The Strangers

Chapter 18

Luke's P.O.V

"Clem, wake up. Please."

I put my hand on her chest, looking for a heart beat.

There wasn't one.

"Clem? Clem? No. No no no no no. Not you, too. Clementine. Wake up. Clem, WAKE UP. You're all I have left. Please. Wake up."

I laid my head on her chest. Crying softly into her t-shirt. She can't be gone.

"Clementine. I'm sorry for everything I've ever done. Every time I yelled at you. This is my fault. I shouldn't have let you outside. I got you killed. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

She can't be gone.

"Did I tell you that today is my birthday? I'm turning 27. Some birthday present, huh? What would you have gotten me? Wo-would you made me something? Kept it a surprise?"

My voice was cracking.

"You would've, wouldn't you? Y-you would've. Will you do me a favor, Clem? Will you tell Nick I said hi? Find your friend, Lee. I want you to be happy. Be happy and free with Lee and Nick. Now, you don't have to worry about surviving. You can finally be a kid. Find your parents, Clem. Be happy. That's all I want from you. Is to be happy. One last time."

I stayed with her for hours. Her small frail body.

Just holding her.