Never ending nightmare - 【Daryl Dixion】book one

CHAPTER EIGHT

[not edited]
[WARNING: mentions of blood and death]

The clock was ticking.

Willow was outside on the porch, the little boy's blood dotted on her shirt and pants. She needed some air and she tried convincing herself that if she was outside then Shane and otis would show up.

She rubbed her face, the cool night air cooling her sweat stained neck and back.

She could see the glow of a fire that Rick's group had made. The rest of the group were all enjoying having a place to eat and sleep. She could see Charlie being passed around throughout the group, each one cooing at the baby while blue was set by Daryl enjoying head scratches.

Willow was happy for them. She knew they needed this.

"Thought I'd find you out here." The front door creaked closed behind Maggie as she set down beside the girl.

"Just needed some air." Willow assured her.

Maggie followed her gaze. "They seem happy." She nodded her head to the group. "You think after this is all over I can get a turn with the baby?" She asked, trying to brighten the mood or at least distract her.

Willow turned to Maggie, her lips curling up slightly and a soft chuckle left her throat. "Yeah..yeah you can hold when this is all over." She placed a hand on the girl's back lightly patting.

"Don't worry. They'll make it back in time." Maggie reassured her.

Just then a pair of headlights shone bright as it sped down the dirt driveway. Ottis' old blue pickup truck skidded to a stop as it neared the house. Hershal, Rick, Lori and ottis' wife walked onto the porch, everyone happy for their return. The happiness was short-lived when only one person stumbled out of the truck. Shane stumbled out a duffel bag full of supplies and an oxygen tank in his hands.

Willow quickly pushed herself off the porch and towards Shane. She was quick to grab the bag and oxygen tank. She mumbled a small thanks before making her way back up the porch. "We need to do this now." She told Hershal before slipping inside.

"Alright Carl." She sighed as she began to lay out the things Shane brought back. "You're gonna take a little nap while I help fix you up alright."

The little boy said nothing as he looked around. "Where's my mom and dad?" He asked. He was getting nervous.

Willow moved beside him. "They're outside talking to Shane. They'll be in any minute, alright?" She grabbed a wet washcloth from the bedside table and wiped his sweaty forehead. "It'll be alright. I know it's scary but I'm really good at what I do and I won't let anything happen to you." She spoke softly as she wiped the sweat away.

Carl's shaky hand gripped at the sheets. "Hey, do you like dogs?" Asked Willow the boy nodded. "I-I do." She moved the washcloth to a bowl of cool water where she dunked it. "I have a dog with me..his name's blue." She spoke trying to ease his mind. "He's a big fluff ball." Carl's lips corked slightly at the edges.

"Once you're feeling better I'll bring him so that you can meet him." Willow promised as she placed the wet rag back onto his forehead. "But only if you get better. You can't still be sick and see him."

There was a light knock at the door. Both of their heads looked towards the door. Hershal, Maggie and Patricia stood in the door frame.

"We're ready whenever you are." Hershal took a step inside the others following behind. Willow turned back to Carl. "Are you ready?" She asked softly. She watched as the boy nodded his head.

Willow signaled for Patricia to hand her the anesthesia. "Okay Carl..this is something that puts you to sleep. You won't feel a thing." She said reassuring the boy as best as she could. "You'll sleep well and while you're sleeping I'll fix you right up." She smiled. "You ready?"