A/N: Hello my lovelies!! I'm sorry it took me a while to release this! This story simply means SO much to me and writing the very last chapter I will ever post for this book was HARD.

It took me a while to perfect this because I wanted to make sure to tie up any loose ends and create some full-circle moments, and hopefully, you guys like it!

WARNING!!! Time jumps split up the multiple epilogues so you all can get glimpses into Rick and Cass's life over time BUT the very last one is... sad, to say the least. It makes me sob like a baby every time I read it, but I had to write it as it's the final full-circle moment for Rick and Cass. I apologize in advance if it upsets any of you and if you don't want to be sad, maybe don't read the final epilogue!

I know I say it too much, but thank you all so much for your interest in this story and for sharing your love, it will always mean so much to me. You are my favorite people especially bc you're the ones who made it this far <3

I hope you enjoy :')

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[ epilogue one ]
- five years after chapter 55 -

(obviously, Carl is still missing his eye but I believe in you guys to use your imagination 🫶)

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- Cass's POV -

"Wake up!"

The suddenly screeched command makes me jolt awake, my heart lurching as my eyes fly open, confusion whirling my blinded senses.

Beside me, Rick emits a low groan of protest, his heavy frame shifting on the mattress. As I blink away the remnants of sleep from my eyes, the morning sunlight floods my vision, momentarily blinding me before I adjust to the brightness. And there, sitting inches from my face, is Judith, grinning at me eagerly.

Her long, chestnut hair that I had neatly braided last night falls in twin messy plaits, framing her rosy cheeks and twinkling brown eyes. She's perched on my stomach, her purple pajama set crumpled from her impatience.

"It's Saturday! Pancake dayyyyy!" Judith sings, her adorable voice filling the room as she throws her hands up above her head enthusiastically.

My heart swells with pure affection for our precious daughter, a chuckle escaping me as I steal a glance at Rick, who is still struggling to shake off the remnants of sleep. His disheveled curls fall over his forehead, the occasional strand catching the rays of the morning sun, and his stubble, peppered with hints of grey, does the same. Love clenches my chest, a small smile pulling across my face at waking up to the wonderful sight of both my husband and our daughter.

"Judith. It's 6 am," Rick grumbles, his voice hoarse with sleep as he checks his watch on our side table with a resigned sigh. I hide my amused grin by biting my bottom lip, my heart burning with adoration as I focus on our daughter.

"So? I've been waiting forever!" Judith protests, her impatience clear as she bounces on the bed, her knees digging into my sides. I wince, reaching out to steady her with a gentle hand.

"Easy there missy," I mumble affectionately, my voice raspy with sleep, the sound drawing a slightly crooked smile from Rick as he props himself up against the headboard, the comforter slipping down to reveal his chest.

With a fond grin, I muster up the energy to sit up as well, grappling with the weight of our energetic six-year-old still perched on my stomach. I support her back, moving her to my lap as I bend my knees, by back similarly against the headboard.

"Why isn't Carl helping make you pancakes?" I ask softly, wondering why her kind brother isn't doing her bidding as usual while I tuck a stray lock of chestnut hair behind her ear.

Judith blinks back at me from my lap, her little brows knitting together, her tiny mouth pulled into a pout. "Because he's being a selfish jerk and won't come out of his room," Judith mutters with genuine annoyance, only making a smile crack across my face. It's hard to take her seriously with that adorable baby voice.

"I'll be waiting IMPATIENTLY downstairs!" Judith declares, pushing off me, bounding off the bed, and sprinting out of the room, the door slamming against the wall in her wake.

I glance at Rick to my right, eyebrows raised in amusement. "Well. Good morning to us I guess," I chuckle warmly, making Rick's eyes crinkle at the edges as he smiles softly back at me.

"I can think of other ways to make this morning good, and slaving away for our daughter's demanding pancakes isn't what comes to mind," Rick breathes lowly, his heated expression eliciting butterflies before he leans in and plants a loving kiss on the sensitive skin beneath my jaw.

A rush of warmth spreads through me as his lips make contact, his hand trailing teasingly along my thigh to the hem my pajama shorts, igniting a familiar heat within me.

Comfort and love envelop me as my hands reach up to run through those lovely curls, my wedding ring glinting in the early morning light. Rick hums lowly into my neck as I rake my nails over his scalp, making my grin widen. I know him so well.

"I'M WAITING!" echoes from downstairs, interrupting our moment, and I can't help but snort, pulling away reluctantly from Rick, who groans in protest, his head hanging in resignation.

"I think you're gonna have to face her wrath unless you go make her some pancakes," I tease gently, my hand cupping his cheek and my grin widening at Rick's deadpan expression.

"Don't you think I know that? She's a force to be reckoned with," Rick mutters as he climbs out of bed, sending me a wide-eyed look.

Grinning knowingly, I pull myself out of our comfortable bed and onto the hardwood floors, groaning as I stretch out my body, letting out a sigh of relief when my back cracks.

"You're not making this any easier for me," Rick murmurs, coming around the bed to stand in front of me, his hands enveloping me in that familiar, loving embrace.

"Good," I retort playfully, planting a smug kiss on his cheek as I brush past him, eliciting a resigned sigh from him as I make my way toward our demanding daughter.

___

"Finally! All the ingredients are out for you," Judith announces sweetly as Rick and I enter the kitchen, her innocent smile beaming up at us. In front of her cutely smiling face, are all the ingredients for the pancakes, laid out and ready to be made on the kitchen counter.

"And you couldn't mix 'em together and make the pancakes yourself?" Rick asks our daughter dryly, squinting his eyes down at her in that classic cop-like way, his head cocked to the side in amusement.

Unfazed, Judith meets Rick's gaze unflinchingly, the sunlight casting a warm glow in her brown irises. "I'm six, Dad," she deadpans matter-of-factly, prompting an involuntary snort to escape me at the exasperated expression that crosses Rick's face.

"I can always make them-" I begin to suggest, only for Rick and Judith to whirl on me, their eyes wide.

"No!" they say in unison, cutting me off before I can finish, and I can't help but purse my lips in a knowing smile, well aware of my less-than-stellar cooking skills.

"Alright then. You heard the lady, Rick," I grin, brushing past my husband, going to make some coffee. Rick's hand lingers on my lower back as I pass him before he complies with our daughter's commands, beginning to make the pancakes behind me.

As I pour the steaming coffee into the closest mug, the sound of footsteps draws my attention, and I glance up to see Carl briskly entering the kitchen, a bright smile on his face.

"Hey guys! Pancakes? Smells great!" Carl chirps cheerfully, his unexpected enthusiasm causing all of us to pause and look at him in confusion.

The typically laid-back and slightly resigned 20-year-old stands before us, leaning casually against the kitchen island with a grin plastered on his face. As I look at him in bewilderment at his abrupt mood change, I notice the slightly uneven strands of hair on the left side that he asked me to trim for him yesterday, mentally making a note to fix it later.

"What's wrong with you?" Judith asks with a wrinkled nose, her expression a mixture of bewilderment and mild disgust.

"Jude," I interject with a warning tone as I turn away from the coffee machine, leaning against the countertop and cradling the warm mug in my hands. Judith shoots me a cheeky smile, her lips pursed in playful defiance, her eyes twinkling mischievously – a mirror image of her aunt, who often teases her older brother with that exact look.

"I'm just... in a good mood," Carl explains with a nonchalant shrug, avoiding eye contact and fiddling with his fingers as he leans on the counter with his forearms.

Cocking my head to the side, I narrow my eyes thoughtfully at him as I take a sip of my coffee, studying the young man before me.

There's something... different about him today.

"Pancakes for my demanding children," Rick reports flatly, but the slight smile playing on his lips betrays his act of pretending that mornings like these aren't his favorite thing in the world. I glance up from my coffee to see Rick presenting the stack of golden-brown pancakes, Judith practically bouncing with joy at the sight while Carl eagerly pushes off from the counter to grab some of his own.

A fond smile graces Rick's expression as he looks at me, warmth flooding my chest as our children excitedly dive into their breakfast. Carl and Judith abandon any idea of sitting down, opting to devour their pancakes while standing at the kitchen island.

I seize the opportunity of our distracted children to pour Rick a cup of coffee, earning a quiet thank you under his breath when I hand it to him, his arm wrapping around my waist. He pulls me against his side, the familiar gesture sending a flutter through my stomach, even after all these years.

Judith practically inhales her pancakes before dutifully placing her dishes in the sink, prompting a sudden realization from me.

"Judith, could you please go get your brother?" I ask softly, watching as she pauses at the sink, turning her head to meet my gaze with a puzzled expression.

"He's right there," Judith whispers with concern, her eyes wide as she nudges her head at Carl as he eats his pancakes, looking at me like I'm a mental patient.

Rick lets out a sharp exhale that sounds a little too much like a laugh, making me sigh with exasperation, tilting my head at our daughter.

"I'm aware of that, thank you, Judith. I meant your other brother," I clarify with a stubborn smile. Judith lets out an exaggerated sigh of resignation before sulking away and heading up the stairs, her little footsteps receding.

I shake my head in amused disbelief, sharing a knowing glance with Rick. Despite being married to him for nearly five years now, the simple act of just looking into his soft blue eyes makes my heart flutter with adoration. I'll never get over how lucky I got with him.

