The sun had barely risen over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow on the road ahead. Rick, Daryl, Glenn, and Maggie trekked through the overgrown streets, their eyes scanning for any signs of supplies—or danger. The air was thick with tension, a tangible reminder of the world they lived in. But for Rick, something felt off today

As they moved deeper into what was once a bustling suburb, Rick’s mind drifted to Y/N. He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to hear her voice. It wasn't just missing her—it felt like an instinct, a deep-rooted need to connect with her, to make sure she was okay.

“Hey, I’m gonna check in with Y/N,” he announced to the group, stepping off to a slightly more secluded spot. Daryl nodded, knowing how much Y/N meant to Rick, while Glenn and Maggie exchanged encouraging looks.

Rick pressed the button on the walkie-talkie, his heart racing a little as he called out, “Y/N, do you copy?”

There was a brief static before he heard her voice, warm and familiar. “Rick! I read you loud and clear. How’s it going out there?”

Hearing her voice instantly calmed some of the unease gnawing at him. “It’s… quiet. Too quiet, if you ask me. Just the usual scavenging. You holding up alright?”

“Yeah, I’m doing okay. Just keeping busy. The kids are helping me out in the garden; we’re trying to get some food going for the winter,” she replied, her tone cheerful.

Rick couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her energy helping to lift spirits at the base. “That’s good to hear. I just—” He paused, the weight of the moment pressing on him. “I don’t know, I just miss you more than usual today.”

Y/N’s silence was palpable, and for a moment, Rick feared he had revealed too much. But then she spoke, her voice softening. “I miss you too. It’s hard being apart, especially in times like this.”

“Yeah. I’ve got a bad feeling today, like something could happen,” he confessed, running a hand through his hair. “You need me to come back there and take care of you?”