Michonne's P.O.V

"Listen," I banged my hand against the counter of the front desk and sighed deeply, "You have to believe me. I know them, my son is with him."

"Ma'am I am not denying that you don't, I'm just saying we would need permission from his father."

Jesus, why is the world so complicated? Why couldn't today had been a normal day like I had planned..

"Alright." I scoffed.

I quickly pulled ny phone from ny pocket and called Rick quicker than you can even say quick.
My fingers aren't long for anything, they work at the speed of light.

"Michonne," he sniffled, answering the phone.

"Baby-- baby, is Andre with you? Is everything alright back there?"

"I need you." He whispered.

His voice was low and shaky, and I could hear him quietly hyperventilating to himself. And although I don't wanna hear him like this, or see him for that matter.. I've gotta be there for him.

I placed my phone on speaker and cleared ny throat as Rick continued to sob.

"Rick, I need you to tell the lady that I am free to go back there."

More cries, more sobs. No words.

"Rick, honey, listen to me," I sighed "If you need me, I need you to admit that you know me."

"I know her." He blurted.

I turned back toward the lady and tilted my head mischievously at her as she rolled her eyes.

"Room 32." She handed me a paper and I instantly took off down the hall, leaving no time to spare.

"I'm coming Rick." And with that, I hung up the phone and ran toward the stairs.

No time to take the elevator, plus I need the exercise.

I climbed the stairs like spider man, reaching the second floor in no time.

I paced the halls frantically until I finally stumbled upon the 30's, and that's where I found Rick, at the end of the hallway with his head placed gently on Andre's shoulder.

I ran to them and dropped to my knees, watching tears fall from Rick's eyes unto Andre's resting body.

I took Andre from his hands and laid him upon the chair beside us.

"Stand up." I commanded.

He looked up at me, with a scared face and red, puffy eyes. But he draped his head again and I couldn't see how deranged or miserable he look.

So I scooted closer, and I placed my dark brown fingers across his pale, freshly shaven, jawline.
His tears dripped on my hand but I didn't care.

All the tension in my body calmed down a bit..  I was afraid to see him hurt and broken down like this, but I've got so much love for him there's no way I could turn around.

"Rick," I tried to remove his hands from over his eyes, but instead he gave me a firm push, sending me tumbling to my butt, since I was already squatting unsteadily.

I get it. He's going through alot right now, and his head isn't okay. The push meant nothing more than 'please give me space', and in that way I understood. I would want space if my son was on a hospital bed fighting for his life too.

It all happened so fast. One moment, I was sitting in my car, applying Chapstick and the next my phone was blaring with the emergency services --- telling me that my son was in custody with my boyfriend at the hospital.. and I wish I would have never asked why, god knows I wished i wouldn't have.

Because when the officer said, "His son's been shot."

My heart broke beyond measures and I felt like dying myself.

After I got a little more information, I found out that it was an accident. He and Ron were playing around at Rick's house, and somehow they had gotten hold of Rick's hunting gun.. and it went off, only catching Carl.

"Be strong. He'll make it." I whispered.

He looked at me, with eyes that screamed for help, and pulled me closer.

"Just don't let go." He cried.

I ran my fingers throughout his curls and held his head firmly in my shoulder, "I'm not planning on it."
___________________________________

1:46 A.M

We weren't able to see Carl until 1:46 A.M.
But that's okay, it was worth the wait.
It was worth seeing him lie on the bed, still breathing.

He'll make it, Carl's a fighter. I just wish Rick would realize that..

I began to approach Rick as he sat alongside the hospital bed, clutching Carl's hand, but slowly drifting into slumber.

I placed a kiss onto his forehead and his eyes shot open, scaring the living hell out of me.

I jumped back, and gripped the shirt on my chest, damn his eyes are scary.

He stood up and let go of his boy's hand, then turned toward me and stood with his hands on his hips.

"Thank you for staying tonight." He nodded.

"It's not a problem," I faked a smile "I know you'd do it for me."

I looked over at my son sleeping on the only couch in the room, leaving me to sleep in one of the small, uncomfortable black chairs... and Rick too.

My eyes met his once more, and, they were filled with solemnity. Their aspiring, deep ocean blue held a truth that his face couldn't hide. The despairing chill that they gave made me feel heartbroken.

I tried to looked away but I couldn't bear it. What was usually strength, now showed weakness. What used to be joy now showed grief. Then a tear rolled down his cheek. I could feel him crying inside me, the feeling hurt like hell.

I don't want to see someone I love cry... So, perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while so that we can see with a clearer view again.

He gave a reassuring blink and in the moment, I realized that I loved him and I couldn't bear to see him like this.

I love him.