The clinking of silverware draws my attention back to Carl, who seems to be lost in thought as he cuts into his pancake.

"So Carl, excited for the cadaver lab today?" I ask, smiling eagerly as I gently peel from Rick's embrace and lean against the counter.

Over the years, Denise has helped me develop a medical training 'school' that Carl's been enrolled in since the beginning. There are a couple of other kids around his college age who have been working with him as well, and today we're doing their first cadaver lab.

"Yeah, it's not like I haven't seen a walker before. You're just dissecting it for us, right?" Carl asks, glancing up from his food, seeming still slightly distracted as his blue eye meets mine. I shake my head, excitement bubbling up within me.

"No, it's a cadaver. Not a walker. There's a difference," I inform him, a smile of excitement crossing my face at the idea. They're going to learn so much.

Carl simply nods, quieter than usual as he tilts his neck to the side to crack it. At his movement, my heart abruptly jolts, sending a wave of shock through me because sitting on the neck of my 20-year-old stepson is a hickey.

My jaw slowly drops, my eyes widening as a smirk of disbelief pulls at the corners of my mouth. Carl notices my reaction, causing him to pause mid-chew, his expression shifting to one of slight confusion.

"What?" Carl asks thickly, his mouth full of pancake, brows furrowing slightly as he swallows, his eye darting between me and Rick.

Setting down my coffee, I lean back from the counter, crossing my arms as my smirk intensifies, Carl's face paling slightly at my expression. 

"I think I know why you are in such a good mood today," I murmur smugly, a hint of mischief in my voice as I wonder who could've left such a mark on him. After all, it's been a couple of years since Carl and Enid broke up on good terms. She's been living full-time at the Hilltop since.

"Uh... W-What do you mean?" Carl asks, blinking rapidly as he gulps thickly, the color draining from his cheeks, his pancakes long forgotten.

"Yeah, what do you mean?" Rick chimes in from my right, making me glance over to see him studying me with confusion.

My eyes widen with emphasis as I nudge my head at Carl's neck, prompting Rick's gaze to follow. His eyes flare with shock as they land on the unmistakable mark, his mouth parting in silent surprise.

I suppress a snort of amusement before turning back to Carl, who's now a full shade paler than before, his terror palpable.

"There's something on your neck," I inform Carl knowingly, watching as his pale face explodes in a deep red blush, dropping his fork onto his plate with a clatter.

Carl clenches his jaw, his embarrassment morphing into defensiveness as he inhales sharply. "Must've done it in my sleep," Carl retorts through his gritted teeth as he avoids my gaze, and I pause, pursing my lips.

"Touché," I respond with a grin, a flicker of nostalgia going through me as I remember the moment when our roles were reversed. The time I told him the same thing when he saw my hickey the morning after Rick and I's first night together.

But now I'm even more curious to find out who did this to Carl.

Just then, Judith returns, her small frame struggling to carry her younger brother in her arms.

"Daddy!" Andrew immediately babbles, his tiny hands reaching out towards Rick, his sweet voice tugging at my heartstrings. Rick's face lights up with a grin as he reaches out to take his son from Judith's offering arms, effortlessly hoisting the four-year-old up into the air.

"Sleep well, Andy?" Rick asks softly, his fingers gently tousling Andrew's copper curls as Judith makes her way to the fridge to fetch some juice.

I can't help but smile at the heartwarming view of my husband and our youngest son. Seeing the way Andy beams up at his father, and the way Rick's expression crinkles with fondness as he looks back at him. It's hard to remember there was a time early on in the pregnancy when I didn't want Andy. A time when I didn't feel we had room for him in our family and now, I can't imagine it without him.

Turning my attention back to our other son, I decide to address the elephant in the room casually, determined to figure out what happened.

"So... Carl, while you were 'dreaming'... was there anyone important there we should know about?" I ask Carl calmly and casually enough that Juith shouldn't figure anything out, keeping my tone light as I take a sip of my coffee.

Carl tilts his head, his single blue eye meeting mine with exasperation. "I can't remember," Carl mutters, looking down and shaking his head absentmindedly as he cuts his pancake with his fork.

"Were you safe?" Rick asks suddenly, making both Carl and I snap our heads in his direction, my eyes widening in warning. "...In your dream?" Rick clarifies after a moment, seeing our reactions.

Carl lets out a weary groan, dropping his fork and rubbing his forehead in exhaustion. "I don't want to talk about this," he grumbles tiredly, his frustration evident in the lines creasing his forehead, yet I can't help but smile at his sheer exasperation, my cheeks starting to ache from the force of it.

Oh, Carl.

"That's fair," I respond calmly, deciding not to push the matter further as I walk over to Rick and Andrew. Rick beams down at our son, his grin infectious as I reach out and ruffle Andrew's hair, his copper curls bouncing with each touch.

Turning his head towards me, Andrew smiles toothily, his big blue eyes blinking up at me with an innocence that never fails to melt my heart. The exact same blue eyes as his father.

"Hi, honey," I murmur fondly, scrunching his curls playfully, eliciting an adorable giggle from him. "Want Mommy to get you some pancakes?" I ask him, my hand dropping to cup his adorably soft little cheek.

"Yes, please," Andy replies softly, his sweet little voice sending a wave of warmth through me. He's such a gentle little soul, it's as if when he was born, he took only the good parts of me and Rick with him.

I share a brief look with Rick, finding comfort in his warm gaze, which serves as a reminder of just how much our son takes after him. It's honestly a bit annoying considering the amount of effort I put into creating our son with my body for nine months and enduring seventeen hours of labor, only for him to be a near-replica of Rick. Although, I like to think his only just emerging cheekbones are definitely from me.

Suddenly, a sharp knock echoes through the house, causing me to flinch slightly as I instinctively look towards Rick.

"I've got his pancakes," Rick reassures me softly, making me flash him an appreciative smile.

"Alright, I'll see who it is," I murmur before pressing a quick kiss to Andrew's forehead. Stepping away, I make my way around the corner and catch sight of Sophia standing on our front patio through the glass door.

A smile of pleasant surprise tugs at my lips as I see her familiar face, prompting me to pull open the door to say hi to her.

"Hey Soph!" I greet her warmly, leaning against the doorframe with slight confusion as to why she's at our door at half past six in the morning.

My gaze quickly flickers over her disheveled hair, noting a couple of twigs tangled in her long ginger locks. Her floral spaghetti-strap top and jeans are slightly rumpled, and I can't help but notice the nervous smile playing on her lips as the 21-year-old stands there, somehow missing both of her shoes.

"Hey Cass! I just- um needed to grab my shoes that I, uh, left in Carl's room yesterday," Sophia explains breathlessly, her eyes slightly widened and her cheeks tinged with a pink blush as she gulps nervously.

Arching an eyebrow in amusement, I feel a smug grin spread across my face as realization dawns on me.

"Is that so?" I inquire playfully, tilting my head to the side as I cross my arms, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"You know, Carl has this strange bruise on his neck. D'you happen to know anything about that?" I question her innocently, watching as her brown eyes flare in shock, her blush deepening to a bright shade of red.

Sophia just blinks at me, opening and closing her mouth, clearly searching for the right words to respond.

Grinning, I lean forward, enveloping her in a tight hug. "It was about damn time," I say quietly, my heart burning with happiness that these two finally got together.

"I've only been waiting seven years," Sophia whispers back with a dry chuckle, and I can't help but laugh in agreement, remembering how I felt when Rick and I finally got together. And that was after only a couple of years of waiting.

"Come on in," I invite her with a grin as I pull away from our hug, closing the door behind her as she drifts past me, stopping to wave at our family in the kitchen.

"Sophie!" Judith exclaims excitedly, bounding over to hug her babysitter around the middle, nearly tackling the young woman to the floor. Sophia laughs fondly, returning the hug before squatting down to Judith's eye level and engaging her in conversation. She softly asks how Judith is, nodding with interest to Judith's excited rambling.

Glancing past the adorable duo, I catch sight of Carl watching them, his expression crinkled with soft adoration.

They're so damn cute.

I knew it was bound to happen. I always do. I knew deep down with me and Rick, then obviously with Daryl and Louise, and now Carl and Sophia. I even have an idea of who Judith will end up with.

And I'm always right.

"Hey, Sophia," Rick greets, smiling warmly, before expression twitches with concern. "Oh- uh, you got some twigs in your hair," Rick points out as he rearranges his grip on Andrew, making Sophia still beside me, quickly standing up.

Carl groans softly, dropping his head into his hands.

Rick, looking between them wordlessly, seems to be even more confused before it hits him. His eyes widen with shock before quickly darting quicker back and forth between Sophia and Carl, making me bite my lip to stop myself from bursting into laughter.

"Um, I'm going to go grab my stuff," Sophia blurts out hastily before swiftly darting away and up the stairs, leaving behind a perplexed Judith.

"What's happening?" Judith questions curiously, her gaze flitting between me and the rest of our family, her adorable brow furrowing in confusion.

"We'll explain it to you when you're older, honey," I assure her softly, running my hands through her soft hair. Judith pouts slightly, her fiery brown eyes squinting in frustration.

