It'd been a long, rough time on his own, after being separated from his kids. Thinking of them left an ache in his chest, of better days-- and he never really stopped looking for them. But it'd been so many years by now, and they could've been states away at this point. Stumbling upon Clem a second time by a miracle wasn't anything he'd ever bank on, as much as it hurt. Of course, he'd run into other survivors here and there afterwards, but he never stayed with them permanently, or he outlived them. Such was his curse, it seemed.
But, he'd stumbled upon something unexpected-- a community made up of kids. The ones at the gate responded to him with hostility, so shock filled his being once a girl he'd known when she was small approached. Practically throwing herself into his arms upon recognition, leading to the confusion of the others there. They'd exchanged words, and eventually Kenny was allowed in, though Clem was called elsewhere, having her own duties to take care of as leader.
Walking past the gates, he stood almost slack-jawed at the kids' handiwork. They'd managed all this on their own? As he took in the scope of the buildings, and just how much they had here, his eye landed on a particular kid, much smaller than the rest. Breath catching in his throat, he met his eyes before a wave of relief washed over him. For the second time that day, he felt himself growing misty-eyed, choking out what words he could muster. ”AJ? That... that you?“ Small as he'd been the last time he'd seen him, he'd recognize that face anywhere.