Drowned Words

12

"Maybe people would be more inclined to help you out if you weren't being such a bitch."
...
2 hours earlier
...
I stood next to the others, it was official... no guns unless you were approved. So basically Rick, Shane, Daryl, and Dale. Kinda BS if you ask me. I shook my head as Shane explained the reasoning, "What are we supposed to do then?" He slightly grit his teeth, "These," Shane unraveled a leather case to show some tools, "Carl found them earlier." That wasn't enough, my statement still stood. Glenn stood at my side, "Dont worry. All of us together these will be fine." I nodded, my fake agreement was to only stop the others from saying anything. Glenn smiled and pat my back, reaching forward and grabbing one of the items. Honestly none of this looked any safer than my own knife but I humored the men, taking the hatchet.

It wasnt long before we all headed back into the forest except T-Dog and Dale. The search for Sophie was going to be difficult but the confidence Daryl had rubbed off on me. If anyone could find her, it was him. I watched as the others slightly spread out, calling for her at times. Stepping over a root, I checked any small crevice possible, "Sophia?"
Glenn walked over, "Any sign?"
Sitting up I shook my head, "No... you?"
"No but Daryl seems to know where he is going," he said.
I nodded and started walking with Glenn, him clearing his throat, "Hey Uh- ehem- can I ask something?"
"Sure," I sighed, "and before you even ask I'll say no. Me and Daryl arent a thing and we wont be."
He chuckled, "No, no..."
"Then go ahead," I nudged him.
"Well actually," Glenn coughed awkwardly, "it's not about Daryl..."
I stopped walking, letting the others wander a bit farther, "Spit it out man you're being weird."
"Well," he sighed, "Shane has been acting weird with you and I couldnt help but wonder..." My eyes widened as he continued, "if maybe something happened? Or was happening?"
"Glenn!" I lightly pushed his shoulder, "No! He is a piece of shit, I would never-"
"-okay, okay! I was just-"
"-Id rather sleep if everyone else."
"-hey, hey- wait... me?" He asked with a small grin.
I rolled my eyes, "Oh shut up."
He chuckled and pushed me back, I grabbed onto his bag as we fooled around. Our laughs small enough just for us but the banter felt amazing. Glenn and I havent had much of a moment to ourselves recently and I forgot how much I missed it. Too bad it had to be about Shane. "Man," I chuckled, "What's with you always assuming shit like that?"
"I dont knowww," he shrugged.
I scoffed and took his hat, putting it on my head, "Do I look like a floozy to you?"
"Of course not," he smiled and kept walking. Both of us continuing the search and trying to find any sign of her.

"Hey! Over here!" Andrea said in a hushed tone. She gestured for us to join some of the others, "Daryl found something."
Before anything else could be said, I sprinted with Glenn close behind me.
"What?"
Rick turned to me, putting a finger over his lips. I nodded and watched as we got closer to a tent that was hidden by bushes. Daryl stepped forward with Rick, checking the area before stepping inside.
"Sofia? Baby?" Carol called out only for silence to be returned.
I watched as the men nodded, stepping inside. The hope in my heart faded as they didnt talk at all, "Boys?"
"Not her," Daryl responded and they both came out. Rick stepped towards Carol, "She isnt here. We should probably-"
A noise sounded in the distance, a small townie like me instantly recognized it. Church bells. My head shot in the direction, "Guys..."
"Who is ringing them?" Carl asked.
A small rush of relief flooded over me, SOMEONE had to be ringing them. The only person on anyone's mind was Sofia, was she smart enough to do that? Although part of me was worried, if we heard it that meant every walker within the radius heard it.

The whole group rushed out, hell it had to have been the fastest I've ever ran. Sofia might not have been my child but she was one of ours. I held her hand, wiped her tears after her father's lash outs, helped with homework, hunting... god if we lost her or Carl it would be a low blow. I may not have been too close to the adults but the children... I knew their favorite color, movie, animal, food. Thinking about the little girl whose favorite color was purple, animal unicorn, movie was Lilo and Stitch, and food was steak.