Under the shade of the imposing apple tree, a group of children had gathered to listen to the exciting tale of a little girl named Sasha. With bright eyes and a playful smile on her face, Sasha narrated the story of a legendary man known as the strongest in the world.
The other children, seated in a circle around Sasha, listened attentively to her words as their imagination took flight. She told them how this brave man had faced a ferocious tiger, fought against a gigantic walker, and although he had lost his arm in battle, he had defeated thousands of monsters. But the most astonishing part, Sasha recounted, was that this man had gathered all the survivors of the world and created a beautiful city where they now lived in peace and harmony.
The children were amazed by Sasha's tale and wondered aloud about the name of this powerful man. With a wide smile, Sasha replied, "His name is Dad." Her words filled the air with a mixture of admiration and pride.
Just then, a rough voice resonated in the air, calling for Sasha. Recognizing her father's call, the girl couldn't contain her excitement and ran to him, leaving the group of children behind. Sasha's father, with a strong and protective appearance, welcomed her with open arms, displaying immense love in his gaze.
On the way back home, Sasha, still fascinated by the story she had shared, looked at her father and curiously asked, "Dad, what are we going to eat today?" Her father tenderly replied that there were plenty of fresh vegetables to enjoy. They continued walking, immersed in a calm and loving conversation.
However, at that precise moment, a voice interrupted their serenity, calling Sasha's father by his full name.
"Airon Darcy..."
They both stopped and turned their gaze towards the person who had uttered those words. It was a man with a disheveled appearance and typical attire of someone who seemed to know Airon well.
Airon, Sasha's father, with a serious expression on his face, stepped away from his daughter for a moment and approached the man.
"There's only one old man who would still call me by my full name, and that's you, Dad..." Airon looked at the man in front of him, feeling no emotion at seeing him here, as he himself had arranged for his father, who was an old man, to live in a safe place.
Sasha, with her curious eyes, saw the old man standing not far from them, so after realizing that it was a conversation she couldn't hear, she moved away from her father and sat on a bench nearby.
Airon spotted his father in the midst of the bustling city that had emerged after the end of the world. He approached him slowly, not knowing exactly what to expect. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they both remained silent, processing the encounter.
Airon's father looked at his son and murmured, "Airon, my son. I can't believe it's really you. How have you managed to survive all this?"
"I've been through a lot, Dad. But here I am, standing and leading this city."
Airon's father was about to step forward when he remembered his past and only said, "I'm glad to see you like this, son. And this girl... is she my granddaughter?"
"Yes, she is your granddaughter. Her name is Sasha... She is the best thing that has happened to me in these past years," Airon said, seeing his daughter in the distance, watching them.
"She is beautiful, Airon. I'm glad you have found some happiness amidst all this."
Airon, maintaining composure, pointed out, "Thank you, Dad. But I want you to know that this will be the last time we speak."
"What do you mean, son? After everything that has happened, I thought we could... try to fix things."
"There's nothing to fix, Dad. Our past has left wounds too deep. But I wish you a long life, far away from all of this..."
Airon's father, with tears in his eyes, nodded sadly and said, "I understand. Perhaps it's for the best. But I'll always be here if you ever change your mind."
"I'm sorry, but that won't happen. I must move on."
After that brief exchange, Airon walked away from his father, leaving behind a story of pain and missed connections. He continued on his path of building a new world, surrounded by people who supported him and in an environment where he could leave his turbulent past behind.
Although Airon's words had been cold, deep down in his heart, he longed for his father to find the peace and redemption he could never grant him. But he knew that his own path required distancing himself from those who had only caused him suffering.
And so, Airon pressed forward, focused on his vision of a better future, where the wounds of the past slowly healed, and hope bloomed in the hearts of every inhabitant of the city he had helped build.
They had a brief yet intense conversation, exchanging words in whispers. Sasha, at a certain distance, observed with curiosity and a slight sense of intrigue.
Soon, Airon returned to Sasha's side and gently took her hand. Although the girl was still full of questions, she could sense that her father was preoccupied with something important. Together, they resumed their journey home, leaving behind the apple tree and the secrets that hung in the air.
...
The sun began to descend on the horizon, painting the sky with golden and orange hues as Airon walked alongside his young daughter Sasha towards their home. The weariness of the day slowly dissipated, replaced by a growing excitement within him. It was his birthday, and although he typically preferred to go unnoticed, this time something special was in store.
As they approached the house, a dazzling sparkle caught his attention. The lights suddenly turned on, and an explosion of confetti and celebratory cheers filled the air. Airon came to a sudden halt, taken aback by the scene unfolding before his eyes.
