Chapter Text
The two trailed up the hill, slowly following the smoke. Clementine grabbed Louis’ wrist before turning to Kenny, “Kenny, look at this!” she called. The man looked up at the smoke, raising a brow. The man spun on his heel, walking up the hill slowly. The two kids watched him trail up behind them bit by bit.
“It’s just a little further. We’re almost there,” Clementine assured.
“I sure hope that’s a cook fire… oh, we could use a hot meal right about now,” he sighed, his voice quieter than usual, “Might be all I need.”
“I think I’m going crazy,” Louis sniffed, “I think I’m smelling beef up there!” Louis beamed, wiping away drool. Clementine and Kenny sniffed for cautiousness.
“I’m pretty sure you ARE going crazy,” Clementine deadpanned.
Kenny grinned, “Come on, I’ll race you two to the top!” Without a pause, the man spun on his heel and began sprinting up the hill.
“Hey!”
“What?! No fair!” Louis cried, “Come on, we gotta beat him!” Louis encouraged, he snatched her wrist, sprinting up the hill while dragging Clementine. They could hear Kenny giggling and laughing while making his way up. The man looked behind him to see the other two trailing close behind, all three of them smiling wildly.
“Heheh! Come on, Alvie! We got this!” He encouraged the baby.
“Not unless we get there first!” Louis shouted, Clementine yelped, holding onto her hat as they began trying to move faster. “Loser is a rotten egg!”
The man unfortunately made it first, stopping at the top and breathing heavily, “You cheated,” Clementine frowned, but playfulness etched in her tone as she paced to the top dead last.
“Whoa…” Louis murmured in awe.
Just a couple hundred meters away was a giant wall made of mixed and makeshift pieces of metal standing tall. A balcony at the top with a shipping container used as a gate. Peaking over the walls were what looked like solar panels on each side of the gate. A large crane could be seen on the left, and the large cloud of smoke coming from a source behind the walls on the right.
“Holy shit…” Kenny breathed, “We did it! That’s… that’s gotta be it,” he said. “I… I can’t believe we found it!”
“It’s about time.” Clementine grumbled.
“Finally! I really need to eat.” Louis grinned.
“You’re telling me,” Kenny said, looking at the two younger ones, “What are we waitin’for? Come on!”
“Dibs on the first food!” Louis cheered , then followed the boy Kenny, and finally Clementine.
“Louis, slow down!” she called. Kenny walked beside her, cradling AJ.
“This one’s gotta be the one. Look at those walls. We’ll finally feel safe, Clem!” Kenny beamed, “Be able to sleep at night—”
BANG!
A gunshot echoed. Clementine yanked Louis back last minute, watching as the bullet engraved straight into the ground just a foot in front. She used her other hand to cover her ear from the noise.
Where did that come from?!
“That’s far enough.”
A disembodied voice echoed, sounded like it came from the walls. The voice sounded like a young woman.
“Just stay still,” Kenny gently instructed. They stood up straight, standing side by side. “Do as she says. Put your hands up!” The kids followed obediently, raising their hands up in surrender.
“Drop your weapons.” She commanded. Clementine and Louis exchanged puzzled looks, then towards Kenny. The man looked back, silently telling them to follow. Clementine was first to pull out her gun from her pocket, tossing it aside from her reach. Louis hesitated, but pulled out his bat he took from the trailer park, tossing it behind him instead.
“Approach the gate.” she commanded again.
They do. Walking closer and closer to the entrance. A figure walked out into the light, standing on the balcony. She looked to be in her late 20’s to early 30’s. Black hair tied in a bun, wearing a jacket with a few layers and white earmuffs.
She was speaking, but none of them could hear what she was saying. Was she speaking to someone? Assuming from the size of this place, there was definitely more. As they got closer, she was holding a small radio. Most likely talking through there. The trio stopped pacing until they were about 12 feet from the gate.
“Hi, I’m Edith,” The woman, Edith, greeted calmly.
“Name’s Kenny, and this here’s Clementine and Louis,” Kenny introduced, nodding to the two children. Clementine slightly smiled while Louis waved.
“Hello,” She nodded, her eyes averted to the baby in Kenny’s arms, smiling lightly. “Aw, what a handsome boy. Look at him,” she gushed. AJ cooed, mesmerizing Louis’ dreadlocks, “What’s his name?”
“Alvin… Junior.” Kenny answered.
“Aw, he’s gonna be a little heart breaker when grows up,” Edith commented.
“Oh, just like me,” Louis grinned, Clementine rolled her eyes.
