MAGGIE

   Hershel examines an old toy car as I fold a load of laundry. I occasionally steal glances his way, heart skipping a beat when he grins and giggles. He looks so much like his father, the only part of him resembling me being his slightly lighter brown hair.

   "Mommy, look!" he exclaims in excitement when the car's passenger door opens, holding it up proudly for me to get a closer look. Nodding, I smile and meet his wonder filled gaze.

   "I see it! That's so cool." I say cheerfully, sharing his enthusiasm as I ruffle his thick hair and press a soft kiss to his forehead.

I hear commotion downstairs and swiftly lift Hershel into my arms, temporarily disregarding the remaining unfolded articles of clothing so I can see what's going on.

I see Rick with Enid, and as my foot makes contact with the floor he turns to look in my direction as Enid walks outside.

"Maggie, hey," he greets with a grin. I smile and set Hershel down, watching as he carefully walks to his toys in the living room.

"Hey. Didn't know you were coming." I say whilst brushing strands of hair out of my face.

"I just came to thank you for helping with Judith this morning, and for making breakfast." he informs as he slides his hands into his front pockets.

Nodding I narrow my eyes. There's something else on his mind, and I feel as though I'm not going to enjoy it. "Rick... is there something else?"

With a sigh he leans against a banister, chewing at his bottom lip before speaking. "About Negan. I know you don't trust him, we all have our issues with him, but maybe you could tone down the aggression? I don't want something to be said or done that causes him to... revert back to his old self."

I stand there in shock, unable to fully process the words he's saying. He wants me to cut Negan some slack? Make life easier for him after he changed my life for the worse.

"You're serious? I lost my husband to that man Rick. Don't tell me to go easy on him, because you don't understand how it feels to helplessly watch your loved ones get slaughtered." I snap, instantly regretting my words as I see his expression fall into a sad frown.

He had been there, suffered through it all with me, and here I am selfishly making his feelings inferior to mine.

"I'm sorry— I didn't mean....", I trail off slowly and bite my lip.

Looking down at his boots Rick clears his throat. "It's fine. Don't worry." he assures me in a hushed voice, and after a moment of awkward silence he pushes himself off the banister.

With a deep sigh he looks at me. "I know it's going to be hard. Trust me, I had to fight off my own demons before I could start forgiving him. Our future depends on the choices we make now, Maggie, and I know Glenn wouldn't want you living a life full of hatred."

My stomach knots up when he mentions Glenn, and deep down I know he's right. "Alright, I'll try not to be as aggressive." I say with a soft groan, giving in more so to make up for my harsh words just seconds before.

Pleased with my answer, Rick chuckles softly and rubs the back of his neck. "Thank you. I'll, uh, let you get back to whatever you were doing." He waves goodbye to Hershel before leaving, and I let out a shaky breath.

Looking over at my son I sigh. "Well, Hersh, it looks like mommy's gonna have to play nice."