Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Strong
On her way back to the tents, Natalie spotted Carl's hat lying in the dirt-- cast aside and forgotten amongst the chaos.
She reached down and picked it up, dusting off the brim.
Carl and Lori were still sitting in front of the barn.
Natalie took a deep breath and started walking towards them.
"Hey, sheriff, you dropped your hat," Natalie said, offering the devastated child a small smile.
She dropped the hat on his head, earning a small smile from Carl.
Lori looked like she'd seen a ghost. Something must've happened before Natalie had gotten there.
"Mind if I sit with y'all for a while?" Natalie asked gently.
Carl smiled softly.
Lori nodded silently.
"First Nick-- now Sophia. I'm the only kid left," Carl said quietly.
Lori dropped her head.
Natalie sighed deeply.
"Carl Grimes, you are no child. You are a grown ass man, at this point," Natalie said firmly, a small smile on her face.
Carl looked up at her, confused.
"What'd you mean?" Carl asked.
"Carl, you are strong, and you are smart, and you are brave, and you understand this world better than I can sometimes. Those are the things that make great men. And I know that your mom and dad are so proud of the man you're becoming," Natalie said with a firm kindness in her voice.
Lori looked up at them, her eyes soft.
"How do you know?" Carl asked.
"Because I know how proud I am of you," Natalie said gently.
Natalie wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
Dale suddenly walked into the field, wanting to check up on everyone.
Natalie liked Dale. He had a kind heart. He reminded her a lot of her father.
"You guys okay over here?" Dale asked kindly.
"We're going to be," Natalie said gently.
Dale nodded.
"Dale, can you take Carl back up to the house?" Lori asked blankly, obviously distracted.
