Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of the farmhouse bedroom.
Rick had barely slept.
For two days he had remained beside the bed, watching every breath his son took.
Carl lay motionless under the blankets.
Bandages wrapped tightly around his abdomen where the bullet had been removed.
Across the room, Lori sat quietly in a chair, exhaustion visible on her face.
Then suddenly—
Carl moved.
Rick immediately leaned forward.
"Carl?"
The boy's eyes slowly opened.
For a moment he looked confused.
The ceiling.
The unfamiliar room.
Then his eyes found his father.
"Dad…"
Rick felt relief crash into him like a wave.
"Hey buddy."
Lori rushed over.
"Oh my God."
Carl tried to sit up but groaned in pain.
"Easy," Rick said gently.
"You were shot."
Carl blinked slowly.
"The woods…"
Rick nodded.
"You're safe now."
Carl looked around the room.
"Where's the soldier?"
Rick frowned slightly.
"Ghost?"
Carl nodded weakly.
"He saved me right?"
Rick hesitated.
"Yeah."
Carl looked relieved.
"I knew it."
Outside the farmhouse, Ghost stood near the fence line scanning the fields.
Beth noticed him again from the porch.
She still didn't understand why someone so young could seem so distant.
Carl appeared at the doorway a few minutes later with Rick supporting him.
When Carl saw Ghost his face lit up.
"You're still here."
Ghost turned slightly.
"Yes."
Carl smiled.
"Good."