Finally this shit was over. The fucking freak show of the Governor who kept his people behind big walls, but more or less in a dictatorship and didnât allow them to see the real world and grow. Rick knew about the risk if they take his people in, that they probably would be too soft, too sensitive and naive to survive in this new world. But they decided to save them nevertheless, just because Rick believed in change. And If they would show them a way to survive, they would learn it sooner or later. And If not, well⊠then at least he tried.
Most of them he never saw. Even at the big gladiatorial fight he had no time to focus on any face clearly and didnât know what to expect. But even bigger was his surprise as suddenly a familiar face approached him. He couldnât believe it. The soft features, the gentle smile, the calm voice⊠he knew exactly who the girl was he spent so many nights in his old life with, but nothing could have prepared him for that, being reminded of his past life when he just shortly before lost his wife, who used to be the reason for his night talks in the bar Eden was working in.
âEden?â without hesitation he approached her and wrapped his arms around the girl who smelled so nicely like home. Less like the alcohol she served back then, but definitely like home, like warmth. âI didnât know you were there, Iâm sorry.â As he pulled away he cupped her face to take a closer look at her. She still had the same warm presence around her, the smile that would make you trust her immediately and tell her everything she maybe didnât even want to hear. âDidnât expect you to remember me.â he joked and looked over his shoulder where Carl approached him with Judith. âThatâs my son, Carl. You might remember him.â Yeah from his self righteous talks about the struggles in his family and Lori who didnât look at him anymore. But⊠he shouldnât think about that anymore, otherwise his guilt would come right back at him.
âAnd thatâs Judith.â he added as his hand ran over the little girls head. âCarl, thatâs Eden. I think⊠I mentioned her. The girl who worked in the bar, the starryâs. You remember?â His son only nodded to that and offered his hand with lightly flushed cheeks. To break the embarrassment Rick cupped Edens cheek again and gestured with his head to the building. âI can show you around, we need to find a cozy place for you. Maybe you even find a task you would like to do, I sadly just canât offer you a bar.â he joked and winked at her before making the first steps inside and let her follow.
   She watched as the realization of who she was washed over his features causing her heart to swell. It was exciting to know that she was remembered and their talks actually meant something to the man. She thought of him as a friend, someone that would help if she needed something even before all this Walker business arose. But she needed him now more than ever. One look at her and anyone could see she wasnât a fighter, the only reason she had survived so long was because of the Governorâs town and while she wasnât blind to what was going on outside the walls she failed to prepare herself for the worse.Â
     âIâm so happy you remembered me!â A light blush tinted her soft cheeks as he wrapped his arms around her. Her own curled around him and she felt safer than she ever had in them. And when he cupped her cheeks she felt weak in the knees. Itâd be a lie if she said she hadnât developed a crush on the man but he was married, and while not one hundred percent happy that was a line she couldnât cross. âOf course I did. You were my favorite patron and were always so kind. Especially when some of the others got...well too handsy and mouthy with me,â she continued smiling, feeling as though the world had grown a little brighter. Her eyes flicked over to his son and daughter and quickly lit up even more.Â
      âItâs so nice to see you guys. Glad to see youâre doing well! Thank you for allow us to stay,â she said, taking Carlâs hand and shaking it lightly. The silence was brief as Rick was quick to move them all along as the newcomers were shown around by other various members of Rickâs group. With a small wave, she said goodbye to the kids and walked with Rick to the building. It was hard to keep from looking around and being impressed with how they had turned a prison into a small settlement. There was a lot more they could do with it and hopefully they wouldnât have any of those barbaric gladiatorial battles.Â
   She laughed at his joke before thinking about it for a moment. There were quite a few things she could do to help and she was always eager to learn a new trade. âWell, I suppose I could always help with gardening or cooking. I did a lot prior to all of this but Iâm also happy to help wherever Iâm needed. I take it youâre the sheriff or the man in charge? Kind of promotion?â She asked curiously.