NO WAY BACK | carl grimes | ON PAUSE

two: the beginning of the end

"Humans need humans."

🏹🏹🏹

IT HAD ALL STARTED with a man wearing a baseball cap, extending his hand to a young girl on a tall building in Atlanta. The trip, which was only supposed to be a supply run, turned into a frenzy. The young man, whose name was Glenn, had helped four people, including the young girl, get to safety. Their names were Rick Grimes, Montana Keenes, Wayne Prescott, and Elaina Hutton.

As they all sat in the truck, after a narrow escape from the city, Elaina couldn't help but think about the people waiting back at the camp. She had been so grateful for Glenn, who had came out into the streets and helped her, the police officer, and the two people she cared about most. Despite the risks, the group had got out alive, and now they were heading somewhere safe.

As she sat in the van, contemplating her thoughts, Elaina found herself looking over at Andrea, a woman who looked less than pleased.

"That was the longest supply run we've ever been on," Andrea said disapprovingly. "Amy will be worried sick."

Elaina turned to Montana, who was very good at hiding her annoyance. Her first encounter with Andrea hadn't exactly been positive, given Andrea had pointed a gun at both her and Rick. Even though she was angry, Elaina seemed to understand Andrea's annoyance; Amy was probably her last living relative. Out of care for her sister, she didn't want her to worry about her whereabouts. This very feeling Elaina could resonate with.

"We will be there in five minutes," Morales said.

The ride from Atlanta, understandably, had been very quiet. The silence seemed to be an unspoken agreement; it was too early to talk about what had happened back in Atlanta. Elaina looked over at T-Dog, who seemed to be deep in thought. She always wondered what went on in people's minds. Other times, she wondered if people could guess what was going on in hers.

As they took another right, Elaina heard the sound of gravel scratch against the wheels. Morales turned the key, which switched the engine off, and went around to open the doors. They were finally here.

Andrea was the first person to get out of the van, followed by T-Dog and Jacqui. Elaina stood up, riddled with nerves.

Morales held his hand out so she could get down. "You're gonna be just fine around here, Elaina."

Elaina smiled. "Thank you, Morales."

Once Elaina had stepped out of the van, she waited for Montana and Wayne. She wondered if they were as nervous as she was. It had been a while since she had socialised with anyone other than her two protectors, as she dubbed them. Even before the outbreak, Elaina had not had the best social skills. That was a worry that she carried with her everywhere.