[ Consciousness comes sluggishly. He can't seem to open his eyes, swimming through the blank emptiness toward a small crack of light and getting nowhere. Waking shouldn't be this hard. It feels like he just went to sleep, limbs heavy, not working. It's funny. He doesn't feel anything, pain or not. Like he's a head without a body.
So he doesn't. He simply lets go.
The next time, it feels different. His fingers twitch. Where he couldn't hear anything before, there's definitely noise, but it sounds like he's underwater. Distant. Muffled. Can't make out the words. His eyes still feel heavy, but Carl feels like it's important to open them.
Open. Come on. Just once.
When he finally manages it, it's hard to process exactly what he's seeing. Stark white walls. The smell of disinfectant. The sound of a few machines nearby. A heart monitor and.. something else. It's not right.
There's sound nearby. Not the expanse of nothing but nature. The sound of death groans. The heart monitor spikes, the beats speeding up as his brain tries to piece everything together. The edges don't fit. It hurts his head.
He lets his head flop to the side, opening his eyes briefly one more time. The sight is a relief, and he tries to call out to his dad, to let him know that he's here, but all that comes out is a raspy croak.
...Weird. How long had he been asleep? And where the hell were they? It wasn't the farm. Nor Alexandria.. The hand beneath his is warm, his dad holding his hand loosely. Carl curls his fingers as best he can. Why isn't anything responding? ]
[ One second and everything changed for good in the life of Rick Grimes. For one thing, a freak accident left his son in a coma with the doctors unsure if he would ever wake up but Rick refused even the possibility of such a thing. When Carl woke up they would find a way to put the pieces back together of their lives. The second biggest change being the complete destruction of his marriage with Lori. It turned out Lori had started seeing Shane not too long into Carl's coma. Anytime Rick left to sit by Carl's bedside, Shane and Lori were together. One night, he learned the truth when he came home earlier to grab a quick shower and found them in bed.
It led to a very, very messy divorce.
A year or so later, a new transfer to the station sparked a romance for him and he also received a new partner. The latter he still needed to get used to but Arat vouched for the man being decent, just with a very loud mouth and zero boundaries. Shane transferred to another precinct but he and Lori continued trading off when they sat by Carl's bedside. Rick wanted to make sure someone would always be there with him no matter what.
Sleepily dozing in the chair beside Carl's bed, Rick snapped awake when he felt movement against his hand. Eyes flashing open, he looked up at Carl's face in hope. ]
Carl. [ The name nearly came out like a sob from his lips and after he pressed a kiss to Carl's forehead, he went to alert the doctor and nurses. They bustled into the room quickly to check Carl's vitals and explain to Rick what would happen from there.
Once everyone left, he moved back over to Carl to cup his cheek and sit back down. ]
How're you feelin'? It's been awhile. [ He grabbed for a cup of water to help Carl drink it, relief making his shoulders sag and his heart clench up. ] So happy you're awake.
[ The feeling of dread sits heavily in his stomach as the room is flooded with doctors and nurses. He doesn't really follow what they're saying, what little focus he has staying on his dad's face. They feel familiar, but there are entirely too many people around. Honestly, he just wants to go back to sleep.
It takes what he feels is an unnecessarily long time to find his voice. Carl is glad for the help as he sips at the water, he doesn't think he could hold anything without dropping it. ]
How-- [ The words stop and he takes a few long moments to look around the room for anything familiar. A glimpse of the life they've had. Had they somehow managed to find another civilization with actual doctors? It's similar enough to what he was told about the hospital in Atlanta.. None of this is right. His dad looks the same as he remembers, though aged from stress. With everything that has happened with Negan, it's understandable.
Negan. They can't waste any time with laying around, they have to prepare for the war they know is coming.. Carl's attention flicks to the tubes attached to his arm. He should really take those out so they can leave.
