Tireless Beth

The people in the prison slowly drift outside to welcome Maggie and Glenn back, some even with tears in their eyes. As everyone hugs and celebrates, Rick makes his way back to his cell in block C. He sits down in bed, exhausted from a gut-wrenching all-night operation.

"Has life really become this shit? A non-stop rescue mission? Every day a new life-threatening problem, every day we lose someone." - He was sick of it, so fucking sick of it. Shaking his head, Rick feels the stench emanating from him, he can't remember the last time he showered. But then again, with limited water supply, almost no one in the prison did. Their cells smelled like sweat and their mattresses were probably dirtier than them. As Rick stares at the floor, he hears footsteps. Still pumped with adrenaline, his first instinct is to reach for his revolver, and it takes him about a second to realize he is safe and there’s no need for that anymore.

“Knock, knock!” – Says a gentle and girly voice, which he immediately recognizes as Beth’s.

“Yea, come in.”

“Hey Rick! Everyone’s celebrating in the cafeteria, aren’t you joining us?”

“Nah, Beth. Thank you, but I think I’ll stay here and…” – He pauses, unsure of what to say next to get her to leave him alone.

“Mope?”

“I’m not moping, Beth, I’m just…”

“Moping.” – She says with a giggle.

“No, I’m just… yea… I guess I am moping. I'm just tired of all this.” – He resigns.

“But why? Everyone is thrilled, Maggie and Glenn are back, and it’s all because of you!”

“Yea, so is Andrea’s …”

“You can’t blame yourself, Rick. She knew the risks and she wanted to help just like you. Plus you brought my sister home!” – Beth says, wiping away some tears and giving Rick a tight hug.

Unfazed by the gesture, Rick mumbles: “I don’t know if I can do this anymore, Beth, I really don’t.” – As he feels the smell of Beth’s hair, he wonders: “How the hell can this girl not stink living in this shithole?”

“Of course you can, Rick, I know you can. You’ve been this group’s backbone from day one, we all trust you. Maybe you just need some time off.” – Says Beth with her typical caring smile.

“We all do.” – Rick replies, bitterly.

“But you more. When was the last time you just… stopped?”

“I don’t even know what that means anymore.”

Just after replying to Beth, Rick felt another dizzy spell approaching. He'd been getting those lately. And he was sick of them, too. Luckily, he was already in bed, so he just tried to remain calm and wait for it to go away.

“Beth, I’m feeling… Can you... I’m just a little…"

"Dizzy?"

"Yea, dizzy. I've..."

"Been getting dizzy spells lately, I know." - She cuts him.

"You do? How do you..."

"I saw you at the patio the other day, I saw when you..."

"You saw that? Why didn't you say anything?" - Confronted Rick, a bit embarrassed.

"I didn't want people to see you like that. I know you, I know this is just a phase. But if someone else saw you... maybe they'd start talking..."

"Well, I appreciate it, Beth. I've been having it a bit rough lately, but I'm gonna get better, I promise."

"I know you will!" - Replied Beth excitedly, hoping to cheer Rick up a bit.

"I think I'm gonna lie down a bit now, Beth, this should go away in about 10 minutes if I rest. Thank you for keeping it a secret, I won't forget it." - Said Rick, casually inviting Beth out.

"Hopefully! But I'm not leaving you until I know you're alright." - Replied Beth, casually inviting herself back in.

"No need, Beth. I know how much you already do around here. Go have fun with the others, I'll be okay."

“Nonsense! I’m not leaving you here like this. You need a break, you need rest. Why don't you lie down for a bit? Let me help you unwind a little…”