Penance (Book One): Daryl Dixon x Sage Wilson

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"Sage, when are we going home?"

"We can't go home now, Ava. We know that."

"But what if he gets us?"

"If who gets us?"

I look over to Ava, who kicks pebbles across the ground as she munches on an overly ripe banana.

"Mickey's dead." I finish her thoughts, feeling my chest tense up.

"Are you sure?" She looks up at me with her big brown eyes, on the verge of tears.

"Positive. There's no way he made it out there in one piece." I sigh as I look down at my bitten down hands and my chapped, dry skin. I look over to Ava who is shivering as her arms cross over her chest. It was nearing dusk and the wind chill was getting to be colder with late fall approaching.

"Here." I turn around and hand her my thick flannel, standing in nothing but my silk white nightgown I've been wearing for weeks.

"Are you sure?" I cross my hands over my arms, nodding. "I'd rather you be warm over me. I can tough it out. Been through worse than a little cold weather, right?" I laugh.

She nods, immediately putting the coat on her shoulders.

"C'Mon, we need to find a clothing outlet. I know they're everywhere in Atlanta," I stand up and grab her hand, her tossing the banana peel to the side.