He couldn't just lay here! Even though he's just woken up, Carl feels tired down to the bone, but resists letting his eyes shut. Shifting as much as he has the energy to, he flops his head sideways on the pillow so he can better watch his dad and the door. It still makes him uneasy that they're just sitting here. What his dad says finally registers. It's been a while. What's that supposed to mean? Did he actually get Lucille to the back of the head? ]
[ While not the most religious person by any means, Rick knew Carl waking up was a miracle beyond any other comprehension. The doctors made sure to tell them often how Carl's injuries were substantial and they needed to prepare for the possibility their son may never regain consciousness but Rick never gave up. He refused to ever give up when it came to Carl and it paid off. Lori might have doubted but Rick never wavered as easily. Clearly, given his solo commitment to the vows they once shared.
There were so many things he needed to tell Carl but in a slower way to not upset him unnecessarily. It would be a shock to the system to learn of Lori and Shane's marriage and his new romance with Arat. But he knew Carl would like Arat when given the chance to get to know her. Nearly, everyone approved of her, minus Lori but he knew to never expect her to easily accept anything in his life now.
Squeezing Carl's hand, he fumbled for his cell phone in his other. He needed to call Lori and Shane to tell them the incredible news. ]
You had an accident Carl but it's okay now. [ Rick leaned forward to press a kiss against Carl's forehead, pulling back when Lori picked up and he explained to her what happened. ]
[ He hung up a few moments later and pocketed his phone again. ] Your mom and Shane will be here in about twenty minutes. I'll call the station later to let 'em know I won't be in today. [ With another squeeze of Carl's hand, he let out a soft breath. ] Negan won't be happy 'bout it, he'll have to deal with one of the rookie's as a partner -- you'll meet 'im later. He's my new partner. Shane transferred to another station after -- I knew you'd wake up, Carl, never doubted it.
Dad, wha-- [ Nothing is making sense. Mom's alive, and with Shane? Why isn't she here? How are they both alive? Carl shot both of them. They were dead. As good as buried. This has to be some sort of fever dream that he's caught in..
His heart leaps up to his throat, lodging itself there. He's my new partner. That can't be right. Dad wouldn't actually work alongside Negan without harboring the hatred he carries. Struggling to get his body to cooperate, Carl pushes himself up onto his elbows so he can attempt to sit fully.
Carl's head is throbbing, trying to wrap around everything his dad is saying, but none of it matches up against what he knows is real. Why was no one else around? Where was Michonne?? He desperately wanted to see her, too. She'd make all of this seem more normal, at least..
Frantically, he looks around the room for any sign that another vitally important member of their family was missing. Rick hadn't even mentioned her.. Brow furrowed in worry, his gaze turns back to his dad's face. Trying to swallow past the lump still in his throat, he rasps: ]
[ The look on Carl's face more than anything else worried him. He looked so troubled and oddly confused, which he understood. Being in a coma for so long made things very difficult to come to terms with. Reaching out, he tried to help Carl lay back and rest, running a hand over his hair with a softening smile. Having his son back changed everything and he couldn't wait to introduce everyone new in his life.
Judy? A girl from school, perhaps? Had Carl ever mentioned her before? The name didn't ring a bell other than Carl's teacher but why would he want her contacted? Sitting back down on the chair, he tilted his head slightly to the side. ]
You want me to call her? Anyone else you want to see? Might be a few more days till ya can have a lot of visitors.
[ Gripping for Carl's hand, he opened his mouth to say something else but the nurses and doctors rushed in before he could. The heart monitor beeping so wildly alerted them. They bustled him back and tried to calm Carl down again, checking all his vitals. His heart leapt into his throat and he felt everything within him churning up. Losing Carl after having him back so soon would destroy him. ]
[ He wants to pull his hand away, lash out at his dad, but his limbs aren't cooperating as he'd like. Everything is sluggish, wrong signals being sent. How can he not know who his own daughter is? He may have been asleep for a while, but at least he wasn't acting crazy..
He's on the verge of arguing when a handful of nurses rush in and help ease him back down. Carl fights weakly, but futilely. Funny, he doesn't ache quite so much anymore as he had.. The last thing he sees as he stops fighting just how heavy his eyelids are is a nurse with long blonde hair and a sympathetic smile.
..Beth?
The next time he wakes up, it's dark outside, light mostly dimmed in the room save for a small lamp. Dad is still sitting in that same chair and he feels slightly nauseous. Less disoriented, at least, though his limbs still feel floaty. Carl takes a few minutes to try and process what happened, along with everything Rick had tried to tell him. Some of it had to be a dream, right? If he was sleeping for quite a while, it's possible, right?
