𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | TWD [Book 1]

III. The Darwinian Playground

Alone in the stark reminder of the altercation, Madeleine traces the scars on her arm, a chilling reminder of her past life where her only chance of survival was to embrace the looming darkness in her life.

Her fingers move softly over the grotesque marks in her skin, each mark was a silent witness to a painful past she could never escape before she learned to take control over her own fate.

The marks on her skin no longer send shivers down her spine or have a hold on her, but when her fingers find the name carved on her right arm, a name corroded into her skin like a brand. She hisses at the sensation, not just physically, but the torment which resurfaces with the weight of the memories and searing heartache that led to the permanent mark.

Madeleine's mind drifts, thoughts meandering through memories of a time before the world unraveled. She shuts her eyes with such a force, attempting to hold back the overwhelming flooding of emotions which threaten to break her shield.

The scars ran deeper than just the physical wounds; they were wounds of the heart, wounds that were slow to heal or never meant to.

For a moment, she allows herself to feel all of the pain, to acknowledge the darkness which ignited her fire. The constant battle between the scars of her past which made her ready for the present undead world. 

The echoes of footsteps gradually increase, causing for the women to let out a deep breath and push all unwanted thoughts away. Carol walks inside her tent, shooting a smile at Madeleine, a plate of fresh fish on her hand.

Madeleine stares back at her, the older women handing the plate over to her. She watches Madeleine take a bite of her food, an overwhelming emotion overtaking her at the sight of the black eye on Madeleine's face.

Carol places her hand on top of hers. "Thank you, Mads."

"I was going to say I'm sorry, but I'm not. I know you love him despite it all. It's hard, but it'll make you stronger the day you walk away. And seeing you hold your head up will make your girl strong." Madeleine insists, causing for Carol to play with her fingers as she looks down at her hands.

"You didn't have to step up for me. I'm used to it."

Madeleine shakes her head, a genuine gentle expression filling her, reaching up to squeeze Carol's shoulder. "You don't need to understand, but I had to."

Carol nods her head, wiping away a few tears gathering to fall down her eyes. "Lori is worried about you. The whole camp has heard what happened."

"Great." She mutters under her breath, placing the plate to the side, running a hand through her hair when she takes the moment to look up with a sigh.

"I'll tell her you want some rest." Carol mentions, the younger women appreciating the respect for the space she needs for herself.

"Thank you."