"You guys suck," she grumbles under her breath, her tiny footsteps echoing as she stomps her way upstairs to follow Sophia. Smiling to myself, I share an amused glance with Rick.

"I second that," Carl states dryly at the sound of six-year-old sister's receding footsteps.

"You two could've been less obvious," Rick points out to our son with a chuckle, his eyes dancing with humor as he nudges Carl playfully. Carl rolls his eyes in response, emitting a heavy sigh as he tries to shake off the lingering embarrassment.

"Yeah, says you two." Carl  retorts with a hint of sarcasm, shaking his head in annoyance.

I can't help but stifle a laugh behind my hand, trying to conceal my shit-eating grin as Rick and I share a brief moment of eye contact.

My heart flutters once again at the sight of Rick holding Andy, the gentle morning sunlight filtering through the window and enveloping the pair in a warm glow.

Andy babbles contentedly as he brings little bits of pancake to his mouth, his free hand grasping at Rick's black t-shirt. Rick looks down at this, fondness crinkling his handsome features.

They're so adorable together engrossed in their little world, it feels like my heart could burst with happiness simply watching them.

To preserve our relationship with Carl and avoid pushing him over the edge with our teasing, Rick and I decide to give him a break before Carl and I head out to do the cadaver lab. Joining us are the few other kids in the program around Carl's age who have relocated here from either the Hilltop or the Kingdom.

While I head out to go lead the cadaver lab, Rick meets up with Daryl and Louise to address the ongoing Negan situation, a problem that started a few months after Andrew was born.

Negan had been held captive in a cell for months before we decided to use him for farm labor and construction of the expansion project under very close supervision. However, things took a turn for the worse when Rick and I went on a belated 'honeymoon' trip to an abandoned college, where Rick surprised me with a research lab.

Rick, being the annoyingly perfect husband, knew that giving me an entire research facility stocked with medicine, chemicals, and usable technology, is the best gift he could've gotten me. My gift to him was the Princess Leia bikini costume Louise found for me on one of her runs. I thought it was lame in comparison, but Rick seemed to really enjoy it.

The two-day honeymoon was great, but when we came home, we found out that Negan had somehow managed to escape while we were gone.

And he took Derek, whom he had been specifically separated from, with him.

Everyone suspects he found the few surviving Saviors and has gone into hiding since. Despite how much damage Louise and I did to the Saviors and the Sanctuary, some still survived. Some, like Marty- the cook who helped me and Louise poison the water- came to us seeking refuge. And like the wives, they were welcomed in.

But, no one has been able to find Spencer. It was like he just... disappeared.

Daryl and Louise have been working as the lead on the team to figure out where the "renewed" saviors and Negan are hiding. The couple have created an army of sorts, with some of the best fighters in Alexandria, all prepping to preserve the peace we've had and find Negan.

We know the Saviors out there because they sent us a message right after taking Negan and Derek, reminding us that they haven't forgotten what we did to them.

While it's been a struggle, we haven't had any confrontations happen since. It's been a refreshing and relieving break from the pattern we were used to. The pattern of defeating one evil just to find another, worse evil to fight after.

But since we didn't fully defeat this evil, we haven't found worse since.

While this particular evil remains elusive, our lives in Alexandria have enjoyed a semblance of peace. It's a peace that's rooted in our collective determination to safeguard it, a determination that fuels our commitment to the happy and secure existence we've built.

To protect this peace, Daryl and Louise have been developing their force and training them. Daryl leads the soldiers and Louise leads those who came from the Kingdom and the horses they brought with them.

Every day they're more prepared for when they finally find the Saviors and Negan so they can kill them for good.

Though... only me and Rick know that will never happen.

Slight guilt flutters through me at the idea while my students begin their dissection of their cadavers. We're set up in the same college lab Rick surprised me with four years ago, which luckily enough, had a cadaver lab from the premed courses offered before the turn.

The scent of formaldehyde lingers in the air as my students cut into the abdominal cavities, their tools clinking as they drop them on the metal tables. Taking a deep breath and pushing the lingering guilt aside, I walk between the tables, ensuring their incisions are correct.

"Looking good Noah," I compliment my oldest student, making him look up and flash me a quick smile. It's the first time I've seen him in class since he and Beth got married last week.

The 24-year-old grins at me, before switching his tool to fully pull apart the abdominal cavity. Across from him, Carl is slowly but surely making progress. While he's slightly slower than the others, he has the neatest and most precise work.

Before I can announce a reminder to make sure they properly remove the organs, the walkie-talkie on my belt crackles loudly and Rick's faded voice rings out on our private channel, asking for me.

"I'm here, what's up?" I ask, releasing the button on the top of the small radio, as I walk down the lines of my students, waiting for Rick to reply, thinking it'll be a quick thing.

"It's a code orange."

Those four words make my stomach wrench, my pacing halting abruptly. My students, none of whom know what that means, simply look over in confusion.

Telling them I'll be right back, I quickly slip out into the hallway, not wanting to distract them.

My heart is in my throat as I find a quiet place to talk, an office a few doors down. Closing the door behind me, I perch on the dusty desk, my heart pounding.

"What d'you mean code orange? There's no way, we just did the supply run," I reply, my jaw tense with anxiety.

The radio crackles. "It is. I can't do it, not here with Daryl and Louise. You're right there, can you step away and handle it?" Rick asks hopefully, his crackling voice tinged with a plea.

I take a deep breath, having not prepped myself for dealing with this today.

"Yeah, I got it," I reply, tiredly running my hand through my hair.

"Thank you. How's Carl doin' with the cadaver?" Rick asks, making a small smile tug at the corners of my lips, overshadowing my annoyance.

"Great, as usual. Andy? He okay?" I ask, looking up at the diagram on the wall across from me, wondering what they're up to back home.

"Good. Though Daryl's actin' off with him today. I don't know why," Rick murmurs, making my brows knit together. Daryl's the kids' second dad, it's not usual for him to be "off" with them.

"You can never tell with him, can you?" I ask, smiling fondly at the thought of our brother. "Either way, I should head out now, I'll let you know if I need you," I inform Rick, getting up from the table I perched on, mentally preparing myself.

"Alright, I love you," Rick's comforting voice rings out, making a smile tug at my lips, my heart clenched.

"Love you more," I reply snarkily, turning down my volume as I walk back into the cadaver lab, Rick's protest to my comment barely audible.

"Alright guys, I have to go to an emergency perimeter check. Call me on channel 11 if there are any emergencies. Noah, you're in charge," I tell the group, making the handful of young adults nod, not seeming too worried.

They're all capable as hell, having grown up in such a tough world. They're the best students I could ask for.

I lock eyes with Carl, who seems concerned, especially having heard the tone of his father's voice.

I offer him a quick reassuring look, grab my gun, and leave.

___

My lungs and thighs burn as I finally reach my destination, a couple of miles away from the college, deep in the woods. The dry brush crunches beneath my boots, the cloud-covered sky sending muted sunlight down on the cabin I'm headed toward.

It's one of those small one-room cabins that easily could've been built in the 18th century. With peeling wooden walls, tiny dusted-over windows, and one small porch that my boots loudly bang against, announcing my presence.

I stride into the cabin without bothering to knock, swinging the door open with a bracing breath. The second I walk in, my eyes dart to the lone figure pacing in front of the unlit fireplace.

The thick layer of dust swirling around the room burns the inside of my nostrils, the staleness of the air unwelcome but expected. It's always like this on our little visits.

The tall, imposing figure at the empty fireplace pivots on his heel, striding towards me with purpose, his expression wrought with concern.

"What could you possibly want?" I demand impatiently,  folding my arms across my chest and cocking my head to the side as I meet his piercing hazel eyes.

"My son, for starters," Negan retorts sharply, his tone laced with fiery rage, causing my eyebrows to shoot up in surprise.

"Your... son?" I echo, genuine confusion knitting my brows as I scrutinize the deep lines etched into his weathered features.

Negan huffs angrily, his singular fist clenched at his side. "Yes. Derek. I know you took 'im," Negan grits out, his eyes burning with accusation and parental rage.

White-hot anger whips through me at the accusation, fueled by his audacity, considering his situation. "Remember who you're talking to, Negan. Remember that I fucking own you," I growl menacingly, taking a step closer with purpose, my gaze searing with fury.

His expression twitches with annoyance as he obediently takes a step back, a silent acknowledgment of my authority.

"But as for Derek," I continue, my tone sharp and stern, "the son you were never supposed to take with you," I add, watching guilt flicker across his features, "We haven't laid a finger on him for the past four years. Last I heard, he's still with the Saviors," I conclude, unwavering in my honesty.

While Negan taking Derek against our agreement pissed me off, especially because I had noticed Derek beginning to thrive in Alexandria with the other children, I accepted it. Negan was smart enough to know there was no way we could've taken Derek back without having to explain to our family that we knew exactly where Negan and the surviving Saviors were.

Negan blinks at me, genuine fear creeping into his voice. "You... don't have him?" he breathes, his disbelief palpable as he stares at me, his mouth slightly agape.

I shake my head, concern gripping my chest. "How long has he been missing?" I ask, tilting my head to the side, worry flinching through me at the idea of the young boy being hurt.