He's a little disappointed that he didn't wake up to mom sitting at his bedside like she used to when he was a kid..But she's still dead in the ground. Can't be alive like he said.. ]
[ The voice he manages to find again is quiet, and he stays laying down, curled under the too-thin hospital blankets. ]
[ Worry filled his face as he kept his eyes carefully trained on Carl while the doctors and nurses took care of him. Why had Judy riled him up so fiercely? He could call the teacher if absolutely necessary but something felt off about the entire thing. The way Carl's eyes darted around and the sheer desperation in his voice as if they were missing apart of their family. Perhaps they just had the disorientation to blame and the long length of the coma. Had Carl dreamed during it, blurring the fantasy with the present?
Slumping back into the chair when everyone left, Rick dozed back and forth himself, rousing instantly from the sound of Carl's voice. Stifling a yawn, he looked over towards the entrance of the room. Why did Carl need one of the nurses? ]
Ya hurtin', Carl? Need anythin? [ With a look of concern, he pressed the button to call one of the nurses and Beth appeared in a couple of seconds with a soft smile on her face. ] Think Carl needs somethin'.
[ They both looked over at him, waiting for what he needed to say but before he really had the chance Lori and Shane practically burst into the room. Lori sobbing and rushing over to Carl's bedside. Rick sighed and tried to hold onto Lori to keep her from draping herself over their son. He hardly gave Shane a second glance, far too angry still about how things happened between all of them.
Lori quickly demanded to speak to a doctor and to view the results herself, which prompted a slight disagreement between her and Shane. Typical. ]
[ He has to think about the question, and he shakes his head sluggishly. Beth comes back into the room and he smiles at her. It's good to see her alive. He knows that logically it doesn't make sense for her to be around, but he's glad. Carl has always liked Beth. As she's checking over his vitals, he addresses her quietly. ]
Is Maggie here, too? [ Beth looks equal parts surprised and confused by his outburst, but before she can say anything, Lori and Shane come into the room in a flurry of motion and noise.
Carl opens his mouth to speak, but find that he can't. His hands tremble, and he grips the sheets tightly so that they still.
He can't believe it..
They're standing right in front of him looking the same way they did the day they died.. His mom's arms wrap around him as best as she can from how he's laying. Her fingers move gently through his hair and god, he whimpers. ]
M-mom... [ His voice cracks, and he grabs onto her as tight as he can. This will never happen again. He'll wake up and they'll be back in Alexandria and this will all have been a dream. One he doesn't want to wake up from.. ]
[ While Lori and Carl shared a moment, Shane pulled Rick over to talk to him. More like argue with him about Carl's care and where he should end up outside of the hospital to recover. Of course, Lori and Shane felt he should stay with them because they wanted to claim they had a more stable environment. He nearly laughed out loud by the insinuation because really? They were constantly having parties and staying out all hours of the night or so he heard around the block.
When it came to stability, he had far more. He had a stable job, relationship and home life. Carl would come home with him and he made sure to drive the point home with Shane. The man looked downright furious but tried to keep from reacting too much outwardly all the same.
An outburst would only prove his point more. ]
[ Lori kissed Carl's forehead, looking at him with pure happiness on her face. ] Of course I am, sweetheart, traffic kept us a little longer than we expected but we got here as soon as we could. Do you need anything? Anything at all? I can get it for you.
[ Keeping an ear out, Rick nearly rolled his eyes at Lori's insistence. This would be messy, wouldn't it? ]
[ He shakes his head, disbelieving that this is happening. It feels so real, but there are facts he knows for sure- Mom is dead, Shane is dead, and Judith means more to him in the world than anything, now. All of this? He's having trouble fully wrapping his mind around it. Carl lets his mom hold him, even gives her a strained and tired smile when she kisses his forehead. ]
You didn't bring Judith. [ It's a plain observation, but maybe dad didn't want to upset him for some reason. Mom was always the one to tell him things.. ]
[ Watching the display, Shane's hands rested on his hips. God, when they got that phone call, the one that he and Lori had gotten so used to not getting.. It's a god damned miracle, really. Concerning, though. They'd done a lot of research on what to expect.. Taking care of Carl is going to be a full-time job. One Rick isn't really equipped for. He levels his old partner with a sympathetic look, but schools it into something more professional while all the while, he's fuming on the inside.
