I Saw The Lights Go Out - Carl Grimes

Carol was nice enough to bake and deliver a casserole to the Monroe family the next morning however, that didn't speed up the process of fixing the power shortages we were still having. Lights continued to flicker and the hot water drained far too quickly. None of us expected anything less considering their loss, not a single member of the Monroe family had come out of their home all day.

The streets were quiet when Carl and I went on a walk, the people on their porches didn't wave to us or even offer us a glance. I couldn't tell if they were mourning as well or if they blamed me. Either way, I held Carl's hand a little tighter and stopped checking.

When we walked up to Ron's house we were quickly turned away claiming there wasn't enough power to run video games. However, something felt off when Ron was quick to close the door at the sound of his father's voice. Carl gave me a knowing look when we left, telling me without words not to mention it until we strayed further from the house.

"Pete hits them." Carl finally let slip as we neared the iron wall, far enough away from those walking their dogs. My heart ached at his words.

"Didn't you say it was just Jessie?" I mumbled confused.

"I thought so, but Ron had bruises the other day. I don't think its as bad as Jessie. Either way, it makes me sick." Carl swiped his sheriff's hat off, ruffling out his hair.

"Your dad, he's the marshal here, he's gotta say something to Deanna." I pressed with my eyebrows furrowed.

Carl cocked his head. "I think he's doing that now."

I followed Carl's gaze behind the rows of houses. Rick walked up behind Deanna as she stood amongst the small grave makers in the cemetery they built for the dozens of those who were murdered by the Wolves. I couldn't bring myself to visit just yet.

From so far away I couldn't say for certain if Deanna looked alright. Her shoulders were slump, carrying the weight of Aiden on her shoulders. Rick moved, talking away as she remained still. Suddenly he stalked forward and she finally turned, though their voices were muffled from the distance I could tell it wasn't a joyful conversation.

"Do you think she knew?" I asked stepping closer to Carl leaning against the wall.

Rick ran a hand through his hair as Deanna pointed a finger into his chest.

"She knew." Carl answered, his voice low and not surprised in the slightest.

It hurt to realize Carl was right about Deanna, but it was confirmed when we followed Rick back home. Rick was quick to tell Michonne and Daryl, passing by them before insisting he needed to clear his head.

Michonne gave a look to Daryl when he let slip a string of curses. "These people are messed up, pretending to be some happy community. No better than Terminus with this shit." Daryl shook his head angrily cleaning off his bolts with a white towel.

"Agreed," Michonne looked toward Carl who stared out the window after his father. "Carl, Avery. Don't you even think about going after him. He'll be back."

Carl pursed his lips, his hand slipping from the white windowsill and turning back around. "Come on, Avery." Carl held out his hand to me tilting his head toward the staircase.

"I'll be out. Leave a light on." Daryl grabbed his crossbow and walked past us through the front door.

Despite running water Daryl and his weapon were still covered in dirt. I watched over my shoulder as he left, catching Aaron standing on the other side of the door. He smiled genuinely and waved to me as Carl dragged me upstairs.

Once we entered our room Carl moved straight to the window. His eyes darted around in what I assumed was in search of his dad. I watched him delicately, not knowing what was going on inside his head.