Just Hold On - Daryl Dixon (TWD)

26.

*Lucia's POV*

The ten of us plus Judith who was still under Carl's sheet walked silently; keeping an eye on all of our surroundings. We all glanced around wearily, trying not to draw any attention, but also wanting to be alert. The sun was starting to set and we knew we didn't have too long left before it would be dark.

Some of the walker's sunken-in bodies walked past us. Some had simple bites while others sported the look of their intestines hanging out. A few were so rotted that they soon would not be able to move any longer as all that would be left is bone.

Once we were far enough from most walkers and out of sight, we grouped together to listen to Rick. Jessie, Gabe, and I all stood with Rick while the others stood watch to make sure we weren't surprised by anything.

"Alright, new plan. Flares from the few guns won't be enough. Too many walkers, too spread out. We're not going to the armory. We need our vehicles back at the quarry. All of us drive, we need to round 'em up. We leave, we come back," he said, explaining the plan.

"Okay..." Jessie started, but I could see that she had something else to say.

We locked eyes for a moment before her gaze trailed over to Carl. Immediately, I knew what she was thinking.

"Judith. To the quarry and back... Rick she won't be able to make that trip," I said, looking at Rick and then at Carl.

"I'll take her," Gabriel said, looking terrified, yet determined.

"Keep her safe in my church until you all lead the walkers away."

All of us looked at Gabriel now. We all knew he had been a coward before, and he had also betrayed us only a few days ago.

"Can you do this?" Michonne asked, speaking up from her spot.

"I'm supposed to. I have to," he said while looking at her.

"I will," this time he directed his words to Rick, looking into his blue eyes.

The two Grimes men shared a look for a moment. Carl gave his dad a slight nod which then led Rick to his final decision.

"Alright," he nodded.

Carl took baby Judith out from under his sheet, passing her over to the priest. She whined a little bit, not knowing what was going on around her. Rick shushed her before pulling the sheet over her head once again.

"Take Sam," Jessie shot in.

"No. Mom, I'm not leaving you," he whined, starting to get emotional.

"Sam,-"

"Mom, I'm not. I can keep going," the small boy said.

I looked between them. I could see the fear in Sam's eyes. He's not staying with his mom because he feels brave enough; he's terrified. He doesn't want to be separated from her. Once Jessie had decided that we would keep Sam with us, I came to my own conclusion.

"Jackson, go with Gabriel," I said, pushing the boy closer to Gabe gently.

"What?" He asked.

I leaned over to my little man and whispered in his ear.

"I know you're strong. Much stronger than Sam. But Gabe and Judith may need help. I need you to protect Judith if Gabe can't, okay?" I said, sounding like I was giving him an important job to do.

He leaned back and gripped my hand one more time.

"Okay," he whispered.

"I'll take care of her, mama."