What kind of guy keeps a woman away from her kid? ]
I get where you're comin' from, Rick. I do. But the fact of the matter is: Carl's gonna be needin' a lot of care. Something you really ain't got the luxury of givin' him with your job. His mama? She can look after him the way he'll need. Whenever he needs it- not when it suits your work schedule.
[ A low blow, really. They have Carl to think about now, and there's a high possibility he'll have special needs for the foreseeable future. Never heard of anyone waking up from a coma not being a little fucked up. ]
[ With his attention on Shane at the moment, Rick missed most of the exchange between Lori and Carl but happened to hear the name 'Judith' again. Carl seemed so determined to see or talk to whoever Judith happened to be but Rick only knew of his teacher. His favorite teacher, though, so maybe it meant something. A comfort, maybe? Some familiarity?
Lori looked just as confused, continuing to run her hand through Carl's hair. ]
Who is Judith, sweetheart? [ Unlike Rick, she didn't try to ease things with him as much. ]
[ Shane had better feel really glad they were currently in a hospital, in Carl's room no less or else he would have found himself bleeding on the ground. Jaw working, he tried to keep the tight smile on his face to not alert too much suspicion their way.
What kind of man stole another man's wife? ]
Ya mean the same way you both took care of Carl while he was in the coma? You both barely came by even after the Doctor told us all how hearing our voices mattered. [ His fingers curled tightly into his palms. ] Would this care be before or after your wild nights out or the multitude of parties you throw? Because I don't think either one of you are fit to do what Carl needs right now. If I got to, I'll take a leave of absence from work but there's no way in hell I'm leavin' him. You both can come stay with us sometimes.
[ More so, his problem rested with Shane, who he found completely unfit to take care of anyone, least of all Carl. He had too brutal of an approach and defaulted onto selfish behaviors more often than not, shown by the relationship he forged with Lori.
Shane could try all he wanted but he would never be him.
But Lori had drifted as well, seemingly capturing onto the life she 'lost' when they had Carl and she became a mother and a wife. ]
[ He's angry. Angrier than he's felt in a long time, he feels. Carl jerks his head away from his mom's hand, that single eye narrowing to a slit. He could forgive her for not knowing, since she died giving birth to her... but if she's here, it makes sense that she would know, right? And what about Shane? Judith is technically hers. He's not stupid.. He's known for a while, because they don't really look similar. It doesn't matter, though. She's still his sister, and for that matter.. ]
Your daughter??!
[ Shane does his best to stay calm, he really does. The fact of the matter is, Rick's pissing him off a little, and this really isn't the bestsituation. His mouth presses into a thin line and his hand comes up to rub over his chin before his eyes focus back on Carl and Lori. The kid's getting agitated about something, though he couldn't say what, he hadn't been putting that much focus on the conversation. Let his mom have some time with him, and all. ]
D'you even have the damndest clue what this has been doin' to Lori? Her little boy's been in this damn hospital for years-- not knowing whether he was ever gonna wake up again. Thank god he did, but all she wanted was a little support, and she sure as hell wasn't getting it from you, Rick.
[ He stops his tirade when Carl starts yelling, or as best as the kid can. Probably hurts like hell. Shane takes another step closer to the bed when it looks like Carl might strike out. Daughter? What the hell was he going on about? Lori sure as hell wasn't pregnant. Hasn't been since Carl. ]
Hey now-- Don't go yellin' at yer mom. Just lie down and stay calm.
[ With how in tune he tended to be, Rick had already turned towards Carl before he even exclaimed anything else and Shane stormed over. The anger he felt for his former best friend simmered in the background in favor of focusing on Carl and making sure he didn't hurt himself in his agitation. The last thing they needed was for him to have a relapse, especially so soon after waking up in the first place.
