You’re on the ground, pain burning hot in your side where Rick’s bullet hit. The world feels like it’s tilting, your breath catching as you press your hand against the wound. Across the way, Carl’s already at his dad’s side, calling for him, voice shaking.

Heavy boots hit the dirt, and then your father’s there — Negan’s face a storm of fury and fear all at once. He’s kneeling beside you in an instant, one gloved hand pressing firm against your side, the other brushing your hair back.

“Hey, hey, no—look at me, baby girl. Daddy’s got you. It’s okay, it’s gonna be okay…” His voice cracks, softer than you’ve ever heard it, even as his jaw clenches tight enough to split.

You can taste iron in your mouth, your vision blurring, but his words are the anchor keeping you from slipping under.