One way or another [Daryl Dixon]

[15] THE COUNCIL.

"You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated."

-Maya Angelou

There have been no fatalities, no governor, and no threats in the last twelve days. Everything was going so well that it nearly seemed too good to be true. The majority of individuals were outside grooming horses, feeding pigs, or playing in the fields.

And where was I?

Inside my cell, I'm the last one up, polishing my knives. As far as I knew, there were no major plans for today, except from keeping walkers out, which went without saying. With each graze of my blade on the whetstone, my attitude improved as I watched the weapon sharpen and become more dangerous.

Repetitive cries rippled through the air from nowhere. Judy, little Judith . Her cries were no longer quiet; they had been replaced with a high-pitched scream, loud enough to summon a whole walker parade. They ripped through my ears, making me wish I didn't have any. I crept out of my cell and down to her crib, flinching as the blood curdling sobs got more audible with each step.

"It's all right." I cooed as I delicately cradled her head in my arms. Looking down at the distraught newborn in my arms, I rocked her back and forth, doing anything to calm her down.

I urgently tried to recall what used to soothe Aiden all those years ago. The song was familiar in my head, and I could practically hear the ukulele chords as I began to hum along.

Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby

Once in a lullaby, oh

Her petite face screwed up, her blue eyes staring back at me like her father and brother. The once high-pitched scream had been reduced to faint, uncontrollable cries.

Somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly

And the dreams that you dream of

Dreams really do come true-ooh-ohh

The newborn had now stopped sobbing. All I wanted in this messed-up world was for her and Carl to be safe. I swore to protect little Judy the moment I laid eyes on her.

Someday I'll wish upon a star

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me