Letting out a calming breath, he approached closer to Carl's bed on the opposite side from Lori. ]
Carl, look at me. Remember what the doctor said - steady breaths. In and out. Tell me what is upsettin' ya. We'll figure it out.
[ The frustration he felt towards Lori and Shane only heightened because neither knew how to deal with this. HE had been the one to sit with the doctors in all the meetings and HE had been the one to attend the support groups. Had it been difficult? Of course, but he wanted to make sure to be there for Carl and make up for all the days he missed in the past because of work. Never again. He wouldn't miss one single day ever again. ]
We can work out anythin' together. You know that.
[ Lori looked angry but she took a step forward to murmur similar things to Carl. ]
[ It's hard to catch a breath, to even think past the red flags going off in his head. None of them know, they don’t—
Carl, look at me. His dad’s voice cuts through and he does manage to look at him, though he still struggles to breathe normally. He glances around the room; his mom is hovering anxiously, and Shane looks angry. His focus goes back to his dad with a feeble nod as he tries to keep his breathing level. Once it’s back under control, he feels exhausted, mentally and physically. Why are none of them talking about Judith? It’s like she doesn’t exist, and Carl knows in his heart that she does. He watched her grow up.. ]
I’m just tired.. When can I go home? [ He looks between his mom and dad. ]
[ Shane watched everything with his arms crossed and a contemplative expression. What research he did said that someone waking up from a coma would be confused, might mix up some details- but this seems more complicated than that. Carl is seriously convinced that this Judith is real, and upset by it. Rick’s not handling this too well, and it’s clear to him that Carl should go home with them to be with his mom. Everything has been so hard on Lori, having Carl back is overwhelming in the best of ways. How many birthdays did she spend in agony because he was growing up in the hospital unable to return the hugs from his parents? ]
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@ringleadering || The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
Date: 2017-06-27 03:39 am (UTC)So he doesn't. He simply lets go.
The next time, it feels different. His fingers twitch. Where he couldn't hear anything before, there's definitely noise, but it sounds like he's underwater. Distant. Muffled. Can't make out the words. His eyes still feel heavy, but Carl feels like it's important to open them.
Open. Come on. Just once.
When he finally manages it, it's hard to process exactly what he's seeing. Stark white walls. The smell of disinfectant. The sound of a few machines nearby. A heart monitor and.. something else. It's not right.
There's sound nearby. Not the expanse of nothing but nature. The sound of death groans. The heart monitor spikes, the beats speeding up as his brain tries to piece everything together. The edges don't fit. It hurts his head.
He lets his head flop to the side, opening his eyes briefly one more time. The sight is a relief, and he tries to call out to his dad, to let him know that he's here, but all that comes out is a raspy croak.
...Weird. How long had he been asleep? And where the hell were they? It wasn't the farm. Nor Alexandria.. The hand beneath his is warm, his dad holding his hand loosely. Carl curls his fingers as best he can. Why isn't anything responding? ]
no subject
Date: 2017-06-30 03:56 pm (UTC)It led to a very, very messy divorce.
A year or so later, a new transfer to the station sparked a romance for him and he also received a new partner. The latter he still needed to get used to but Arat vouched for the man being decent, just with a very loud mouth and zero boundaries. Shane transferred to another precinct but he and Lori continued trading off when they sat by Carl's bedside. Rick wanted to make sure someone would always be there with him no matter what.
Sleepily dozing in the chair beside Carl's bed, Rick snapped awake when he felt movement against his hand. Eyes flashing open, he looked up at Carl's face in hope. ]
Carl. [ The name nearly came out like a sob from his lips and after he pressed a kiss to Carl's forehead, he went to alert the doctor and nurses. They bustled into the room quickly to check Carl's vitals and explain to Rick what would happen from there.
Once everyone left, he moved back over to Carl to cup his cheek and sit back down. ]
How're you feelin'? It's been awhile. [ He grabbed for a cup of water to help Carl drink it, relief making his shoulders sag and his heart clench up. ] So happy you're awake.
no subject
Date: 2017-07-01 02:15 am (UTC)It takes what he feels is an unnecessarily long time to find his voice. Carl is glad for the help as he sips at the water, he doesn't think he could hold anything without dropping it. ]
How-- [ The words stop and he takes a few long moments to look around the room for anything familiar. A glimpse of the life they've had. Had they somehow managed to find another civilization with actual doctors? It's similar enough to what he was told about the hospital in Atlanta.. None of this is right. His dad looks the same as he remembers, though aged from stress. With everything that has happened with Negan, it's understandable.