“Lying is rude, you know. You’re the one that would get heart broken,” Clementine deadpanned, earning a dry look from Louis and a chuckle from Edith. She looked up to Edith hopefully, “Is there someone named Christa in there?”
Edith shook her head, “I don’t think so dear.”
Clementine and Louis exchanged disappointed looks, so Christa didn’t make it… She died in the ambush…
“So… this is Wellington, right?" Kenny inquired.
“A lot of people call it that,” Edith answered.
“Okay… so, what do we do to get in?” Kenny asked, raising a brow.
“CAN we get in?” Louis asked, hopeful.
“Well… I’m afraid this is the part where I give you the bad news.” Edith sighed regretfully.
“Wait, what bad news?” Louis pressed. Kenny and Clementine exchanged concerned looks.
Edith stuck her arm out above the edge, holding a green duffle bag and dropping it in front of the gate. The three stared. Silent.
“The hell’s this?” Kenny demanded.
“That’s some supplies. Food, water, some medicine, a first aid kit–”
“What?!” Kenny and Louis exclaimed. “Why’re you giving us this?” Kenny asked again.
Edith appeared solemn, “Unfortunately, our community isn’t accepting new members. We’re over capacity as it is, and there’s just not enough to go around if we keep bringing people in,” Edith explained, “Things might change in a few months.”
“What the shit…” Louis gasped.
“You gotta be fuckin’ kidding me!”
“I’m sorry. I really am,” Edith apologized, her voice shaky.
“So, we’re supposed to just take this and go?” Kenny frowned.
“But… we have a baby!” Clementine exclaimed.
“This is bullshit! You’re just gonna reject a baby?!” Louis scowled, “He can’t survive out here!”
“This… this is hard for me too…” Edith mumbled, “I don’t want to turn anyone away, especially children, but—”
“Just take the kids!” Kenny exclaimed, stepping forward.
“What?” Clementine gasped, Louis snapped his head to the man.
“Please! Just take the kids. It’s too dangerous out here for them!” Kenny exclaimed.
“Kenny, I–”
“It’s just two little kids and a baby boy! You can make room for that!” Kenny continued. “You can take back the supplies you gave us if that helps. Please, just… I need them to be safe… A-And it’s safe in there, I know that. Just… ask someone… please? They won’t make it out here… please!” Kenny begged.
Edith wiped her eyes, hesitating, “I’ll… I’ll ask. Just gimme a second,” She notified. The woman walked out of view, heading inside the walls that had inner hallways.
Kenny sighed, his fingers brushing his face, “You don’t need to look at me like that…” He mumbled guiltily.
“You’re just gonna leave us?!” Louis cried.
“If they’ll only take you three, then that’s how it’s gotta be,” Kenny shrugged, southern accent shaky.
“We don’t even know these people!” Clementine shouted.
“It doesn’t matter,” He dismissed. The duo took a few steps, standing by Kenny. “It’s safe here… you three’ll be safe, that’s what’s important now.”
“What about–” Louis uttered out, the sounds of a door sliding could be heard from the top of the gate. Catching all their attention. The woman walked back into view,
“We can take the children, but… just the children,” She said, “I made the case that–”
“Thank you! Thank you,” Kenny grinned happily, stunning the woman. Kenny turned to Louis and Clementine, smiling happier than ever. “Listen. Okay? L-listen. This is your chance. For you, and this boy,” he crouched down, handing AJ over to Clementine. “I don’t trust myself to keep you three safe…”
Clementine stared down at AJ for a moment. Kenny leaned down, each of his hands planted on the kids’ shoulders. One on Clementine’s left shoulder, the other on Louis’ right. The boy was wiping his eyes furiously, sniffling and trying to conceal his cries and get rid of his constant tears.
“Not anymore. Please… I’m begging you, please stay here… stay here where it’s safe,” He requested, “Where you three’ll have a chance.”
Clementine shook her head furiously, tears rolling down her cheeks, “No. No. No! Why are you doing this?” she cried.
“Because it’s the only way… for both of you. Think of Alvie here…” Kenny sniffled, struggling to blink back tears, “Please, you two—” the first tear rolled down his cheek. Then another, and second by second, it was all a stream of never ending tears, “just… just do as I’m askin’... this one last time.”
“But we can’t leave you out here!” Louis sobbed.
“You’ll meet new people… you’ll make friends… People better than me,” Kenny encouraged, sniffling. “Good people. They– They don’t have to look at you… A–and feel ashamed at what they’ve put through…” He continued, “Please… Where you won’t have to sleep with a gun next to you every night. Where you three can be kids for a while..”
