𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | TWD [Book 1]

XLIX. The Gates of Alexandria

The confined quarters within the RV create an atmosphere thick with a myriad of emotions, each person silently processing their thoughts, fears, and unspoken concerns. A sense of camaraderie prevails amidst the close proximity, fostering an unspoken understanding among the group as they navigate the unpredictable journey toward Alexandria. The two vehicles, though separate, maintain a cohesive unity as they progress toward their destination.

Within the confines of the RV, Noah approaches Madeleine with a water bottle in hand. His kind gesture doesn't go unnoticed as she accepts it gratefully, a silent exchange of gratitude passing between them. Noah settles in next to Madeleine, finding a small space amidst the crowded vehicle.

"I know I joke a lot about it," Madeleine begins, her voice carrying an unexpected seriousness, catching Noah off guard as he furrows his brow, surprised by her sudden inquiry. "Your leg, how did it happen?"

Across the RV, Daryl holds Judith close, silently observing their exchange with a pensive expression, intrigued by their conversation but choosing to remain on the periphery.

"It just happened. Dad and me, car accident. Rotters in the road," he recounts, his gaze drifting downward as he relives the haunting moments of that fateful day. "I had a doctor. Probably lucky I can even walk," he admits quietly, his tone tinged with a mixture of gratitude and lingering pain, as if still trying to reconcile with his past.

"You'll probably have another doctor soon." Her voice holds a hint of certainty, a glimmer of hope for a future where medical aid might be more accessible. "You get that leg fixed up, I'll have to find something else to tease you about."

A faint chuckle escapes Noah's lips at her remark, a brief moment of lightness amidst the gravity of their shared ordeal. "Yeah, you will," he agrees.

"Abraham," Rosita's voice interrupts their conversation, prompting Madeleine to turn her attention towards her. She rises from her seat, stepping forward to join Rosita and Abraham at the front of the RV.

A smile graces Rosita's lips as she gestures towards the Washington Monument, her eyes shimmering with a sense of accomplishment. Madeleine follows her gaze, a glint of nostalgic recognition in her eyes, her gaze lingers on the iconic landmark before glancing back at her sister on Daryl's lap who's struggling to feed Judith, prompting a subtle chuckle to escape Madeleine.

"It's not that hard, you know."

"I think she doesn't like me," Daryl mumbles under his breath, a hint of frustration in his voice as he continues to grapple with the feeding process.

Madeleine takes a seat beside him, deftly seizing the food from his hands. Judith remains perched on Daryl's lap, her innocent eyes fixed on Madeleine, a silent curiosity twinkling in her gaze as she adeptly manages to spoon-feed her applesauce.

"You've got the knack for it," Daryl remarks, somewhat relieved at Madeleine's effortless handling of the situation.

"Learned it from taking care of Carl. I wouldn't leave his side, scared if I looked away for even a second, I'd lose him," Madeleine confides, her voice tinged with reminiscence and a hint of vulnerability as she expertly mimics an airplane to coax another spoonful into Judith's mouth.