There’s still the hum of insects in the trees, the distant crackle of a fire, the occasional murmur of hushed voices from the others, but the world feels softer here—inside the thin walls of your tent, where it's just you and Rick. Just him, here in the dim glow of a lantern, sitting so close that his warmth presses against you like a second skin. You can barely even believe he’s here next to you.

As he further settles in behind you his arms wrap tightly around your waist. The feeling of them there is all too familiar. “I found you both.” Rick whispered, his face pressing against your shoulder. You muttered a soft ‘yeah’. Your hands moved to lightly hold his forearm wrapped around you. “I knew I would,” he added, his voice low. You made a small remark about how he was getting a bit too cocky. “No. No, I knew.” He paused for a moment. “Walking into our home, finding an empty house, both of you gone.” He continued.

You apologized again, feeling so remorseful. For leaving without him, for thinking he was dead; for everything. “I knew you were alive.” He stated over your apology. You asked how, hearing the distant rumbling of thunder. “The photos were gone, all our family albums.” He replied. This caused you to softly laugh.

You sat up, reaching behind your sleeping bag to pull out one of the very photo albums he mentioned. He rested his head on your shoulder as you both looked at the pictures. His gaze drifted down to his wedding ring. It was hanging on your necklace, like it had been since you left. “I wondered where that went.” He said softly. You looked down, asking if he wanted it back. “Of course.”

You pulled the ring off your necklace, taking his hand to slip it on his ring finger. He admired it before slowly dragging his gaze up to yours.