Despite the ties to his father or the fact I haven't seen him in years, that kid still has a special spot in my heart.

Negan runs a distressed hand over his face, a pang of slight pity coursing through me as he does. As a parent, I know there is absolutely nothing worse than the agony of losing a child. The mere idea of Judith or Andy going missing makes my stomach wrench violently.

"He's apparently been gone since this morning," Negan huffs, making my eyebrows raise, given it's now midday. "I only just found out," Negan practically spits, dropping down on his couch with a resigned sigh, the chain on his ankle clinking like a somber reminder of his captivity.

I look at Negan for a moment, his expression torn with worry. His concern for his son was the one genuine side I ever saw of him during my time at the Sanctuary.

God... if Judith or Andy were missing...

I stare at Negan for a moment, pity flicking through me. Cursing at myself, I grab my walkie-talkie, a singular rumble of thunder echoing in the distance.

"Rick," I call into our private channel, the empty static momentarily filling the room, drawing Negan's attention.

"I'm here, everything okay?" Rick's faded voice crackles through the speaker.

"Fine. But Derek's missing. We need to keep an eye out for 'im, okay?" I inform Rick, ignoring Negan as he stares at me desperately, eyes wide with hope.

"Derek? Negan's boy?"

"Yeah,"  I confirm with a heavy sigh, meeting Negan's gaze to find his brows knitted together with hopeful desperation. A silent understanding passes between us, reinforcing the strange alliance that's grown between us.

At the end of the day, no matter what either of us have done to each other, our kids always come first.

"Alright, I'll send out word. Is that all he needed?" Rick asks, and I hear some slight rustling on his end while I walk over to the window, pulling back the moth-bitten curtain to peer at the sky.

"Yeah, that's it. Wanna check up on Judith? Looks like there's a storm heading your way," I murmur, watching the suddenly dark billowing clouds with concern.

For years now, Judith's been rendered a terrified, sobbing, and hysterical mess whenever there's a thunderstorm. I'm not sure where the deep-rooted fear came from, but it's severe. Luckily we don't get many storms in Alexandria, but when we do, Rick and I have to sit with Judith the entire time, comforting her as she cries uncontrollably, her little body trembling with fright.

A subtle wave of irritation tightens my jaw at the sight of the approaching storm clouds. If I had known we were getting a storm, I wouldn't have scheduled any of this today, knowing Judith would need me. But the weather doesn't exactly give a shit about our plans.

"Already goin' to check on her," Rick confirms, making a slight smile tug at my lips, grateful that he's there for her.

I turn back to Negan with a heavy sigh, clipping my walkie back on my belt. "There's not much more I can do. We don't have Derek, but we'll keep an eye out. I'm sorry," I tell him flatly, but Negan is quiet, his salt-and-pepper head of hair held in his hands.

A sharp ache of pity grips my chest, not knowing how I'd handle being in his shoes.

"We'll see you in a month," I inform our prisoner simply before heading for the door, the sound of my boots echoing in the silent room, just above the dull rhythmic pattering of rain on the metal roof. Just as my hand reaches for the door handle, Rick's voice breaks through the radio again, but this time, his voice doesn't fill me with love or comfort.

With just three words, my husband's faded and cracking voice sends blinding terror slamming into me, knocking the breath from my lungs.

"J-Judith's fucking gone!"

___

It's less than an hour later when I'm in the truck with my students, my foot almost to the goddamn floor as I speed back home in the raging storm. Lighting streaks across the dark sky as thunder booms, so loud it shakes the metal cage we're flying down the road in.

Carl shoots me an anxious glance from the passenger seat, while the rest of my students remain silent in the back. My focus remains fixed ahead, my knuckles gripping the steering wheel so tightly that they turn white, fueled by pure adrenaline coursing through my veins. The thought of Judith alone during a storm like this is leaving me beside myself.

Not to mention that I have no fucking clue where she is.

Carl's been talking to our family through the radio, relaying their updates that they've scoured every inch of Alexandria without success and are now organizing search parties while we rush back.

My chest heaves with each breath, my heart pounding relentlessly as every horrifying possibility flashes through my mind.

The fear grips me that some deranged kidnapper might have snatched both Derek and Judith, maybe as some sort of sick strategy. Maybe it's the evil that Rick and I have specially made sure our family has avoided all these years.

Despite any lingering frustration at not knowing what's going on, the mere thought of Judith, terrified and alone, sends shivers of blinding horror down my spine.

I don't let myself think about the other, more horrific possibility.

As we finally arrive at the familiar gates of our home, the brief but fierce storm has subsided, revealing the grim scene of Rick at the gate, barking orders to multiple small groups, each one with a mix of terror and determination etched on their faces. Search parties.

I don't bother with parking the truck inside the gate. Instead, I slam on the brakes in front of our frantic family and after shifting it into park, I jump out of the vehicle, moving toward the group the second my feet touch the ground. The overwhelming need to find my baby consumes me, overriding any other concern.

Sparing no time for assigning any petty blame, especially toward my dad, who was supposed to be watching her. Standing beside Carol, he seems ten times more distressed than I feel. His furrowed brows, wide eyes, and heaving chest convey the depth of his anguish as he turns to me, horrified. With a quick glance at the surrounding group of our family, I nod in silent gratitude to them before setting off into the woods.

Talking to any of them is impossible amidst the chaos in my mind. All I can do is move.

Footsteps crash behind me, a reassuring presence from one of the groups offering assistance as I tear through the woods bordering our community.

Judith's begged us for a while now to let her beyond the walls, to let her explore, but we always said no. It's too dangerous for a kid her age, and just not necessary yet.

As my feet pound on the damp forest floor, wet leaves whipping against my frame, I have a horrible feeling she took advantage of me being gone and her father being too busy to take matters into her own hands.

She can be one hell of a stubborn girl, that's for sure.

A dark, gnarled fear that we won't find her alive consumes me as I tear through the woods, flanked by our family, screaming out Judith's name until my throat rubs raw.

I know she's capable on her own, as we've trained her with a knife to make sure she knows self-defense, but she's never had to face off against a walker alone.

And she's fucking six for Christ's sake.

"M-Mommy!"

The relief that slams into me is suffocating as I hear her call out for me, immediately bringing tears to my eyes as I stumble to a stunned stop. Without another moment of hesitation, I sprint flat-out in the direction of my baby's call, tearing through the freshly drenched vegetation until I finally reach my daughter.

She's at the edge of the treeline, her older brother's hat on her head, her small body drenched from the rain, looking like a pitiful little mouse that got caught in an oil trap. The breath gets knocked out of my chest as I rush to her side, immediately scooping her into my arms as I collapse to my knees.

Mud splatters over us, but I couldn't care less, all that matters is holding my baby. Reuniting with my precious girl.

A surge of pure joy floods through me as I draw her close, her little body pressed against mine, her damp hair under my trembling hand. I cling to her tightly, my grip unyielding as she whimpers into my shoulder, her tiny breaths hitching with emotion.

"Oh my god, Judith- don't you ever do that to me again," I order desperately, my voice trembling with a mixture of distress and overwhelming relief, my brows furrowed with worry as I hold her close. Her oversized hat slips off her head as I pull her fully into my embrace.

"There-There was a storm, Mommy. And y-you weren't there," Judith whimpers, her soft and trembling words sending a pang of guilt through me as I tighten my grip on her, hearing someone call out to the others that we've found her.

I pull away from our embrace to study her slightly puffy face undoubtedly from crying, my heart shattering at the tear tracks down her beautiful little cheeks. "Oh, baby, I'm so sorry I wasn't there. But you shouldn't have come out here alone!" I breathe, brushing her hair from her face before pulling her into my arms once again, not getting enough.

"I-I know, I'm sorry. But it was okay! There was a boy, by the tree. He helped me with magic," Judith explains between uneven breaths, her stuttering words striking me with confusion.

"A boy?" I ask with soft confusion, but before Judith can answer, reaching for something in her pocket, Rick's shout for her and his crashing footsteps distract me.

I don't need to look to know it's him who has collapsed beside us, his arms immediately wrapping around both of us in a tight hug, his chest heaving.

"Judith, thank God," he breathes, tightening his grip on us, pulling us against him.

Closing my eyes, I lean into his warm strength, allowing the relief of our reunion to sink in, completely overwhelming me.

She's here, our daughter is safe.

____

[ epilogue two ]

- fifteen years after chapter 55 -

(Andy is in the top right and Judith is bottom right)
____

- Cass's POV -

Gently pushing open the door after a soft knock, I smile broadly at the heartwarming sight in front of me. Sitting on my patient's bed, propped up on her pillows is my daughter-in-law, her skin glowing.

Carl grins widely as I walk in, pride and happiness emanating from him as he stands close beside his wife, the woman whose side he hasn't left for the past twenty hours.

"How are we doing?" I ask softly, tucking my chart under my arm as I spread some hand sanitizer over my hands, nearing the couple.

Sophia takes a deep breath, her smile wide despite the lingering sheen of sweat on her brow. "I'm okay, the meds are helping," she assures me, making me smile proudly as I reach her bedside.

