stung as they darted from the Judge to him.
Him.
“You may say your piece, Mrs. Alejandro.” The judge gestures for her to begin.
“If I may, correct you, your honor.” She states voice even. “Melendez.” She breathes, smiling at the eyes that burned into her from across the courtroom. “I will no longer carry the name of the man who stole every speck of light from my life and called it love.”
“You may say your piece then, Ms. Melendez.” The judge corrects her, giving her a kind nod.
~.~
Waking up again this time, not in a cold sweat. Dawned in clothes she knew weren’t her own. Eyes darting about sitting up in what she could tell was a makeshift hospital room. Bed and medical supplies in a bedroom.
Yanking the cord of her IV out of her hand, she threw off the blankets, stumbling over to the door. She had to get out.
Was it a trap? Where was everyone?
She freezes at the sight of the man from before in the living room. His stature loomed over her. Made her feel uneasy. The way he cocked his head unnaturally to the side gave her chills.
“You’re up.” He grins. “Not a doctor fan, huh?” He chuckles, taking in her stance. Walking around her as she keeps their distance. Watching him retrieve some supplies from a cabinet while walking over to the couch. “I’m Pete. The doctor here.” He introduces himself, gesturing to a spot next to him.
“Where am I? Where are my friends? Why am I here? If you try anything I’ll-”
“Drip blood all over my clean floor.” Following his eyes to her hand, had been dripping from where her IV had been. “Once I get you patched up first. All your questions will be answered by, Deanna.” He ensures. Cradling her hand slowly walking towards the man giving him her hand.
“Where am I?” she demands, eyeing the trees out of the windows and the corners of what looked to be houses.