Think of AJ.
If they leave, they’re with Kenny. But who knows what might happen to AJ if he’s out there for any longer? Clementine could lose an arm since her injury hasn’t gotten treated. Louis could get eaten by a walker she couldn’t spot! But Kenny won’t be alone anymore…
But staying here means keeping AJ safe. Staying safe means fulfilling Kenny’s wish.
Staying here means…
Leaving Kenny behind.
Alone. In the wilderness with just his thoughts.
But AJ… But Kenny…
She hated this. She felt helpless, no matter what, she’ll lose someone.
I’m so sorry.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
“Okay… Okay, we’ll stay… We’ll stay.” Clementine blubbered. Louis sobbed even harder, struggling to wipe away his tears.
Kenny smiled, face slick of tears but eyes of relief. He pulled the two into a bear hug, Louis hugged as tight as he could. Knowing he’ll never see him again. Knowing they’re leaving him behind for such a selfish need but for a selfless purpose. Clementine buried her face into Kenny’s neck, hiccupping softly.
“Good. Good. This is the right decision,” He mumbled, he pulled away, breaking the hug one final time, “Okay. Right," He stood up slightly, gripping the children’s shoulders again.
“When he’s grown, you tell him about his mommy a-and his daddy, and all the people who tried to keep him safe,” He requested, “You tell him. Okay? He deserves to know,” He released them, standing straight up frantically,
“I got… oh! Here… here… take this,” Kenny quickly took off his hat, quickly planting it on Louis’ head. “Here, you can wear this, Louis. Keep the sun out of your eyes. And–and when AJ is old enough, you pass it down to him. And make him wear it,” he requested.
“It’ll keep the sun out of his eyes too. That’s important,” Kenny smiled warmly, reaching eye level with the sobbing boy. He looked back to Clementine, switching between her and Louis. “All right. Good,” he looked up to Edith, the woman rushed to wipe her teary eyes, “Keep an eye out for ‘em… please,” he requested. The woman nodded silently as he looked back at the two kids.
“Now… You take care of Alvin here… you… you three live a good life, okay?” He said, he turned to Louis, his hand planted on the boy’s head. “Take care of Clementine and AJ, will you?”
Louis nodded furiously, “I–I will! I promise!” he declared, “I’ll protect th–them with my life!”
Kenny smiled softly, “Thank you. Thank you so much, Louis,” he sniffled, “Clementine, keep him out of trouble okay? And keep him safe too,” the girl nodded, not bothering to wipe away her slick face.
“I will.”
Even with my life on the line.
“Good… good. Don’t waste this, okay?” Kenny said. “Now… I’m gonna go…” He stood up straight again, “I’m gonna go before one of us… before one of us changes our mind,” he paced over to the discarded bag, sniffling while turning back to the children, “Now… I’m gonna walk away and… I might not look back… not– not ‘cause I don’t want to,” but because I have to.
He faced towards the path they came from, taking a few steps forward before looking at them.
“This isn’t goodbye, right?” Louis blubbered, “We’ll see each other again, right? Someday? Or–or another?”
“Louis…” Clementine murmured, holding his sleeve with one hand while the other held AJ. Kenny simply smiled in a way that said “maybe” or “I hope so”.
“I’m real glad to have met you, Louis and Clementine.” He firmly said.
Then, he walked away.
Clementine and Louis watched, endlessly crying as Kenny walked further and further away from Wellington’s walls. They stood close to one another, just watching him walk away this easily. Despite how much one side or the other wanted to go back.
The gate doors opened, causing the two to flinch and look away. Focusing on the doors. The gates of the shipping container revealed Edith standing by patiently. Her eyes were red too with tears. They looked back at Kenny, just meters away from them. A golden chance to sprint after him but they made their promise. Their feet rooted no matter how much the heart said to run.
The man stopped in his tracks, almost like a tiny glimmer of hope shone in Clementine’s eyes. But it went away soon after as he continued to walk again. She whimpered and turned towards Wellington, Louis continued staring, like Kenny would suddenly turn around again. She tugged on his sleeve, feeling heavier than before, signalling him to depart as well.
Louis forced his gaze away, rims of his round eyes angry red as he began to follow her inside. The two looked back one last time as the gate began closing from the inside out. Separating them from the outside. Separating them from what they’ve lost. From their memories. From the opportunities and chances just out of reach.
They were finally safe, but somehow it was worse than danger.
***
”Little girl, don’t lie to me
Tell me where did you sleep last night?”
In The Pines - Janel Drewis & Jared Emerson-Johnson