Negan. They can't waste any time with laying around, they have to prepare for the war they know is coming.. Carl's attention flicks to the tubes attached to his arm. He should really take those out so they can leave.
He couldn't just lay here! Even though he's just woken up, Carl feels tired down to the bone, but resists letting his eyes shut. Shifting as much as he has the energy to, he flops his head sideways on the pillow so he can better watch his dad and the door. It still makes him uneasy that they're just sitting here. What his dad says finally registers. It's been a while. What's that supposed to mean? Did he actually get Lucille to the back of the head? ]
'm okay. What happened?
no subject
Date: 2017-07-02 09:05 pm (UTC)There were so many things he needed to tell Carl but in a slower way to not upset him unnecessarily. It would be a shock to the system to learn of Lori and Shane's marriage and his new romance with Arat. But he knew Carl would like Arat when given the chance to get to know her. Nearly, everyone approved of her, minus Lori but he knew to never expect her to easily accept anything in his life now.
Squeezing Carl's hand, he fumbled for his cell phone in his other. He needed to call Lori and Shane to tell them the incredible news. ]
You had an accident Carl but it's okay now. [ Rick leaned forward to press a kiss against Carl's forehead, pulling back when Lori picked up and he explained to her what happened. ]
[ He hung up a few moments later and pocketed his phone again. ] Your mom and Shane will be here in about twenty minutes. I'll call the station later to let 'em know I won't be in today. [ With another squeeze of Carl's hand, he let out a soft breath. ] Negan won't be happy 'bout it, he'll have to deal with one of the rookie's as a partner -- you'll meet 'im later. He's my new partner. Shane transferred to another station after -- I knew you'd wake up, Carl, never doubted it.
no subject
Date: 2017-07-03 12:32 am (UTC)His heart leaps up to his throat, lodging itself there. He's my new partner. That can't be right. Dad wouldn't actually work alongside Negan without harboring the hatred he carries. Struggling to get his body to cooperate, Carl pushes himself up onto his elbows so he can attempt to sit fully.
Carl's head is throbbing, trying to wrap around everything his dad is saying, but none of it matches up against what he knows is real. Why was no one else around? Where was Michonne?? He desperately wanted to see her, too. She'd make all of this seem more normal, at least..
Frantically, he looks around the room for any sign that another vitally important member of their family was missing. Rick hadn't even mentioned her.. Brow furrowed in worry, his gaze turns back to his dad's face. Trying to swallow past the lump still in his throat, he rasps: ]
Where's Judy?
no subject
Date: 2017-07-06 05:52 pm (UTC)Judy? A girl from school, perhaps? Had Carl ever mentioned her before? The name didn't ring a bell other than Carl's teacher but why would he want her contacted? Sitting back down on the chair, he tilted his head slightly to the side. ]
You want me to call her? Anyone else you want to see? Might be a few more days till ya can have a lot of visitors.
[ Gripping for Carl's hand, he opened his mouth to say something else but the nurses and doctors rushed in before he could. The heart monitor beeping so wildly alerted them. They bustled him back and tried to calm Carl down again, checking all his vitals. His heart leapt into his throat and he felt everything within him churning up. Losing Carl after having him back so soon would destroy him. ]
no subject
Date: 2017-07-07 04:36 am (UTC)[ He wants to pull his hand away, lash out at his dad, but his limbs aren't cooperating as he'd like. Everything is sluggish, wrong signals being sent. How can he not know who his own daughter is? He may have been asleep for a while, but at least he wasn't acting crazy..
He's on the verge of arguing when a handful of nurses rush in and help ease him back down. Carl fights weakly, but futilely. Funny, he doesn't ache quite so much anymore as he had.. The last thing he sees as he stops fighting just how heavy his eyelids are is a nurse with long blonde hair and a sympathetic smile.
