The start

Dog

It took me a while to gather the supplies I needed to make my journey. Fresh water and food were important regardless. A weapon was necessary. I ddn't know how far I could be, I didn't know if I would find shelter again. But I found a few cabins nearby nearby kind of like beach houses. Might have taken me a week to gather supplies but it took me months to get near the bridge. Constant walking without a bike. Running out of food and water. Have to stop at night. And then finding shelter on top of all that. Running away from walkers when all I have is a rusty screwdriver and a butchers knife I picked up at a gas station. Yet honestly made me feel so privileged and grateful for the communities and resources that we had.

This was it. The bridge had collapsed In the center of that. Looked around the area but didn't see anyone or anything. I don't think anyone's been around here. While if I remember correctly the straight shot to Alexandria. I get ready to move along to get back on the road off of the trail but then I heard the twig snap. I could hear a dog growling behind me. Didn't realize there were still dogs out here. But there was still animal life around this area. I was fairly certain that Daryl and I hunted these grounds. I turn around quickly and draw my knife. But the familiar face made my heart softened, making me drop my arm to my side.

"Harley?"

"Daryl." I ran as fast as I could into his body. Oh, how I missed this. He still smelled the same. Plus wet dog.

"Where have you been? I've been out looking for you. Why haven't you come home sooner?" He says in the crook of my neck. I can feel his voice rumbling up against my collarbone. I missed him so much. His touch, his voice, his everything. Soon my collar bone became wet. He was crying.

"I guess I got carried away from the river. I ended up on a beach somewhere. It's taken me a few weeks to find a map." I shrugged my shoulders. Daryl pulls away, wiping the tears that have fallen and looks at me cautiously.

"Harley, it's been more than a few weeks." He tells me but I knew that.

"Oh yeah, I know that it's been a few months." I shrugged my shoulders.

"No, it's been a year and few a months." He tells me as my eyes widened. Has it really?

"I was gone that long?" I looked down at the ground confused. Woke up on the beach a few months ago. I didn't think it be a year yet. Maybe I was out longer than I expected.

"Yeah. It's been long, everything's changed. I've been pretty much out here looking every day for both you and Rick. I didn't think I'd find you." Daryl says as we hugged again.

"How is he?" I asked. I'm sure everyone is worried about us.

"I haven't found him yet." Daryl looks down at the ground and let's go of me. He was disappointed in himself.

"Well, it took you a year and a few months to find me. I'm sure hes still out there." I smiled softly grabbing his hand. My thumb brushes his knuckles.

"I missed you so much." Daryl says as he hugs me again.

"Not as much as I missed you." I said into his shoulder. The dog comes up and rubs against me.

"Whose this?" I asked as I bent down to pet him. At least I think its a him. He wags tail and lets me pet him gently.

"His name is dog. Found him a few months ago. Along with a woman."

"A woman? She's still around?" I stood up and watched him carefully. His eyes were avoiding mine. This wasn't normal behavior from Daryl.

"No.. I think we need to talk about that. Come on. I've got a camp set up by the river." He tries to wave me over.

"She's not around anymore? She left you with her dog?" I said as I didn't move an inch.

"Harley," Daryl looks at me disappointedly. And then it hit me. Like a frieght train.

"Oh." Was all that came out. He slept with her.

"I see." I turn my back to him. How could he? But then again how could he not? He probably thought I was dead.

"I'm sorry. She made me believe you guys weren't out here anymore. That I should move on." He mumbles. He sounded guilty.

"There's nothing to be sorry about. You thought I was dead. I was gone for a year. You were right to move on. I hope she was good to you." I said sadly as I turned back around to face him.

"Leah's gone. I don't think she's coming back." He shrugged his shoulders uncomfortable.

"Leah?" I asked. He nodded his head. So thats her name.

"But that doesn't matter. You're here." He tells me as he steps toward me.

"Yeah, I am. Anyway, the dogs name is dog?" I chuckled as I try to change the subject. I know he's sorry. I know he wouldn't have done it if I was still around. If he knew I was alive. He would not do this to me on purpose. It was a mistake. He chuckled along.

"Yeah, well he response and he hunts." He scratches the back of his head.

"Yeah? Thats the perfect pet for you then. Hi dog." I bend back down as he licked my face. I smiled and stood back up.