Love & Death

6 months

Six months later, we dispatched another group consisting of Glenn, Andrea, T-Dog, Morales, Jacqui, my brother Eric, and Merle. They were expected back soon, but their absence was worrying and made me anxious. While the other women were busy with chores, I sat in a chair, lost in thought. Eventually, I decided to get up and lend a hand. As the day progressed and there was still no sign of their return, anxiety grew. Suddenly, we heard T-Dog over the walkie-talkie system; they were stranded and needed assistance. Jumping to my feet upon hearing this, Amy attempted to respond, but there was no reply. Shane tried as well, but then we lost the connection.
"We have to go help them" Amy said "no one can go they are fine" Shane said I went up to Shane "let me go I've been on thousands of runs in the city I'll be fine" I said he shook his head no "no one leaves" I huffed and walked away to my tent laying down on the bed Rogue made his way over to my sleeping bag noticing my disturbance and cuddled up against my body. Hours later I heard a siren going off quickly strapping my weapons and my crossbow I left the tent Rogue on my heal. I looked over to the left and saw a red car and Glenn standing beside it happy to see him back I quickly ran over to him and hugged him.

"Glad you're back," I told him. He smiled, and as I was about to speak, Amy interrupted, frantically asking about her sister's well-being, while Shane complained about the noise from the car.

"Yes, everyone is fine, everyone's okay," he assured, calming the crowd. "How did you guys escape?" Shane inquired. "The new guy helped us," he replied. "New guy?" I echoed, puzzled. Then, spotting my brother, I rushed over and embraced him tightly. "Never do that again," I admonished, tears in my eyes, as I placed a hand on his cheek. "Don't worry sis, I'm too fast for them," he comforted me. I nodded, feeling reassured by his arm around me. "Found him in the city; he was stuck in a tank," Morales explained, joining us. "It's wonderful to see you," Dale greeted, hugging him warmly. "Hey, helicopter boy, come meet everyone," he called out. We all looked forward to the newcomer's arrival. He had curly brown hair, blue eyes, a white shirt, and jeans. He looked familiar, but before I could place him, a scream diverted my attention. Carl was yelling "Dad!" as he sprinted toward the man. I glanced at Shane; his expression was far from pleased. "Oh God, I'm so relieved to have found you," the man exclaimed. It was a moment of joyful reunion.

A couple of hours later, after spending some time with my brother, I decided to get up and help out. As I walked around, I looked for Carl and Sophia, eventually finding Lori.

"Hey, do you know where Carl and Sophia are?" I inquired. She glanced around. "I believe they mentioned they were heading to play in the woods." Acknowledging this, I began my search. As I ventured, alarming screams echoed from their direction. My pace escalated to a sprint, knife at the ready. Before long, Carl appeared, unharmed, and Sophia was safe as well. They rushed towards me, their embrace forcing me to my knees, and I held them tightly. "You're okay," I reassured them, eyes darting for danger but finding none. "What happened?" I questioned Carl as others passed by, glancing at my brother. "There's... a walker," he uttered in fear. Confused, I steadied them. "Calm down. Tell me what occurred." "A walker," he repeated, terrified. My concern grew. "That sounds terrifying," I acknowledged. They agreed and hurried to their anxious mothers. Rising swiftly, I ran towards the commotion. There, Shane, Rick, Dale, Eric, and others were fending off a zombie, avoiding its head until Dale decisively severed it. "This is a first; they don't usually venture this far up the mountain," Dale remarked with concern.

"Well, they're running out of food in the city," Jim remarked. I glanced over and noticed a deer that had been devoured; it displayed a bite mark and an arrow in its side. Aware of the culprit, I moved closer to my brother, who protectively shielded me with his body, my hand resting on his upper arm.

Suddenly, there was a rustle in the trees. We all stood ready, tense, anticipating what might emerge. I steeled myself, expecting another zombie, but instead, a figure materialized—a silhouette followed by piercing blue eyes slicing through the forest. Then, he stepped fully into view, visibly upset by the sight of the zombie.