My gaze naturally drifts downward, and I can't help but feel a surge of renewed love as I look at my granddaughter for the second time, clean of amniotic fluid now and held carefully in her mother's arms. The baby girl looks beautiful, a calm newborn wrapped in a yellow blanket, gently cooing, her cheeks and lips the perfect rosy shade.

"She looks perfect. And I mean that from a completely unbiased medical perspective," I grin, eliciting warm chuckles from my kids as they watch me gently check their baby's vitals, confirming she is indeed healthy and perfect.

"Thank you, Cass, for helping with everything-" Carl starts, but I look up with a warm smile, just shaking my head slightly.

"Don't be ridiculous. No thanking allowed," I inform him with raised eyebrows, tucking their daughter back into her soft blanket, prompting her to emit an adorable sigh of contentment.

"Finally think of a name?" I ask, glancing between the pair of new parents. They exchange a quick look, and Carl sends Sophia a reassuring nod, his eye crinkled with genuine love.

It's a look I've seen in his father's eyes many many times, making my heart warm with pride.

"Cece Grimes," Sophia informs, her slightly breathless tone catching my attention as I check her vitals.

Grabbing her wrist gently to place the pulse-ox on her finger, I smile widely. "Like Cecelia? That's beautiful," I remark warmly, setting Sophia's hand down on the bed so the device can read her vitals.

Sophia shakes her head, her smile growing as she looks at Carl for a second before meeting my confused gaze, seeming excited. "No, as in C.C.- Carol Cassandra," Sophia clarifies, making me pause, my eyes widening and mouth parting in disbelief.

I blink at my glowing daughter-in-law for a second, tears threatening behind my lids as I take a shuddering inhale. I quickly look over at Carl watching us warmly, his smile broad under his beard.

"W-What?" I ask breathlessly, my hand instinctively moving to my heart, suddenly overwhelmed by the gesture. It makes sense to name her after Carol, but also naming her after me? It's too much.

"But, Carl-" I start, turning to him, my throat constricted with thick emotion, not knowing why he picked me. Not when I'm not his mother.

Carl's smile widens empathetically, his eye slightly watering as he gently cuts me off.

"Her middle name is Lori, don't worry, I didn't forget about her. But Cass, neither Sophia or me would've gotten to this point without you. You saved both of us, right at the beginning," Carl reminds me warmly, the thirty-year-old man's words hitting me with a wave of emotion, tears streaming freely down my cheeks, my chest heaving with emotion.

"You've been the best stepmom I ever could have asked for, and I know you're going to be an even better grandmother," Carl tells me calmly, tilting his head to the side, his eye crinkled with love.

"Oh my god," I choke out through my sobs, quickly rounding the patient bed to embrace my second son tightly, earning a wonderful laugh in response.

"It's nothing you don't deserve," Carl chuckles warmly under his breath as he hugs me back securely, only making my tears flow quicker.

The moment is broken by the pulse ox beeping, telling me it's ready to be removed, so I gently pull from my son, patting his cheek softly before going to remove the device.

After ensuring Sophia is good after a quick examination, I clear her for having visitors, eager for the rest of our waiting family to meet little Cece.

As soon as I announce that they can come in from the open door, I'm nearly run over by our excited family members rushing in to meet the youngest addition. Stepping back with wide eyes, I grin as they spill into the room of the infirmary, their excited voices hushed as I instructed earlier.

The former youngest of the family, Brandy, (Daryl and Louise's ten-year-old daughter) sprints over first, her long black hair bouncing behind her little frame. Sophia grins at her excitedly, the sunlight casting over her glowing features and braided ginger hair, not looking remotely exhausted at the sight of our family.

Following Brandy are the two fourteen-year-old boys who have been joined at the hip since their infancy, both grinning from ear to ear. Andy shoves Hershel out of the way playfully, trying to get to his niece first, making me call out to him, reminding him to play nice.

"Jesus, they're gonna scare the poor girl back inside," Judith mutters with a grin as she walks in, her long chestnut hair held back in one loose French braid, wearing her new all-black uniform given to her when she joined the soldiers.

"Hey," I greet her warmly, grinning as I pull my daughter in a quick hug, relishing seeing my girl for the first time in a few weeks.

"Hey mama," Judith laughs warmly, hugging me back tightly. I smile, running my hand over her soft hair, the smell of her jasmine soap filling my nose. God, it feels good to have my girl back.

As a current eighteen-year-old recruit of the force, she shouldn't be able to leave training, but luckily the man in charge happens to be her loving uncle who graciously allowed it.

Said uncle follows her in, flanked by his wife, quietly telling Judith to watch her language. Judith pulls away from our hug to send him a glare, only making Daryl smile slightly, knowing she can't retaliate against her direct superior. Louise smacks Daryl's arm at this before she gets on her tiptoes, eagerly trying to get a look at our new family member.

Rick follows after them, clapping Daryl's back momentarily before his eyes find me, his grey beard curling up with a smile when our eyes meet. Before he can try to see me, I shake my head, nudging my head at him to go to Carl and Sophia first. He agrees with a small look that makes my heart momentarily skip a beat.

And finally, Carol comes in last, her breath quick as if she's run across the community to get here, which wouldn't be surprising. I heard she was at my Dad's grave this morning, as she has been every morning since he passed. It's heartwarming but also tough. I know how much she loved him.

"There she is!" Carol calls out, quickly walking around to hug Carl first before beaming down at her daughter and granddaughter, her long silver hair falling over her shoulder.

Rick claps Carl on the back before pulling him into a crushing hug while I watch in the back, my heart so full of love I feel like it could burst.

Seeing our large teeming family, all excitedly cooing over the brand new life Sophia and Carl brought into the world, is all I ever could've wanted.

My eyes trail over Andy and Hershel as they bicker over something with grins on their adorable faces, Brandy giggling with her idol Judith, and Carol seemingly just finding out about the new baby's name- her eyes wide and mouth covered with her trembling hand.

Finally, my eyes drift to Rick as he congratulates our daughter-in-law, placing a quick familial kiss on her temple and talking to her warmly.

Before I can spend too long standing on the sideline, basking in our family love, I'm encouraged to join them. I comply, sliding in beside my husband, my heart full of overwhelming love as we all collectively coo over baby Cece.

This. This is what makes everything we've gone through worth it.

___

- Rick's POV -
that night

"I should head out," Judith breathes, getting up from the couch with a sigh and slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Davis will make me do shooting drills if I break curfew," she says with a resigned sigh and eye roll, making a smile pull at my mouth.

While having her gone during her training is awful, the pride of seeing my daughter become a trained soldier quickly overshadows it.

"We understand," Cass breathes warmly, standing up to hug our daughter tightly. "Good luck with the rest of the training, we're cheering you on the whole time," Cass assures her proudly, and I watch the smile widen on Judith's face, her cheeks flushing. Nothing encourages Judith quite like her mom's pride.

It's my turn to hug her next. "Destroy the competition," I mutter playfully into our embrace, making Judith snort, shaking her head as she pulls away, her grin wide.

"We're all on the same team. Besides, there's no way I can compete with Finn and Maliah," Judith dismisses, shaking her head as she mentions her closest friends.

My brows furrow at her talking down on herself. We've known Finn since he and Judith were around fourteen, and he's been a great friend to her, but I have heard from Daryl that he's one of the best fighters. And Maliah is her closest friend behind Gracie, similarly known for being one of the standout soldiers so far.

"But Daryl's told us how much progress you've made," Cass comments, her brows furrowed with concern.

Judith sighs, brief agitation flashing over her features. "I would have more progress if goddamn Derek Smith would stop targeting me," Judith grits out, crossing her arms with a huff, sending a fierce wave of protectiveness through me.

"What is that asshole doing to you?" I growl, my brows knitted together, furious at the idea of Negan 2.0 targeting my daughter.

Cass sighs with exasperation, shaking her head at my reaction. Despite all the things Derek Smith has done, she still stands up for him. She got attached when they met at the prison, but she doesn't seem capable of separating him as a child from him as an adult.

"He's an officer. He gets to change our schedules and keeps assigning me hand-to-hand training because he knows that's my biggest weakness. Then he assigns me to fucking laundry duty, keeping me shut alone in the stupid basement while everyone else works with others," Judith rants with a huff, her jaw ticking in a way that abruptly reminds me of Shane, making a slight smile tug at my mouth.

That Smith kid better watch out.

Cass's brows knit together thoughtfully as she watches our daughter talk, clearly having a hard time excusing him targeting Judith.

"If that little fucker tries anything, you have my full support to beat him into submission," I tell Judith sternly, my hand on her shoulder, making her dark brown eyes flit to mine, determined as she nods, a smirk curling her lips.

Cass shakes her head, looking down. "You two are too harsh on that kid," she sighs, making me and Judith look at her incredulously.

"Mom!" Judith cries indignantly, clearly expecting her number one supporter to be on her side for this.

Cass tilts her head to the side sympathetically. "I know you're having a hard time, I can't imagine going through that kind of training. But Derek's not going to hurt you," Cass assures Judith as if she's clairvoyant and somehow knows that for a fact.

Judith and I both scoff, shaking our heads, our stubbornness only making Cass smile wistfully.

"Believe me or don't, it doesn't matter. But I have a feeling you're gonna be just fine," she murmurs softly before kissing Judith's cheek, eliciting a begrudging smile from our daughter.

