Daryl's Girl

Chapter 26

Everyone stopped dead in their tracks as the growling and moaning got louder and louder. Our eyes glued to the gap in the doors. Hershal and Maggie still sobbing beside me.

I wouldn't blame Hershal for kicking them all off of the farm. I wish it didn't have to happen for some, but I was part of Hershal's family, and after the events that've just taken place, I had to support him. I can't go back to that group, especially with Shane. Not because of how he was around everyone else, but also because of his actions towards me. He was dangerous and I wanted nothing to do with him. 

My mind, once again, began to fill with questions and thoughts. I couldn't be around Shane, but what about Daryl? I could try and persuade Hershal to let him stay, if he wanted to that is. I'm sure everyone would understand. But if he didn't, then I'd be the one who'll just have to understand. He's known them way longer than he has me and it was something I hadn't even considered until now. Staying here, for me, is more than just Hershal, it would mean a way of being closer with my mother, if not, a good place for me to set up in search of the rest of my group. 

For now, it was safe.

I turned my attention back to the events in front of us and watched as everyone continued to fixate on the doors. No one moving.

Sure enough, another walker appeared from the shadows. I couldn't see its face, but it was a lot smaller than the rest. More child sized. It then stumbled into the gap and my heart stopped. The clean, brightly coloured rainbow t-shirt was now covered in dirt and blood. Her hair was greasy and out of place and her skin all pale. The little girl we've been searching for was one of them. She was gone before any of us could find her. Here the whole time.

I turned my head to look at Carol. She was in compete shock. The tears beginning to stream down her face as she ran to her daughter. All I wanted to do was run and catch her but I couldn't. It was like my feet were glued to the floor.

Luckily, Daryl quickly dropped his gun and caught her before she could get any closer. "Sophia...Sophia...Sophia." She wept. "Oh no. Sophia."

It crushed me to see Carol this way. Once again, that same thought going through my mind. If only I'd stopped her. If only I'd gone after her and ignored Tyler, like I knew I should've, she'd still be here, she'd still be alive and with her mother. Not dead in a barn surrounded, by a dozen more just like her. This was all my fault. She was dead because of me.

I looked around again as I felt the tears building in my eyes and saw Lori sat on the ground cradling Carl, who was in mounds of tears as he looked at Sophia. Rick also with a tear in his eye, his face filled with anger and what looked to be guilt. I even saw Shane look guilty for the first time about what he'd done, but that didn't mean anything.

As Sophia stumbled over the dead bodies, I couldn't hold it in anymore and I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I never got the chance to meet her, but I couldn't shake the fact that I could've prevented all of this. If only I'd stood up for myself sooner, if Tyler hadn't stopped me. I should've done something. I have no one to blame but myself. I'd killed this girl.

I glanced over at Daryl, who also had tears in his eyes, but he stayed strong as he held Carol. I'm guessing finding this little girl meant more to him than he's letting on and whether he wanted anyone else to see it or not, I could. Everything that we'd done, that he'd done was for nothing.

By now, most people had bowed their heads, tears rolling down their cheeks. Every now and again looking up at the young girl getting closer and closer. Even Shane showing what looked like remorse.

"Don't watch." I heard Lori mutter to Carl behind me and looked up to see Rick pass me, taking out his gun and making his way to the front.

He then raised it and stopped. Hershal turning to look at me, placing his hand on mine as I continued to watch. The little hope we had was gone. Rick standing with his aim locked onto her. The strength it must take to even hold the gun up was something I knew I'd never be able to do.

Knowing what was about to happen, I closed my eyes and flinched at the sound of the gunshot. The sound of the body hitting the floor to follow. The sobs echoing in my mind.

After that, it all went quiet. Sophia was gone...forever.