"Surprise!"
Alicia, his beloved wife, stood on the doorstep with a radiant smile on her face. Beside her were Rick and his two sons, Daryl with his brother Merle, Shane alongside his wife, Abraham, Rosita, and many other familiar faces gathered to pay tribute to Airon on his special day.
Airon let out a deep sigh as memories of the past flooded his mind. Birthdays had been a sad and lonely occasion in previous years, but this time, the situation was different. Those who had fought side by side with him, overcoming obstacles and challenges, were there to celebrate his life.
With a mix of gratitude and awe, Airon crossed the threshold of the house, embracing his wife and daughter. Lively music and laughter filled the air, creating a contagious energy that enveloped everyone present. It was a reminder that, despite the difficulties of the past, life continued, and there were moments of joy that deserved to be celebrated.
The night unfolded amidst hugs, lively conversations, and toasts in honor of Airon. Stories of his feats and leadership echoed in the air, reminding him that his determination and sacrifice had left a profound mark on the lives of those around him.
Amidst the celebration, Airon found moments to converse with each of his loved ones, expressing his gratitude and love for their unwavering support. The darkness of the past had given way to a bright present, where hope and camaraderie flourished.
Finally, the time came to dim the lights and embrace the calm of the night. Airon lay down beside Alicia, feeling the warm embrace of his family stretching throughout the room. In that moment, he knew that this birthday would be unforgettable, not only because of the celebrations and gestures of affection but also as a reminder that life was full of surprises and opportunities to find happiness, even in the darkest moments.
With a smile on his lips and a heart full of gratitude, Airon closed his eyes and surrendered to the sweet slumber of a night filled with love and joy.
...
"Our goal now is Mexico... Entering Canada is still not optimal, so we will take advantage of this opportunity to start aiding and clearing walkers with Mexico..." Airon put down the radio and let out a deep sigh.
"I can finally rest; the time has come..."
Years have passed since I embarked on this journey in a world that seemed doomed to destruction. And today, as I look back, I can't help but feel a mix of awe and gratitude for everything we have accomplished.
I remember the dark days when the virus spread uncontrollably and hope seemed to fade away. The streets were filled with blood-thirsty creatures, and fear was our constant companion. But amidst that chaos, something ignited within me, a fire that refused to be extinguished.
I decided to rise up and fight, leveraging my knowledge of the future. I gathered a group of brave survivors, and together we became a force willing to face any challenge. It wasn't easy; every step was fraught with dangers and sacrifices. But determination and the desire for a better future kept us going.
I recall the faces of those who joined our cause, each with their own stories and skills. Rick, the indomitable leader with a noble heart; Daryl, the silent hunter with impeccable instincts; Shane, the man of action with unwavering loyalty; Abraham, the brave and audacious soldier; Rosita, the courageous and cunning woman. Together, we became an unstoppable force.
Yet, I cannot deny that the greatest change happened within me. I learned to leave behind the mistakes of the past and turn pain into strength. I discovered that I was not just fighting for my survival but for those who believed in me. Every victory, no matter how small, reminded me that my purpose extended beyond myself.
We overcame insurmountable obstacles, confronted hordes of walkers, and faced corrupt leaders seeking their own power. But in every battle, we held onto our values and our humanity. We became a family, united by a common goal: to survive and build a worthy future.
Today, as I look around, I see a thriving city, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. The streets are filled with life, laughter, and dreams coming true. The threat of walkers has significantly diminished, and although we still face challenges, we do so with resilience and a spirit of community that I never thought possible.
I am proud of what we have achieved, of every life we have saved, and every person we have inspired to keep going. Our efforts have been invaluable, and while I am aware that the world remains a dangerous place, I also know that together we are capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Today, I pause for a moment to reflect, to appreciate the path we have traveled, and to thank all those who have put their trust in me. This world could have been completely lost, but our actions proved that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments.
And so, with a heart full of gratitude, I look towards the future with optimism. We will continue to face challenges, but we will do so together, as a family united by determination and the desire for a better world. No matter what destiny has in store for us, I know we are prepared to face it.
This is the conclusion of a long story, but it is also the beginning of a new chapter. And I am ready to face it, knowing that we are not alone. Together, we are stronger than any adversity, and together, we will build a future worth living.
This is our story. The story of how a world on the brink of abyss found a light in the darkness. And I will always remember with pride the role I played in it.
I love you all, and I will always protect you. Thank you for following me in this world infested by the undead; today, all of you have become invincible survivors.