????? ????????, was once a hopeful elementary school student, dreaming of a life by the ocean, but the apocalypse shattered those plans. Now, she's a survivor, traveling with Clementine and AJ, relying on her sharp instincts. When the t...
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THE WALK BACK to the school felt like an eternity. AJ's small, feverish body weighed heavily in my arms, but I wasn't about to hand him over. He needed me—needed us—to keep him safe. The forest around us was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze
James walked a few paces ahead.
''Is he awake?'' he asked, glancing back at us.
Clementine's hand brushed AJ's forehead, her brow creased with worry. ''Yeah. He's so hot.''
''I can carry him,'' James offered. ''You're exhausted.''
''No,'' I interjected quickly, adjusting AJ in my arms. ''I've got him.''
Clementine's eyes flicked to mine, her concern evident. ''You sure?''
''It's not that much further anyway,'' I replied, forcing a smile despite the ache in my arms.
Clementine took AJ's hand gently, her voice soothing as she reassured him. ''Hang on. We're almost there.''
''Hurts,'' AJ murmured weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.
''I know, kiddo,'' Clem said. ''Just a little longer.''
The gates of the school finally came into view, and relief washed over me. But before we could take another step, Willy's voice rang out from the watchtower.
''Walker!''
An arrow thudded into the ground at James' feet, and he stopped in his tracks, holding his hands up.
Willy's eyes widened as recognition set in. ''Violet! Louis! They came back!'' He turned and bolted toward the gates, shouting for the others.
Clementine glanced at James. ''Look, you live out there alone, right? You could stay with us.''
James shook his head, his gaze dropping to the ground. ''Not ready.'' Without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the trees.
I tightened my grip on AJ and staggered closer to the gates. ''I can't keep carrying you,'' I admitted, my knees trembling. ''We'll be inside soon. I promise.''
But the promise wasn't enough to keep me upright. My legs gave out, and I collapsed to the ground, carefully setting AJ down in front of me. Clementine knelt beside us, her hand on my shoulder. The gates creaked open, and Louis ran toward us, his face a mixture of panic and relief.
''Shit, is he...?'' Louis asked, his voice trailing off.
''He's alive,'' Clementine answered quickly. ''He was shot. He's got a fever.''
Without hesitation, Louis scooped AJ up into his arms, sparing me from having to move again. ''It's okay, buddy. I got you,'' he murmured softly.
Clementine helped me to my feet, her arm steadying me as we followed Louis inside. As we entered the main building, Ruby appeared, her expression shifting from surprise to determination in an instant.
