War on the Body [1]

[18] Coughs and memories

It was worse than Paige thought, people were coming and going but not in the good way. Ten would enter and fifteen more would die.

Paige was rushing from cell to cell, most people were sleeping, just to be safe she started sliding doors closed. It could get worse if another walker had attacked.

As she walked by the main door, Rick was standing there. She walked to the visiting area, closing the door behind her once again.

As she took her mask off Rick looked at her in concern.

"How many?" He asked

" We lost twenty-two, we have around 50 people in there. They are only getting worse, tell me you have good news"

"You have a bucket of elderberries and five gallons of fresh water. Paul from E, he is escorting the sick now. Luanne got sick; people are scared but they are stepping up. Paul has a wife in there-"

"Julie, she is holding on but I'm not sure how much longer she'll make it. Rick, I'm scared. If I don't make it, will you give my dad a letter for me? I haven't finished it but it will be done later"

" You will"

"No Rick! I don't need your optimism right now. I need your word"

Rick nodded his head, "I will give your dad the letter"

"How is Carl and Judith?"

" I haven't been to see them; I can't risk their lives."

"Take them some fresh food, put it in a duffle bag. Stay at the end of the hallway in the administration wing and don't let Carl any farther than the other end. Ask about my dad please"

"About that, He thinks some of the children are sick. He separated them completely, but he isn't sure."

"Have Paul bring them anyway, I'll clear a cell for them. How long ago did Daryl leave?"

" Thirty minutes ago, He has Michonne, Bob and Tyrese. "

Paige nodded her head, "thank you for everything"

" You got it"

Paige put her bandana back on and left the room, quickly grabbing the items outside the main door.

She started making the tea for everyone that was sick, three children including Lizzie walked in the door. Paige stood quickly to check on them.

"Lizzie, the last cell on this side is yours, Nick and Mya the one right beside of Lizzie is yours. The kids made their ways to the cells, Paige finished the tea before grabbing a few plastic cups. As she filled the plastic cups coughing and wheezing overwhelmed the background noise.

She started her rounds once again, this time handing a cup of tea to each person. She came to Caleb's cell to see Sasha tending to him, but Paige couldn't see his chest moving.

" Sasha move away, I need to check his breathing. " Paige leaned her head on his chest, as she listened, she couldn't hear a heartbeat.

She pulled her knife out and was about to put it through his head before Glenn stopped her.

"Paige, let's take him away from everyone first. We need to keep hope alive in here."

Paige nodded her head before Sasha and Glenn helped her into the visiting area. She made Glenn and Sasha stay back and make sure there wasn't any more dead. As she pulled the knife out, Rick walked in to see her.

"He didn't make it" Paige said to the man

As she put the knife through his skull, Rick looked down at his feet.