#connieweek

Day 4 - The Cave

Seeing how Connie went back to save Daryl & Carol,I imagined Daryl being the one to find Connie. She got out safely, but clearly exhausted. After her heroic act, she’s the one now rescued after showing her bravery & selfishness.

For Day 5 'Reunion,' I decided to write my ideas on how I'm imagining the reunion to go. I've had it in my head that Connie & Maggie arrive at hilltop together in the aftermath of the whisperer battle.

Kelly, Yumiko & Luke would be the first to see her. Kelly, ahead of her group, would race toward her sister and tearfully embrace Connie, and Connie would hold her close. Luke and Yumiko would follow suit, wrapping their arms around the sisters, enveloping them in a tight embrace. They’d pull apart just enough, inquiring where Magna was. Yumiko would already feel it in her heart that she’s gone.

She’d wants to remain strong despite the pain engulfing her heart, and because she’d be half parts thankful for Connie’s safe return and wholly heartbroken. The absence of Magna would not be lost on Kelly or Luke, who’d look from Connie, to Yumiko to each other; a silent goodbye for their fallen friend, and they’d all embrace once more, providing comfort for each other.

Those who’d recognize their former leader Maggie would be gathering around, smiling and greeting her, watching the reunion. We’d then see a scene where Daryl is looking out a window from inside and he’d see Maggie. But due to the crowd, he wouldn’t see Connie, though he’d see her group near Maggie. He would be surprised at seeing Maggie at Hilltop at all, so he would make his way outside and toward the gathering crowd...and it would disperse just enough that he can make out the back of a familiar head of hair.

We’d see Daryl slow ever so slightly in his stride, eyes widening slightly in disbelief. You would tell his heart is pounding fast, just by the expression on his face. He’d see Kelly, Yumiko and Luke are surrounding someone and Kelly would turn just enough to notice Daryl. With a tearful smile, she’d release her hold on the one hidden from his view…Connie.

Daryl's expression would tell it all. His mouth would tremble from the shock, the relief, the unwavering affection that’d hit him like a tidal wave, and he’d make his way toward her. Connie would be smiling brightly, her own eyes shining with unshed tears. Daryl wouldn’t stop until he's right before her. Around him, eyes would watch their scene, but to Daryl and Connie, in this moment, it would just be the two of them.

Daryl would reach out a hand, almost hesitantly, as if afraid she might disappear if he got any closer. His hand would land gently on her shoulder…she'd still be there. A genuine smile would grace his lips for the first time in what would have felt like forever.

The two would lock eyes, a thousand conversations would do no justice to the raw emotions conveyed in them; emotions reserved for one another.

Closing the distance between them, neither one quite knowing who was first, their arms would wrap around the other, pulling each other into a warm embrace. Daryl would hold her tightly, because if this was some kind of elaborate dream, he'd want to cherish it for as long as possible before reality took hold.

But when they part, in what could've been seconds, minutes, or days, she'd still very much be there...and he'd feel whole again.

He’d notice the absence of Magna, and in each other’s eyes, they’d have a silent understanding of the loss; the pain of it all. They’d give one another a heartfelt smile, before he’d turn to Maggie in a greeting hug, and Connie would wrap her arm around Kelly.