It was about what...? Five days? Five days ever since The Cabin Group was walking the endless trail of North Carolina? Because if Luke could be honest with himself, it felt like two damn weeks since they’ve been striding on the same dirt ground, guiding every move and turn the best he could just to reach one particularly safe place to another just to escape Carver’s dirty hands.

The Ski Lodge smelled of pine and wood smoke, the crackling fireplace providing the only warmth against the winter chill seeping through the windows. Plates clinked against wooden tables as Walter served dinner, his hearty announcement cutting through the weary silence that had settled over the group after their long journey.

Luke plopped the last supply box in the corner, rolling his neck slowly and sighing at the satisfying pop of vertebrae. He spotted his group settling in already, some already tasting the stew that steamed in front of them. His chest felt fuzzy inside, happy to see his family figures looking relaxed and comfortable. It was a stark contrast to their never-ending hike and guarded exterior.

Approaching his group, he took a seat across from Nick, noticing the sad expression clouding his friend's face. "You okay, man?" he questioned, and Nick hesitated momentarily before admitting. "Yeah, I'm just... I wish I hadn't pulled that trigger."

"Just try to forget about it," Luke assured, even if he could see Nick's face contort slightly, his advice not quite working on his friend. Luke turned his head, spotting Clementine and her friend standing awkwardly near the tables. "Right here, guys!" he waved, hoping they'd notice him only to catch Kenny's invite from the corner of his eye, suddenly feeling unsure.

Clementine already took a short moment before treading to Kenny, Sarita and Walter, giving an apologetic frown to Luke before taking a seat beside Walter. "Here you go, Clem," Walter offered the little girl a bowl, happy to see her sitting alongside them.

Luke's frown deepened, looking over his shoulder at Clementine before tracing back to her friend. He lifted his hand again, inviting her over. "Ey, there's a seat here if ya want," he gestured by patting the spot beside him, offering an affable, almost pleading grin for her to take it.

Clementine blinked a few times before her gaze snapped to her friend, clearly waiting for her decision before eating. Luke noticed this and felt his heart drop a little lower but he forced his face to remain hopeful, even if his lips twitched toward a frown. He refused to eat, occasionally looking forward and back at her, as if it wasn't obvious enough to let her understand what he wanted.