"Alright, whatever, but I should get going, seriously," Judith breathes, so Cass and I walk her out, watching her figure disappear down the street as she heads back to the barracks. We stand together on the porch as she goes, watching until her figure disappears down the east section of the community, where the training grounds reside.

"She's going to be fine," Cass breathes, leaning back against my embrace, and I can't tell if she's telling me or herself as I hug her back tightly.

"She's her mother's daughter, of course she will," I murmur, placing a kiss on Cass's hair, knowing that she's grinning bashfully without having to look.

"I know why you hate Derek so much. And it's ridiculous," Cass says with a sigh, turning the warm love in my chest into slight irritation at the mention of him.

"Why? Because he's the devil spawn of the man who tortured you for months, that he's been a little shit since we got him back, that I've arrested him twelve times, or now because he's unfairly targeting our daughter? Which one?" I retort roughly, saying everything out loud simply reminding myself more of why I dislike the young man so much.

Cass sighs, untangling herself from me to spin so we're face to face. The moonlight streams over her familiar features that seem to only get more beautiful with each passing year as she tilts her head at me. A knowing smile pulls at her perfect mouth as she brushes a few of my curls from my forehead.

"You dislike him because he reminds you of yourself," Cass says softly, her words jolting me with surprise, immediately furrowing.

"What-" I begin, but Cass just shakes her head.

"I know that's why, even though you don't yet, so don't bother coming up with another explanation," Cass says sweetly before placing a smug kiss on my lips, momentarily distracting me.

Desire flickers through me at the contact, instinctively pulling her body flush against mine, earning a chuckle from her mouth into mine. Our kiss momentarily deepens, her fingers tangling in the curls I've kept long for her, knowing my stubble must be brushing against her skin.

Cass breaks from the kiss first, pulling away, taking me with her for a moment before I reluctantly separate. I immediately spot the flushed grin on her expression.

"I'm always right Grandpa, come on," Cass says with a snigger, making my jaw drop in astonishment.

"You did not," I breathe, making her grin widen mischievously as she lets go, quickly walking back into the house.

"Not so fast, Grandma," I retort back, following her into the living room as she lets out a small squeal, pulling her by her waist into my front.

"I may be a grandfather as of today, but that doesn't mean I won't destroy you right here," I breathe into Cass's ear, my hands planted firmly on her waist, earning a wonderful shudder from her.

"It's your fault for having Carl so young, otherwise I wouldn't be a grandmother at 46," Cass snorts, feeling her body slightly move against mine in the way she knows will drive me crazy.

"It's your fault for choosing me then," I purr in response, my hands drifting down to her hips, earning her breath to hitch in her throat.

Cass lets out a breathless laugh. "Oh, trust me, I had no choice in the matter, old man," she says dryly, earning a scoff from me.

I'll show her an old man.

Before she can protest, I spin my wife around around and grab her around her waist, throwing her on my shoulder.

A genuine sound of surprise escapes her lips as my hand comes up to support her ass as I march determingly to our bedroom.

"Old man my ass," I mutter, making Cass let out a scoff of disbelief, only widening my grin as I bring her into our bedroom so I can remind her just how capable I always will be, no matter what age.

____

[ epilogue three ]

- twenty years after chapter 55 -

(Andy is still top right, then it's Derek bottom left, Judith in the middle, and Hershel Jr. in the bottom right)
____

- Cass's POV -

"Hey, Mom? I uh, gotta talk to you about something," The nervous voice of my youngest child makes me look up from my gauze, meeting his furrowed blue eyes, replicas of his father's.

My brows raise from where I restock the supplies in the infirmary, turning back to my nineteen-year-old son.

"Yeah, honey?" I question, concern flitting through me at his unusually serious expression.

Andy looks down briefly, letting out a sharp exhale and shaking out his hands. I set down the gauze I'd been holding, my concern growing.

"I-I'm..." Andy starts, before looking up and meeting my expectant gaze, his voice trailing off. He inhales sharply, clenching his eyes shut. "I'm gay," he forces out quickly, as if those two words took extensive effort.

I pause, my brows raising more in genuine surprise, watching as my son carefully pries open one of his eyes to see my reaction.

"Oh!" I say, blinking in surprise before a warm smile pulls across my face. "That's wonderful honey, thank you for telling me," I breathe, watching my son sag with relief, his shoulders dropping.

My heart pangs seeing the clear toll this has had on him. "Oh, baby, come here," I murmur, stepping forward and opening my arms.

Despite the fact he's taller than me, Andy complies, bending down to allow me to wrap him in a comforting hug. "We will always love you, no matter what. I'm just happy you felt like you could tell me," I assure him gently, my hand stroking his dark copper curls.

Andy pulls away, sniffling, his wet blue eyes averting mine. "I know, I'm sorry it took me so long. I-" he starts, but I stop him, shaking my head.

"You don't need to explain yourself. Have you told your father?" I question him curiously, watching with disappointment as he averts his gaze once again with a shake of his head. I sigh.

"You need to tell him, Andy. You can't tell me and not him," I remind him, but Andy shakes his head stubbornly as he runs a stressed hand over his face.

"Dad can be intense- and he used to be a cop before the turn! They weren't exactly welcoming to-"

"Andrew Daryl Grimes. I know you did not just accuse your father of that." I snap, placing my hands on my hips, my brows drawn together tightly. Andrew flinches in surprise, his eyes wide.

With a determined sigh, I force him to sit on the chair in the stockroom, my hands on his shoulders.

"There is nothing more important to your father than our family. You are his son. He will always accept you. I promise you that. We have gay friends, you are aware of that, right? Michonne is one of my and your father's oldest friends! And who is she married to? Right- a woman. What about Aaron and Jesus? Tara and Denise? Do I need to keep going?" I lecture Andrew and he cringes, nodding to himself.

"Okay yeah, maybe you have a point," he agrees, looking down. I sigh with sympathy, crouching down and taking his hands in mine.

"I know I can never understand the feeling you are going through right now. I have no idea how scary this must be. But- I know for a fact your father will accept you, no matter what." I assure him, watching as he slowly nods. "He deserves to know."

Andy takes a deep breath, and with a nod, gets to his feet. "You're right Mom, I'll tell 'im," he confirms, making a broad smile break across my face. I cup my baby's cheek fondly, admiring the way his features seem to mix mine and Rick's perfectly.

"Good. I'll talk to you later, then we can talk about boys," I grin, wiggling my eyebrows, causing a blush to erupt on Andy's cheeks as he sheepishly shakes his head, a small grin on his face.

"Oh god, please no," he groans, making me chuckle as he hugs me goodbye before going to talk to his dad.

I watch him go with a broad smile, pride teeming in my chest.

___

- Judith's POV -

With a huff of exertion, I pin him down, my forearm pressing up against the flesh of his neck. "Want to say that to me again, pretty boy?" I grit through my teeth, anger flaring through me as my knees tighten on either of his hips, keeping him where he is.

Derek's smirk just slowly pulls across his face, causing his cheek to dimple slightly, his eyes twinkling with delight. "So you think I'm pretty, Grimes?" he questions, quirking a cocky eyebrow, his dimples deepening.

Immediate disgust flares through me at the insinuation, making me push off of him, getting to my feet on the training pad.

"Keep dreaming, Smith." I snap impatiently, turning and starting to unwrap my knuckles. 

Before I can walk away, a hand darts out and grabs my ankle, making me fall flat on my face. Letting out a growl of irritation, I twist onto my back quickly to get back to my feet but am quickly stopped as Derek comes up above me, pinning my arms down above my head, his knees securing my hips on either side. Just as I just did to him.

"That's Commander Smith to you, Grimes," Derek pants, his ever-present grin pulling across his irritating face, reminding me once again that he out-ranks me.

But as my boring brown eyes meet his light hazel eyes, it's like time stops- his dark brown hair falling in front of his face, hanging right above mine. My breath hitches in my throat, staring right back up at his features.

Usually, I feel hatred and frustration burning through me when I meet that gaze- but after the last night? There's an unfamiliar feeling fluttering deep within me as I stare back up at the man I've hated for eight years, suddenly wondering what it would be like to press my lips to his.

Woah. What?

Derek's eyes roam my face, that all too familiar smirk pulling across his features. "Did I finally do it? Render the Judith Grimes speechless?" he asks breathlessly, his minty breath fanning across my face.

I tilt my head to the side, a small smirk pulling at my mouth at the idea formulating in my mind. Out of the past four months that he's been training me one-on-one to improve my fighting, I've never beaten him once.

Until now.

I purposefully let my gaze drift to Derek's mouth, parting my lips slightly and fluttering my eyelids. For pretending sake, I think about what it would be like to kiss him. To feel those lips against mine, to taste what he tastes like, to thread my fingers in his hair.

For pretending sake.

Derek's snarky expression falters, replaced by a slight shock, his brows twitching together with what seems to be disbelief. Then ever so slowly, he leans down, closer and closer, his grip on my wrists loosening.

His words from the first time we were on this mat flutter through my mind. "Use whatever you can to your advantage. And never get distracted."

