You and Carl have been waiting years for Rick's return after Michonne said that he was still alive ,everything was better.

in the meantime you and Carl had became parents,your beautiful son was a sweetheart, even if not by blood he was really yours by heart, you still remember when you saved him from the whisperers.

your son was now 4 when Rick came back,Carl run to his dad while you were standing behind them,holding hands with your son.

Rick still hadn't noticed the little kid behind you.