..Beth?
The next time he wakes up, it's dark outside, light mostly dimmed in the room save for a small lamp. Dad is still sitting in that same chair and he feels slightly nauseous. Less disoriented, at least, though his limbs still feel floaty. Carl takes a few minutes to try and process what happened, along with everything Rick had tried to tell him. Some of it had to be a dream, right? If he was sleeping for quite a while, it's possible, right?
He's a little disappointed that he didn't wake up to mom sitting at his bedside like she used to when he was a kid..But she's still dead in the ground. Can't be alive like he said.. ]
[ The voice he manages to find again is quiet, and he stays laying down, curled under the too-thin hospital blankets. ]
Where did Beth go?
no subject
Date: 2017-07-09 12:57 am (UTC)Slumping back into the chair when everyone left, Rick dozed back and forth himself, rousing instantly from the sound of Carl's voice. Stifling a yawn, he looked over towards the entrance of the room. Why did Carl need one of the nurses? ]
Ya hurtin', Carl? Need anythin? [ With a look of concern, he pressed the button to call one of the nurses and Beth appeared in a couple of seconds with a soft smile on her face. ] Think Carl needs somethin'.
[ They both looked over at him, waiting for what he needed to say but before he really had the chance Lori and Shane practically burst into the room. Lori sobbing and rushing over to Carl's bedside. Rick sighed and tried to hold onto Lori to keep her from draping herself over their son. He hardly gave Shane a second glance, far too angry still about how things happened between all of them.
Lori quickly demanded to speak to a doctor and to view the results herself, which prompted a slight disagreement between her and Shane. Typical. ]
Can we all calm down? Carl just woke up!
no subject
Date: 2017-07-11 04:30 am (UTC)Is Maggie here, too? [ Beth looks equal parts surprised and confused by his outburst, but before she can say anything, Lori and Shane come into the room in a flurry of motion and noise.
Carl opens his mouth to speak, but find that he can't. His hands tremble, and he grips the sheets tightly so that they still.
He can't believe it..
They're standing right in front of him looking the same way they did the day they died.. His mom's arms wrap around him as best as she can from how he's laying. Her fingers move gently through his hair and god, he whimpers. ]
M-mom... [ His voice cracks, and he grabs onto her as tight as he can. This will never happen again. He'll wake up and they'll be back in Alexandria and this will all have been a dream. One he doesn't want to wake up from.. ]
You're really here..
no subject
Date: 2017-07-13 03:21 am (UTC)When it came to stability, he had far more. He had a stable job, relationship and home life. Carl would come home with him and he made sure to drive the point home with Shane. The man looked downright furious but tried to keep from reacting too much outwardly all the same.
An outburst would only prove his point more. ]
[ Lori kissed Carl's forehead, looking at him with pure happiness on her face. ] Of course I am, sweetheart, traffic kept us a little longer than we expected but we got here as soon as we could. Do you need anything? Anything at all? I can get it for you.
[ Keeping an ear out, Rick nearly rolled his eyes at Lori's insistence. This would be messy, wouldn't it? ]
no subject
Date: 2017-07-13 03:54 pm (UTC)You didn't bring Judith. [ It's a plain observation, but maybe dad didn't want to upset him for some reason. Mom was always the one to tell him things.. ]
[ Watching the display, Shane's hands rested on his hips. God, when they got that phone call, the one that he and Lori had gotten so used to not getting.. It's a god damned miracle, really. Concerning, though. They'd done a lot of research on what to expect.. Taking care of Carl is going to be a full-time job. One Rick isn't really equipped for. He levels his old partner with a sympathetic look, but schools it into something more professional while all the while, he's fuming on the inside.
What kind of guy keeps a woman away from her kid? ]
I get where you're comin' from, Rick. I do. But the fact of the matter is: Carl's gonna be needin' a lot of care. Something you really ain't got the luxury of givin' him with your job. His mama? She can look after him the way he'll need. Whenever he needs it- not when it suits your work schedule.
