"Family is who you find, not who you share your blood with„
15 year old Rhylee "Ray" Fern Smith has had a tough life. With a haunting past she takes a step into an even worse future. Hopelessly lost in the apocalypse, she searches for her two most l...
"What if she's fine? It's my mind that's wrong And I just let bad thoughts Linger for far too long„
Dark Red - Steve Lacy
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DARYL POV:
"Hey, man, look over there. Group 's holin' up by the quarry." I pointed. I could hear Merle coming up behind me.
"Nice eye, Darlina." I could practically hear Merle's teasing grin from behind me. I didn't bother responding. I never do.
I held back a flinch as Merle's rough hand landed on my shoulder. "Let's go greet 'em, eh? Give the people a little 'ello?"
"Nah, man." I shrugged his hand off. "We gotta find Ray."
"Oh, come on, baby brother, don' ya think I know that?" Merle sounded unusually riled up.
"Ya sure as hell ain't actin' like ya care what 'appens to 'er." I growled and stalked through the woods.
"Ya know I care! I'm jus' thinkin', if we can get these people's stuff, we can find 'er faster!" Merle shouted after me. "We won't have to scavenge no more, brother! We can find 'er with nothin' else to worry 'bout!"
That made me halt my steps. If we just got enough to survive a few weeks without having to scavenge for more...All that time could be used to find Ray. But do we really have time to waste on this? What if she's hurt? What if she needs us now, not later?
I'm stuck. I can't decide. Merle's footsteps were right behind me now. "Come on, little brother...we'll find 'er. She's strong, tha' one. She'll survive. She will." I'm not sure whether he's trying to convince me or himself anymore.
I sighed and turned back to an expecting Merle. "Fine. Git goin'. We ain't stayin' for long." I waved my hand as if chasing away an annoying bug. Merle nodded. Serious for what may be the first time in his entire lifetime.
Together we made our way towards the camp. I didn't know these people, so I made sure to keep my crossbow ready - but down - just in case.
There was quite the bunch of people there. All over the place, all doing different tasks. I could even spot two children reading by the tents. The sight made me feel slightly guilty for having to steal these peoples stuff, but I would do anything for Ray. Anything.
As we neared, one of the residents caught our eyes. He looked strong, like some kinda macho dude, as he quickly made his way towards us with long steps. He drew his gun and shouted out as he got closer. "Hey! Stay right where you are!"
I tensed, afraid we made the wrong choice. After all, how would we find Ray if we were dead? To my relief - and perhaps also terror - Merle spoke out before I could.
