It's been four months since the fight at the gas station, and things have been calm. Life has settled down, at least for now.
Lee was in his office, a spacious room filled with maps, notes, and reminders of the world before. He was organizing supplies when his radio crackled to life. It was Klaus calling from the road. Klaus had been out, searching for any place—a factory, a store—that might still have supplies.
"Lee, I found someone out here," Klaus said. "A woman. She told me about her village getting overrun by walkers. She said a young girl helped them escape. Said her name was Clementine."
Lee froze, his pulse quickening. He'd always known, somehow, that she was still alive. "Are you serious, Klaus? Bring her back here. I need to hear this for myself."
After the call ended, Lee leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. A faint, bittersweet smile crossed his face.
"So you're still alive, sweet pea," he whispered.
Two days later, Klaus returned.
"Open the gates!" one of the guards shouted, his voice echoing across the walls.
The two giant doors swung open, and Klaus drove in, tires crunching on gravel. Beside him, the woman looked around, her eyes wide with wonder.
"What is this place?" she asked, staring in disbelief.
Klaus chuckled. "I forget what he calls it… but it's home."
The woman could hardly believe her eyes. It was as if she'd stepped into another world, a hidden paradise in the midst of chaos. Kids laughed and played on a small playground. Families strolled through what looked like a town square, and people gathered at makeshift markets. Men leaned against a bar, sharing cigarettes and laughter.
"How did you manage to do all of this?" the woman asked, unable to hide her amazement.
Klaus shrugged. "Didn't do it alone. And I'm not the one in charge. But… I do have some say in things around here."
A few minutes later, they reached a tall, white-painted building standing proud in the middle of the settlement—the residence that Lee and his friends called home.
Klaus parked, turning to the woman. "Come on, he's been waiting to meet you."
The woman nodded, a mixture of excitement and nervousness on her face as she followed Klaus up the steps and through the doors.
As the woman stepped into the building, she couldn't help but notice the guards stationed at every corner. Each one nodded respectfully to Klaus as he passed, murmuring, "Welcome back." She had never seen such a well-organized group; it was clear they took their roles seriously.
After walking through several halls, they reached a large door guarded by a man with a serious expression. Dale stood at attention, blocking their path. He glanced at Klaus and nodded.
"I see you've returned with someone," Dale said, his gaze shifting to the woman.
Klaus nodded. "Yes, and she's an important guest."
With that, Dale stepped aside, allowing them to enter.
Inside, Lee waited by a desk covered in maps and plans, with a woman standing beside him—Rebekah, who had a keen gaze and a calm presence.
"Here she is," Klaus said, motioning toward the lady.
Lee gestured to a chair across from him. "Have a seat."
The woman sat down, crossed her legs, and met Lee's steady gaze. She could tell immediately that he was a man who'd seen both good times and bad.
"Could you tell me the story you shared with Klaus?" Lee asked, his voice calm yet focused.
The woman took a deep breath, glancing around the room before her gaze returned to Lee. "Our village was attacked. Walkers overran us," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "We didn't stand a chance. They were everywhere, tearing down our homes. Most people… didn't make it. But there was this young girl who helped us. She risked everything to get people out of there."
Lee leaned forward, listening closely. "And what was this girl's name?" he asked.
The woman hesitated, then looked Lee directly in the eyes. "Her name is Clementine."