Right as Derek's lips are a few inches away from mine, I knee him sharply in the groin, earning a deep groan from his lips. Derek rolls off me and onto his back on the mat beside me, hissing in pain. I hop to my feet with a grin, my chest light with victory, ignoring the strange tingling lingering on my skin.

"You're gonna have to work harder than that, Commander," I tell him cheerfully, before turning and walking away, an extra pep in my step as I go, missing the proud grin sent in my direction.

"See you at the party tonight, loser!" I call over my shoulder, my cheeks aching at how hard I'm smiling. Just because I finally beat him, of course.

___

- Rick's POV -

My jaw tightens with irritation as I fill out the paperwork in front of me, wondering how we have this many issues working with the Commonwealth. They're so fucking irritating, always fighting against our freedoms, leaving me and Maggie constantly doing paperwork to get those freedoms back.

At the sound of a knock on my office door, I glance up, a smile pulling across my face seeing Andrew standing at my doorway.

My smile falters at his seemingly terrified expression. "Andy? What's wrong?" I ask, concern gripping my gut, my pen long forgotten.

"N-Nothings wrong. I just need to speak with you about something," Andrew tells me with a nervous gulp, and I nod, my brows knitting together.

"Sit down," I tell him, nodding at the chair across from my desk.

Andy plops down with a deep breath, his elbows resting on his spread knees, his blue eyes boring into mine. With a sharp inhale, he looks down, seeming so unlike my usually bubbly and social son.

"Dad... I'm gay." Andrew finally says carefully, not meeting my gaze. My heart softens in my chest, feeling relieved that he finally felt that he could tell me.

"I know," I respond, a smile working on my lips as Andy's head snaps up to meet mine, his eyes wide.

"Y-You know?" he questions desperately, his eyes darting back across my expression as I nod in amusement.

"Of course, I know," I dismiss, tilting my head as he visibly relaxes in his chair. As a father with two sons, the difference between them is obvious.

I smile fondly, proud of my son being brave enough to talk to me about something so personal. "Is there anyone that you're interested in?" I ask curiously, and he nods slowly, a small smile on his face.

"Hershel," Andrew says quietly, still not looking up. My eyebrows raise.

"Oh. Is he...?" I ask, and Andrew nods in confirmation.

"His parents know but he isn't ready for anyone else to know apart from them and me, so don't say anything" Andy explains quietly, fiddling with his hands anxiously.

I smile.

"Does he know that you have feelings for him?" I question, a blush creeping up on Andrew's cheeks at the question.

"N-no. I haven't told him." Andrew stutters, shaking his head dismissively.

"Tell him," I say immediately, and Andrew's head snaps up to mine, his face going white.

"What?" he questions with wide eyes, making me quirk a smile.

"Trust me. When I first realized I had fallen for your mom I was on a run with Daryl, deciding to tell her when we got back. The only problem was that she had started dating some other idiot while I was gone. Got with him while I was gone," I tell him, and Andy frowns slightly, tilting his head to the side curiously. He's heard the story before, but not from my perspective.

"So, I told myself that I missed my opportunity. That I had to suffer because I didn't consider for a second that she felt the same." I explain, and Andrew averts his gaze, clearly having some similar feelings.

"Little did I know," I start, fondness creeping on my face thinking about my wonderful, yet sometimes ridiculous wife. "She was only dating that moron because she was trying to get over me," I tell him, and Andrew raises his eyebrows in shock.

"We didn't figure it out until a year later when we first came here, as you know. And if I had just said something- it would have been a year more of being with her." I explain to Andy, wondering how different our lives would have been if I had.

My son sighs, his face crumpling in concentration just like his mother's does.

"Life is too short to waste it. Just tell him. Worst case he says no. Then you can move on and stop torturing yourself" I suggest simply, making Andy slowly nod.

A smile of pride tugs at his lips as he looks back up at me. "Alright, I will. Thanks Dad," he breathes, his eyes brimming with emotion.

Grinning, I push off from my desk, rounding it to hug my son. "Go get him," I tell him, eliciting a chuckle as he pats my back.

And so he does as I say, giving me one last appreciative look before walking away with determination. Smiling to myself, I look down.

After our conversation, for about a second, I start to miss those days at the prison. But as the mental image of Cass and Spencer making out pops up in my mind, that nostalgia is immediately gone.

Yeah, I definitely do not miss those days.

___

- Cass's POV -
that evening

Tilting my head, I relish in the soft breeze that flows onto our porch as I watch the sun painting the sky pink and orange as it sinks behind the walls. The sound of children's laughter trails from the nearby park and I exchange warm smiles with passing family members strolling along the street.

I've been ordered by my children to wait out here while they set up for the party tonight. For me and Rick's 20th wedding anniversary.

"Hey there, Grimes," Rick's sudden voice startles me from behind, prompting me to twist my head and meet his gaze, my grin widening instinctively.

"Hey there yourself," I respond, love curling in my chest despite having been referred to as Grimes for two decades now. I'm pretty sure most people have forgotten what my maiden name was at this point.

Rick comes around to sit down in the chair beside me with an exaggerated grunt reminiscent of an 80-year-old man, making me raise my eyebrows at him.

"That was an old man grunt," I inform him dryly, to which he scoffs at.

"I am old. I'm sixty," he grumbles, running a hand over his distinguished grey beard, making me roll my eyes in response, shaking my head.

"That's hardly old, you idiot." I retort affectionately, giving his knee a playful nudge with mine.

"That idiot you're talking to has been married to you for 20 years and that's how you're going to talk to him?" Rick questions me sarcastically with raised eyebrows, his mouth slightly quirked with amusement.

Grinning, I bite my back laughter, briefly glancing back at the sunset. "Gotta keep him on his toes," I say with a casual shrug, noticing Rick's grin as he shakes his head in my periphery.

"So, did Andy talk to you?" I ask, turning back to my husband, searching his features for an answer.

"Yep. Managed to nudge him into finally telling Hershel how he feels," Rick confirms with a nod, causing my jaw to drop in disbelief.

"What?" I exclaim, my eyes widening in surprise.

"Oh yeah, those kids definitely have the hots for each other," Rick declares proudly, a satisfied smirk on his face.

"Little shit didn't bother mentioning that to me," I grumble, selling slightly miffed. It's not like I'm the one who grew him inside me.

"Oh, get over yourself," Rick snorts, making me narrow my eyes at him, only to be met with a warm smile. "You know, it actually reminded me of the old days," Rick mentions, his crinkled eyes twinkling.

I raise my eyebrows, grinning. "Elaborate," I order, wondering what he's getting at.

"Andy told me he has feelings for Hershel so I encouraged him by telling him about the Prison. About me comin' back from the run to tell you how I felt only to find you with Spencer. And how if I just told you then, we would have a year longer together." Rick explains, blinking at me, watching for my reaction.

My chest flutters, a small smile tugging at my lips. "You still think about that?" I ask curiously, my eyes darting over his expression, the warm fading sunlight brushing over his handsome features.

"Of course. It's even more fun thinkin' about it now considering the fact you were in love with me the whole time," Rick grins brazenly as he rests his hand on my knee with a slight squeeze.

I roll my eyes, unable to fight my blushing grin. "You're so full of it." I scoff, rolling my eyes.

"And you love it. Admit it," Rick eggs me on as I shake my head stubbornly, purposely not looking at him.

"Not going to happen Grimes." I retort.

"Mmm I'll get it out of you some way, Grimes," Rick muses, squeezing my leg again.

"It's been 20 years and you still love calling me that, huh?" I question, finally looking back at him in the soft evening light, meeting his wonderful blue eyes.

"Always," Rick responds with a grin.

Pursing my lips to fight my smile, I just gaze back at him for a moment. "Happy anniversary, you big-headed oaf."

"Happy anniversary, love of my life."

"Hey! You can't do that!"

"Too late."

___

[ Final Epilogue ]

- forty-five years after ch 55-

___

A/N: just so you know, this was written to be read while listening to Look On Down From The Bridge by Mazzy Star... If you do that, I apologize in advance.

___

- Cass's POV -

"You idiot," I breathe, my voice thick with emotion as I clutch onto Rick's hand, gazing into his slightly squinted blue eyes.

Rick manages a weak, choked laugh, his eyes crinkling more, deepening his pronounced crow's feet. "Ah, but I'm your idiot, remember?" Rick asks hoarsely, his voice so gravely and trembling that my heart sinks to the depths of my very soul.

Furrowing my brows tightly, I shake my head in disbelief, a rush of tears threatening to spill from my eyes. I struggle to control the trembling in my lips, attempting to stifle the sobs that threaten to consume me. "Why'd you do that?" I whimper, my voice quivering with anguish as my vision swims behind my tears.

Rick shifts uncomfortably against the hospital pillow, a pained expression crossing his face. "If it's a choice between me and you, I'll always take the bullet. E-Every time," he grits out between labored breaths, his stubborn resolve piercing through the heavy atmosphere of the room, leaving me devastated at his bedside.

"I can't do this without you," I whimper, looking up at the man I've loved for nearly fifty years. The man who has not only saved me countless times but breathed life back into my very existence.

The same man who has a nasty habit of letting himself get shot to protect others.

