#twd sam

He holds his arms open, letting her waddle into them and throw her arms around his neck in a cuddle. She nuzzles into the side of his throat and he feels himself start to relax and regret trying to leave even if it is to rescue part of his family.

“I'm gonna get Phia and bring her home,” He explains gently.

The toddler cocks her head. “Oh… Where she go?”

He wants to laugh at how sweet she is, but he can't. His heart is breaking and she's tearing it apart with her chubby little baby fingers.

“We don't know,” He sniffs. “So I have to find her.”

The toddler nods, looking thoughtful.

“And daddy too?”

Carl winces, looking away from her hopeful eyes. “Yes. And daddy too.”

The teen picks up his backpack, taking a deep breath as he pulls her hands from his neck and puts it on his shoulders, heading towards the bedroom door.

Judith grabs his sleeve, face more serious than he thought was possible for a kid that still giggles at peek-a-boo if she's in the right mood.

“You'll be back?” She questions, fist locked with inhuman baby strength.

Carl's eye widens, because really, he doesn't know. He hopes he will be, but he doesn’t want to make a promise he can't keep.

“I'm strong,” He offers instead, pulling away. The girl follows him out to the hallway, watching him go. “Take care of Michonne, okay? She loves you.”

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