Title: Missing Carol's Presence

Author: A.M. Glass

Copyright: April 20, 2013

Rating: T

Disclaimer: All television shows, movies, books, and other copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. As this work is an interpretation of the original material and not for-profit, it constitutes fair use. Reference to real persons, places, or events are made in a fictional context, and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory, or in any way factual. I ripped off this disclaimer... but I do want to add: "The Walking Dead," television show is based upon "The Walking Dead" comic books which were/are created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. It was developed for television by Frank Darabont. And is produced in association by: AMC/Circle of Confusion/Valhalla Motion Pictures/Darkwood Productions and AMC Studios.

Author's Note: This story takes place after the second season. I don't make mention of any particular episode of the third season, but I would say this would be before the season finale. This is my first attempt at a Walking Dead story. Like it, hate it… tell me I should stop while I'm ahead... I can take it. It is a one shot. I'm very surprised I wrote it in the first place.

Special Thanks To: SOA Loving Mom for taking the time to beta my story for me. Thank you so very much. As I said yesterday, I can't wait for updates on "Daylight" and "Wanted."

"Evening Carol." Rick said as he climbed up the watch tower.

"Hello Rick. You're early aren't you?" she replied softly.

He reached the final step, his right hand resting lightly on his gun. He looked out and could see across the prison yard. With the full moon shining brightly, he noticed the shuffling forms of geeks as Daryl liked to call them.

They moved from one spot to the other without sense of purpose; as long as there wasn't any living thing in their vicinity to arouse their voracious appetite for flesh.

"Slow night?" he replied instead as he continued to look out.

"So far."

Rick looked down, trying to get his thoughts in order. He was startled when he felt her hand on his arm.

"Is something wrong? Is it Judith?"

He could hear the slight panic in Carol's voice.

"Nah... she's alright. She's sleeping." he answered.

"Then what's wrong? Why are you out here? You still have time before you shift starts."

Rick shifted from one foot to the other, gripping his gun in the holster tighter, as if it would give him a sense of strength he suddenly felt leave him.

"I... I wanted to thank you." he said without looking in her direction.

He did not see the confusion on her face but he heard it in her voice. "What for?"

Rick took a deep breath. "For Carl..." he dipped his head slightly. "For Judith and... for Lori."

"But I haven't done anything."

"That's where you're wrong." he told her finally looking up and facing her.

He noticed the change she had gone through over the last year. She was stronger than she was before even if she might not be one hundred percent ready to acknowledge it herself.

"You've done so much for me and my family and I know there's no way I can ever repay your kindness and generosity."

"Rick..."

"No… you see, without you Judith might not be the little girl she is now." he shook his head slowly. "I don't want you to think I'm trying to replace Sophia, I'm not."

He heard her gasp.

Rick knew he would take responsibility for Sophia's death to the grave and beyond. He tried, Lord knows he did, but it was no use. And he could not help but feel relieved when Carol forgave him.

But he would never forgive himself.

"What are you trying to say?"

Rick could not help but shift his weight from one foot to the other again in nervous habit.

"I was wondering, hoping really, if you would be Judith's Godmother. I trust you to look after her if something happened to me. Carl... he loves her, but he's still a boy."

"What about Beth or Maggie?"

Rick smiled wryly.

"Don't get me wrong, they're good people – they're family. But, we've been together longer and I know you would do everything in your power to protect her and... and if worse came to worse..."

Rick wasn't sure why he was surprised when Carol embraced him. He felt foolish, his arms dangling at his sides, unsure of what to do.

He had not felt the warmth of another person in a long time. He slowly brought his arms up and returned the embrace, closing his eyes and relishing the feeling.

"I would be honored to be Judith's Godmother." Carol whispered in his ear.

Rick held on tighter as his eyes begun to sting with tears. "Thank you." he replied.

"I may not have always thought it, but, you are a good man Rick Grimes." she smiled, hugged him once more before letting go.

Rick reluctantly released his hold.

"You know." Carol said nudging his shoulder. "This means I'll be able to spoil her more than we normally do." she told him.

Rick smiled as he ran his hand through his hair. "Not too much, that's all I ask."

"I won't make you any promises."

They stood together silently looking out.

"I'll keep you company if you'd like?" Carol asked him after a while.

"No Carol, go on, I have it."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. I'll let Daryl know to relieve you in four hours."

Rick nodded. "Thank you and good night."

"Night Rick."

He kept an eye on her until she reached the door.

She turned in his direction and waved.

He returned the gesture.

He picked up the rifle and kept watch...

Missing Carol's presence.