Rick gently squeezes my hand, drawing my attention to our aged, wrinkled hands, our worn wedding bands glinting faintly in the sterile hospital light. "You can. You're the strong one," he murmurs, his eyes filled with an unwavering love that pierces through the darkness surrounding us.

I stare at him in disbelief, my heart shattering into pieces as I shake my head, unable to comprehend how he could be so selfless even in the face of his mortality. Rick smiles tenderly, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You are," he insists, his voice barely above a whisper.

Behind the age, the wrinkles, the physical wear of time, those eyes remain unchanged. Those same blue irises that have filled me love, anger, comfort, and everything else. Compelling me since the beginning.

They hold a lifetime of shared memories, emotions, and unspoken promises, leaving me drowning in a sea of overwhelming despair that I'll never see them again.

I release a trembling exhale, my chest constricting with unbearable pain as I fight back the torrent of tears threatening to consume me whole. "You old stubborn ass," I choke out between sobs, my voice breaking with the weight of sorrow as I watch a faint smile tugging at the corners of Rick's lips, his gray beard shifting with the motion.

"I love you, Cass," Rick whispers, his weak words hanging heavy in the air, the sudden change a chilling reminder of the inevitability of what's happening. Panic courses through me, igniting every nerve ending as I shake my head vehemently, unable to accept the inevitable.

"Don't say goodbye. Please," I plead, desperation lacing my words as I lean in closer to his bedside, clutching onto his hand with all the strength I can muster, as if my grip alone could anchor him to this world. My entire body is trembling, struggling to understand what's happening.

Rick sighs, his gaze softening as he meets my tear-filled eyes, his shimmering with unspoken emotions that cut deeper than any blade. "Yes ma'am," he murmurs, his voice barely a whisper against the backdrop of beeping monitors and sterile surroundings

"No goodbyes," he promises, his grip on my hand weakening with each passing moment, before he slowly reaches up with his other hand, nudging his nose once. Our code.

I can no longer hold back the floodgates of grief, each sob wracking through my frail body like a violent storm, shaking me to my very core.

He can't leave me. He can't. He's my Rick. He doesn't die.

But the harsh reality of his fading presence in this world crashes down on me like a tidal wave, leaving me gasping for air.

"I love you, Rick. In every lifetime I choose you. I always choose you," I manage to choke out through my heaving sobs, my voice trembling with the weight of a lifetime's worth of love and anguish. I glance up to see Rick looking at me, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"I love... you more," Rick breathes out weakly, furrowing his brows with the effort of forming each syllable, and my chest tightens painfully at the sight, knowing he's mustering every ounce of strength to comfort me, even in his final moments.

Blinking back my tears, I rise to my feet, feeling the stiffness in my aging joints as I move. With faltering steps, I make my way to the hospital bed and climb onto it beside him, ignoring the protests of the medical equipment around us.

As I snuggle up against his familiar warmth on the tiny bed, faint memories of the time we shared a hospital bed a lifetime ago flash behind my eyes. Smiling at the bittersweet memory of our much younger selves, I settle beside my husband, seeking solace in his embrace one last time.

I gaze upon his weathered yet wonderfully beautiful face, tracing every line, every wrinkle, every curve with tear-blurred eyes until my gaze locks with his.

"It's okay. You don't have to be strong anymore. You can let go," I tell him softly, my voice barely a whisper, my grip tightening on his hand as I press a soft kiss against his cheek.

Lacking the strength to witness his final moments, I close my eyes as I snuggle against him, my tears soaking into his hospital gown as I plant a gentle kiss on his cheek.

That tender gesture quickly turns into a torrent of grief as I feel his body grow still beneath me, his chest no longer rising and falling with the rhythm of life.

With a strange flutter of hope, I reach down and wrap my fingers around his wrist, checking for a pulse.

He has always slept like a corpse, after all.

My heart shatters as my fingers press against his familiar flesh and feel the unfamiliar sensation of no strong heartbeat thudding underneath. Of nothing. All I find is motionless flesh, devoid of the warmth that once pulsed through his veins.

I struggle to draw breath amidst the suffocating weight of my grief, my heaving sobs echoing through the sterile silence of the hospital room.

With tear-blurred vision, I lift my gaze to his face, now still as a carved statue. His eyes are closed, his silver curls framing his features with a deceptive youthfulness in the quiet of death.

It's as if time has folded in on itself, returning him to the very moment I first laid eyes on him.

"...and now I'm stuck with the goddamn comatose patients today," Sophie grumbles, rolling her eyes, nudging her curly hair toward the patient room behind her, the pale wooden door slightly ajar.

I furrow my brows, only seeing a partial view of the surprisingly handsome man lying alone in the hospital bed, the monitor beside him beeping softly. The sun from the large window softly streams across his restful face.

Something unfamiliar tugs in my chest as I look over his peaceful features, not sure why I feel so... drawn to him.

Drawn to the way his recently trimmed brown hair curls along his forehead, his strong nose, his nicely-shaped lips, and the slight wrinkles around his eyes which suggest he smiles frequently. My eyes wander over his face, at that dark stubble accenting his sharp jawline, wondering why I can't make myself look away as Sophie continues.

But this time, as I look upon the man who has been my anchor, my rock, my everything, the realization of his irreversible sleep grips me with visceral grief.

A gut-wrenching sensation twists and tears at my insides, leaving me gasping for air as a wave of overwhelming despair crashes over me. Hyperventilation sets in, my chest constricting with agonizing pain as the reality of my soulmate's absence sinks in like a dagger to the heart.

I want to howl, to wail in agony until my voice gives out, but I'm frozen in a silent scream, my vocal cords rendered useless by the weight of my terror. I collapse onto him in a flurry of desperate sobs, my fingers clawing at his lifeless form in a futile attempt to bring him back to me.

His stiffening body shifts ever so slightly beneath my touch, a cruel reminder of the finality of his passing. Each beat of my shattered heart reverberates painfully through my chest, each pulse a disjointed rhythm of agony as I come face to face with the harsh reality of his absence.

He's gone. The love of my life, my soulmate, my other half, is gone. And I'm left alone, grappling with the unbearable emptiness of his absence.

With trembling hands and a shattered heart, I cling to him, unable to tear myself away from his lifeless form.

The blaring alarms pierce through the heavy silence of the hospital room, a haunting reminder of his passing, yet I can't bring myself to move. I can't leave him, not now, not ever.

I can't leave him.

I can't leave him.

I can't leave him.

The words are a desperate mantra echoing in the hollow chamber of my mind. Each repetition deepening the ache in my chest.

I bury myself in him, seeking solace in the fading warmth of his still body, unwilling to let go of the last remnants of our time together. Every fiber of my being rebels against the idea of parting from him, as if my very soul is entwined with his, bound together in every lifetime.

The aching in my heart turns into a visceral physical pain as if the very muscles of my heart are tearing in half. Choking through the searing pain, I ignore it, clenching my eyes shut.

As sudden exhaustion weighs heavily upon me, my eyelids grow heavy, and I find myself succumbing to the irresistible pull of sleep.

With a resigned acceptance, I surrender to the beckoning embrace of oblivion. A sense of overwhelming peace washes over me as I suddenly know I'm not leaving him.

I'm coming with him. Because anywhere he goes, I go.

I follow the comfort of reuniting with him, drifting into the velvety depths of sleep for the very last time.

___

Recovered excerpt from the obituary page of the Commonwealth newspaper:

𝙸𝚗 𝚊𝚗 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚞𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜, 𝚢𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚘𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛, 𝚁𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜, 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝟾𝟷.

𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚌𝚞𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚐𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢. 𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚎𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚈𝚞 𝙼𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝙷𝚘𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚕, 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝙳𝚛. 𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚜 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜.

𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚍𝚘𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜'𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚢 𝚁𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝙳𝚛. 𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚜 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜, 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚖.

𝙳𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝟽𝟻, 𝙳𝚛. 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚞𝚜𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚗𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎.

𝚄𝚙𝚘𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝙳𝚛. 𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜'𝚜 𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚊𝚗𝚜, 𝚊𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍, 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚞𝚗𝚞𝚜𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚊𝚗.

𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚗, 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚞𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎, 𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚊 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎.

𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎.

___

The End of The Doctor
___

___

A/N: I KNOW THAT ENDING WAS HARSH OKAY?? I'M SORRY I JUST HAD TO!!

Seriously though, I'm sorry if that ending upset you, it makes me sob every time I read it, but that's what I had planned from the very beginning as it's the final full-circle moment. It just felt wrong to have it planned and never share it. And they had a VERY long and happy life together, please don't forget that!!!

Again, thank you all so much for the love this book has received, I will always be grateful. I wouldn't have finished it without the encouragement of all my incredible readers and commenters. I love you all with my entire heart.

For anyone wanting to read more, if you follow me, you may know I already have other books planned. Including Judith and Derek's book ("The Soldier"), a novella about Louise and Daryl ("The Lover"), and multiple Alternative Universe books with Rick and Cass.

The first AU has already been published and titled "I Can See You" which is a modern lawyer AU that is just a fun little smutty book with barely any plot :)

And if you want something more serious, coming VERY soon is "The Vanish Pact" which is a TOWL/CRM fic! Both have Cass and Rick as the main couple bc I'm too attached to ever leave them behind :)))

Again, thank you all so much, I hope to see some of you readers in the next books in The Doctor universe <3