Walsh on a farm

12 childhood wasteland

Walking back to camp we pass Daryl's tent he is poking holes in the windows. I raise my eyebrow not totally surprised he's doing something like that. I'm glad he at camp that means he's alright. Andrea walks in to his tent she is holding a book it says a long m word then man there's words above it too but it's moving to fast to read.

I stop curious about what's going on. Andrea stars speaking "hey Daryl I want to give you this it's not the best but it's all I could find.." she sighs trailing off. Though the window I see Daryl flip through the book "no pictures you gotta be kidding me" he being sarcastic. Her lip upturns but she frowns and shake her head again "I'm feel terrible I'm sorry Daryl if there's anything I can do-." Daryl stops her "you were protecting the group, were good. I'm good with you and the eavesdroppers. Sophia and I smile smiles and run off. I hear Daryl say "stupid nosy brats." But sounds like he doesn't mean it. He says something else to Andrea she says something back but I don't hear either. After switching our shoes again we continue to walk back to camp.

Up ahead I can see aunt Lori and Glenn talking about something they're arguing but whispering trying to hide it I can't tell what they are saying but when they separate they are both upset. When they separate Glenn turns around I can see he's holding a large wooden basket.

Glenn walks over to the truck where Dad, Uncle Rick, and Jimmy are talking around a map. That's spread around on the hood of the truck. He gives what looks like a fruit.

At the camp Carol is sitting by the fire she is clutching her hands together she looks sad. She turns to us when we approach her instantly forcing her mouth into a smile. "Hey dears how is your morning going?" I nod slowly saying "good you." Sophia nod "I'm good we just came from chores" she turns to the fire "we haven't eaten yet so can we have breakfast?" Carol nods "of course you can have breakfast there's always enough food."

Where has she been? There's enough food right now but we will need more soon. Certainly there is not always enough food. Dad and Uncle Rick ration it good but we have had to skip meals a few times. They make sure us kids eat at least twice a day and never go to bed hungry.

Carol turns around walking away. She meets Glenn half way before continuing to the truck. They talk about something but I can't hear what.

I'm about to say something when Glenn walks over "I got breakfast kids It's peaches and jerky. The breakfast of Champions!" He says the last part smiling and flexing his bicep.

Sophia and I chuckle at his joke. Glenn hands us each a peach. He gives Sophia one chunk of jerky but gives me two I look up at him about to ask why but he speaks before I can "your dad wanted you to have his share of jerky." I shake my head "he needs
to eat I can eat my jerky."

Glenn frowns looking surprised he about to say something when Dad shouts "you eat it Jacob I'm fine you're a growing boy." I accept the jerky Lady looks at me with her big eyes I'm about to give her the jerky when Dad yells again "eat it do not give it or share with anyone including Lady she ate this morning." I nod I remembering the empty can by her bowl dad left to tell me he already fed her this morning.

I feel bad about not giving Lady it but I want to listen to Dad so I won't share it. Taking hold of my peach I look up at Glenn "do you know how Carl is doing we want to see him." Glenn smiles "he's ok; On another note why don't you check in front of the Rv there's a surprise."

He doesn't fool me or Sophia for a second. We both take off to the front of the Rv. I'm running hard rocks slipping from under my shoes as I turn the corner my heart is beating hard. My excitement is soaring high Carl my best friend is ok my brother is ok this is the best news I have ever heard. As a round the Rv I see him.