[ A low blow, really. They have Carl to think about now, and there's a high possibility he'll have special needs for the foreseeable future. Never heard of anyone waking up from a coma not being a little fucked up. ]
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Date: 2017-07-14 01:57 am (UTC)Lori looked just as confused, continuing to run her hand through Carl's hair. ]
Who is Judith, sweetheart? [ Unlike Rick, she didn't try to ease things with him as much. ]
[ Shane had better feel really glad they were currently in a hospital, in Carl's room no less or else he would have found himself bleeding on the ground. Jaw working, he tried to keep the tight smile on his face to not alert too much suspicion their way.
What kind of man stole another man's wife? ]
Ya mean the same way you both took care of Carl while he was in the coma? You both barely came by even after the Doctor told us all how hearing our voices mattered. [ His fingers curled tightly into his palms. ] Would this care be before or after your wild nights out or the multitude of parties you throw? Because I don't think either one of you are fit to do what Carl needs right now. If I got to, I'll take a leave of absence from work but there's no way in hell I'm leavin' him. You both can come stay with us sometimes.
[ More so, his problem rested with Shane, who he found completely unfit to take care of anyone, least of all Carl. He had too brutal of an approach and defaulted onto selfish behaviors more often than not, shown by the relationship he forged with Lori.
Shane could try all he wanted but he would never be him.
But Lori had drifted as well, seemingly capturing onto the life she 'lost' when they had Carl and she became a mother and a wife. ]
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Date: 2017-07-21 01:10 am (UTC)Your daughter??!
[ Shane does his best to stay calm, he really does. The fact of the matter is, Rick's pissing him off a little, and this really isn't the bestsituation. His mouth presses into a thin line and his hand comes up to rub over his chin before his eyes focus back on Carl and Lori. The kid's getting agitated about something, though he couldn't say what, he hadn't been putting that much focus on the conversation. Let his mom have some time with him, and all. ]
D'you even have the damndest clue what this has been doin' to Lori? Her little boy's been in this damn hospital for years-- not knowing whether he was ever gonna wake up again. Thank god he did, but all she wanted was a little support, and she sure as hell wasn't getting it from you, Rick.
[ He stops his tirade when Carl starts yelling, or as best as the kid can. Probably hurts like hell. Shane takes another step closer to the bed when it looks like Carl might strike out. Daughter? What the hell was he going on about? Lori sure as hell wasn't pregnant. Hasn't been since Carl. ]
Hey now-- Don't go yellin' at yer mom. Just lie down and stay calm.
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Date: 2017-07-22 05:31 pm (UTC)Letting out a calming breath, he approached closer to Carl's bed on the opposite side from Lori. ]
Carl, look at me. Remember what the doctor said - steady breaths. In and out. Tell me what is upsettin' ya. We'll figure it out.
[ The frustration he felt towards Lori and Shane only heightened because neither knew how to deal with this. HE had been the one to sit with the doctors in all the meetings and HE had been the one to attend the support groups. Had it been difficult? Of course, but he wanted to make sure to be there for Carl and make up for all the days he missed in the past because of work. Never again. He wouldn't miss one single day ever again. ]
We can work out anythin' together. You know that.
[ Lori looked angry but she took a step forward to murmur similar things to Carl. ]
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Date: 2018-01-09 05:51 pm (UTC)Carl, look at me. His dad’s voice cuts through and he does manage to look at him, though he still struggles to breathe normally. He glances around the room; his mom is hovering anxiously, and Shane looks angry. His focus goes back to his dad with a feeble nod as he tries to keep his breathing level. Once it’s back under control, he feels exhausted, mentally and physically. Why are none of them talking about Judith? It’s like she doesn’t exist, and Carl knows in his heart that she does. He watched her grow up.. ]
I’m just tired.. When can I go home? [ He looks between his mom and dad. ]
[ Shane watched everything with his arms crossed and a contemplative expression. What research he did said that someone waking up from a coma would be confused, might mix up some details- but this seems more complicated than that. Carl is seriously convinced that this Judith is real, and upset by it. Rick’s not handling this too well, and it’s clear to him that Carl should go home with them to be with his mom. Everything has been so hard on Lori, having Carl back is overwhelming in the best of ways. How many birthdays did she spend in agony because he was growing up in the hospital unable to return the hugs from his parents? ]