𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | TWD [Book 1]

IX. The Thorny Path of Lies

The tension and anxiety in the room are palpable as the Grimes family awaits for any sign of improvement in Madeleine. Rick and Lori hold each other's hands, their worry etched on their faces, while Carl sits at his sister's bedside, occasionally glancing up at the adults. Daryl is slouched in a chair, still asleep, worn out from the events of the past few days.

Hershel continues to monitor Madeleine, checking her vitals and adjusting her IV as the room remains silent. The family is anxious, hoping for any sign that Madeleine might wake up. Their hearts ache for her to open her eyes, for her familiar sharpness and spirit to return. They've been through so much, and they long to have her back with them, to know that she'll be okay.

Hershel finally finishes his examination, and with a small, reassuring nod, he turns to the family. "Fever's gone down. She's stable. She'll be out of this bed in a few days like nothing happened."

As Madeleine stirs awake, her vision gradually comes into focus, and she finds herself in a room that's both familiar and strange. The dull ache from her gunshot wound reminds her of the recent events.

Rick rushes over to her side, "Mads?"

She hears voices, and her first instinct is to call out for her brother. Her voice is hoarse, but her worry is evident in her words. "Carl?"

Carl sits up on the bed and gently pulls his sister into a tight hug. "I'm here, Mads. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I'm fine, Carl."

Rick breathes out. "She's fine."

Lori places a hand on her husband shoulders who grips her hand with a teary smile. "You should rest." She smiles at Madeleine who feels drowsy and weak from the surgery. "We'll be right here, okay?"

"Sophia?" She calls out, keeping her eyes on her father.

Rick shakes his head and Madeleine acknowledges the news with a heavy sigh and watches as they exit the room. Her eyes then fall upon Daryl, who is peacefully asleep in the chair, his presence a strange sight in her eyes.

As Carl crawls up to lay beside her, she offers him a gentle smile, appreciating his closeness. She gazes up at Hershel, the doctor who has helped save her life, and her gratitude is evident in her eyes and quick smile.

"Thank you."

Hershel shakes his head, indicating toward Daryl with his head. "He gave you blood. That's why he's in here. I wasn't the only one that saved your life."

Madeleine nods her head, rubbing a comforting hand over her young brother's back who falls asleep instantly. "Do you know where the rest of them are?"

"A few of them are here. The rest are just arriving." Hershel informs, walking over to the window as he hears cars pulling up, Rick and Lori walking outside to give the group the good news.