Protector || Shane Walsh

Chapter 23

44 Lies by Two Feet

I wake in the same position I fell asleep in.

I peel my eyes open and see Shane still fast asleep, his features looking peaceful as he faces the ceiling.

Daylight shines through the windows, indicating I was out for many hours.

My neck isn't very happy about it.

I raise my head off the couch and stretch my neck before looking down at Shane's ankle.

It's still elevated but there's no longer an ice pack on it.

I notice a roll of gauze wrap sitting on the end of the coffee table.

I hop up, have a stretch and go use the bathroom.

On my way back, I notice Rick in the kitchen with Maggie and her younger sister.

"Good morning." I quietly greet them as I wander in.

"Morning." replies Rick.

Maggie smiles politely.

I make eye contact with the young blonde. "Hi, I'm Mia."

"Beth." she replies. She looks to be in her late teens.

"Thank you, for the clothes." I tell her.

"No problem."

"How are you this morning?" Rick asks me.

"I'm fine, thank you." I answer politely, then look to Maggie.

"Maggie, I just want to apologise if I was less than gracious last night.. Thank you for all your help, you and your family.."

"You're welcome." she replies.

It isn't the only thing I need to apologise for but I'm too scared to face it so soon..

"Help yourself." Beth says, pushing a fruit bowl towards me, across the table.

"Thank you." I say and look down at the bowl.

Fresh apples, peaches and blueberries.

The fresh produce has my mouth watering.

I grab an apple and take a bite but pause mid chew when I spot a calendar on the fridge behind Beth.

"..Do you know what the date is?" I ask the sisters.

"Yes." Beth answers as she turns and looks at the calendar and then back at me.

I slowly walk over to the fridge, my approach almost hesitant.

I do but I don't want to know.

But I have to know.

I stop in front of the fridge and stare at the dated paper.

They've been crossing each day off as it passes and the blank square that represents today reads October 12.

"..It's been nearly two months?" I ask, my voice sounding flat.

Maggie and Beth both nod.

I'm not sure how to respond to this information.

It simultaneously sounds like a very long and very short amount of time.

I glance at the clock on the shelf.

7:18am.

I make a mental note to update my iPod's calendar and clock when I get a chance.

"May I have a plate, please?" I ask and Beth hands me a little plate.