Seven years into the future, Carl envisioned a life of harmony. A life where Alexandria, Hilltop, the Kingdom, and the Oasis thrived together...with the Saviors and the Sanctuary being allies as well.

••

Rick Grimes woke up from his slumber. He looked over at the clock, and wondered why it hadn't sounded. He got up, picked up his cane, and began getting dressed.

He walked into the dining room, where he heard music playing. Michonne was sitting at the table, drinking coffee.

Rick: You turned off the alarm.

Michonne smirked.

Michonne: They can manage without you for one morning.

Rick smiled, and gave Michonne a kiss.

Carl walked into the dining room soon after.

Carl: We're all playing hooky.

Rick: What's with this music?

Carl: Hey, I didn't put it on.

In reality, Judith was listening to music. The eight year old ran into the room and hugged Rick moments later.

Judith: They made a big owl for the party.

Rick: Really?

Michonne: People are taking this festival very seriously. Y/N and Clem are on their way here to help set up.

Rick: It'd be nice to see them again.

Judith: Let's go outside, daddy.

Rick nodded.

Rick: All right. Daddy needs to stretch his legs anyway.

Rick and Judith left their house, and began walking down the streets of Alexandria. People were tending to their crops and helping set up for the festival in a couple days.

Judith: Jerry!

Ezekiel's friend and guard, Jerry, was helping Siddiq move blocks of concrete.

Jerry: 'Sup Jude!

Jerry carried Judith to give her a hug, and let her down soon after.

Jerry: Hey, Rick.

Rick: Everything okay?

Jerry: Just came over for the butternut skillet cake you guys make.

Rick chuckled, leaning against his cane.

Rick: You rode out from the Kingdom for dessert?

Jerry: Hell's yeah.

Rick nodded.

Rick: Well, I'll leave you to your masonry duty.

Jerry: Later, Rick.

Jerry waved goodbye to Judith. Rick then walked with her down the street again.

The both of them strolled down, and something caught Rick's eye. He saw you moving crates into a shack. Him and Judith went over to greet you.

Judith: Y/N!

You had just put a crate down, and looked over at Judith. A smile grew on your face.

You: Hey, babygirl.

You crouched down to hug her, and looked up at Rick as you did.

You: Morning, Rick. You seem to get older every-time I come here.

You chuckled as you got back up.

Rick: Nice to see you too, Y/N. Don't worry, you'll get to my age and feel what I feel.

Judith: Is Aunt Clem with you?

You: She is...and she brought a very special guest.

You look back, and see Clementine walking with a three year old boy. Your son, Dale.

Judith's eyes light up. She always loved seeing Dale. She ran up to the both of them.

Clementine: Hey, Jude.

Judith gave her a hug, then pinched Dale's cheeks.

You and Rick look over and smile.

Rick: How'd the trip here treat y'all? How's the Oasis?

You: It went well. Roads are clear, thank god. Lee's looking after the base while Clem and I drop off the goods.

Rick: It's great to see the three of you again.

You smile. It's been about a month since you've visited Alexandria.

You: I'm glad your doing all right, Rick.

Your son, Dale, walked over and hugged your leg. You look down, and chuckle.

You: Hey, buddy. Wanna say hi to grandpa Rick?

Rick scoffs, but smiles after.

Rick: Haha.

Dale: Hi, Rick.

Rick: Hiya, Dale.

Dale reaches over towards Rick's cane.

Dale: Can I play with...stick?

Rick: Maybe later, during story time. I need right now.

Dale nods.

You then remember one person you wanted to go see. You saw him on your way inside before you started working.

You: Well, I'll see you around. I'd like to go talk with someone.

Rick nods, and you walk with Dale back to Clementine and Judith. Rick calls Judith over.

Judith: Bye.

Clementine: Bye, Judith.

You both wave goodbye, as Rick starts walking away with her. You look at Clementine.

You: Let's go.

The three of you walk down the streets of Alexandria, on your way to the garden. There, you see the man you wanted to greet, picking strawberries.

He turns, and sees the three of you. He smiles as he gets back up.

You: Say 'good morning', Dale.

Dale walks over to Negan, and hugs him.

Dale: Good morning.

Negan picks up him, and plants a kiss on his grandnephew's cheek.

Negan: Good morning to you, kiddo.

You: Hey, Negan.

Negan continues to carry Dale as he replies.

Negan: If you would've told me you were coming before, I would've worn something nicer.

Clementine: Next time we'll send a messenger pigeon to you.

The two of them laugh. Negan puts Dale down, who then begins to pick a strawberry from the plants.

Negan: I got some right here, buddy.

Negan picks up a basket of strawberries nearby, and lets Dale grab one. He then offers you and Clementine some as well, which you accept.

You: Gym teacher turned farmer. In my opinion, the latter turned out better.

Negan chuckled.

Negan: I do miss yelling at my students whenever they'd fuck up on running suicides.

Negan then looks down at Dale, and excuses himself.

Negan: Language. Sorry.

Carl then walks up to the four of you. Dale is the first to take notice, as his eyepatch and hat always caught his eye.

Dale: Carl!

Carl hug Dale, and lets him wear his sheriff's hat.

You: Carl, good morning.

Carl: Good morning, all of you.

Negan: I got some strawberries for you to make me that good jam you always do, Carl.

Carl: I do make some good jam.

Clementine: Doesn't Enid do like...85% of the work?

Carl: No...maybe like 75%.

You chuckle. Carl looks at you.

Carl: You remember the rematch?

You: What?

Carl: 1v1. On the court. You said the next time you came it'd happen.

You remember. The last time you came to Alexandria you played a match of basketball with Carl on the courts they had installed. You lost, and said a rematch was due soon.

You: I'm a man of my word. All right.

You give a kiss to Clementine, then to Dale. You then walk with Carl down the street, conversing about the day so far.

••

This was just one day of a future that Carl envisioned. Carl dreamt of a life of harmony. Even if it wasn't exactly like this, he wanted just some resemblance of it.

It was now up to his father to dictate if this will be a possible future. As Carl once said...

...there's gotta be something after.