In The End | Daryl Dixon

Chapter 23: Hostages

I had no idea how long it's been. It could have been days, weeks, months, and I wouldn't be able to tell you.

I was leaned up against the same wall that I was when I first came into this room. I was so weak, I hadn't had food, or water in the time I was in here. I couldn't even keep my head up, I was so weak. I felt like if I went to sleep right now, I wouldn't be waking up, and T-dog saved my life. I wasn't going to give up easily, and let his death be in vain. I lightly kept pushing the door open until it would close back on me incase if anyone would be walking by.

I thought I could hear footsteps outside in the hallway, but at this point I didn't care about being quiet. I wanted out of here. I pushed the door one last time with all the strength I had, which wasn't much, before the footsteps stopped. I waited for the walkers to throw themselves at the door, but it never came. Instead, the door was flung open, the sunlight hitting my face causing me to squint. I felt a hand under my chin, tilting my head up. After focusing on the person for a moment, I realized it was Daryl.

"Daryl?" My voice hoarse.

He placed his knife into its sheath on his hip before stepping into the room hooking his arms under my knees and behind my back.

"I gotcha." He said as he lifted me up.

I weakly wrapped my arms around his neck, laying my head on his shoulder as he carried me back to the cell block.

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I rolled over, laying on my back slightly opening my eyes, instead of being met with darkness, I was met with metal of a top bunk. I sat up a bit, looking around confused, until I was met with blue eyes.

"You're awake." Daryl said as he moved to kneel beside the bottom bunk.

I tried to sit up, Daryl quickly coming to my side to help me sit up. Once I was in a comfortable position, I grabbed his hand.

"Thank you." I whispered.

He nodded, squeezing my hand before backing away slowly, "I'm gonna go get Rick, okay? I'll be back." He said before disappearing into the cell block.

A few minutes later I saw a silhouette of someone stepping into the doorway, when I leaned forward my eyes landed on Rick. Rick's face wore several emotions at once, confusion, and relief being the main two.

"Rick." I sighed, grabbing onto the bunk to help me stand.

"Thank God." He grabbed me, pulling me into his embrace. "Thank God."

I closed my eyes, not really believing that I was actually standing in front of him, I didn't think I was going to make it out of there. When I opened my eyes I saw Hershel, hobbling his way over on his crutches. He extended his arm out, and I maneuvered myself into his embrace now.

"How?" He asked bewildered.

"Solitary." I chuckled.

Carol was the next person to give me a hug, "I thought I'd never see you again." She whispered in my ear.

"I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere." I whispered back, smiling at her.

From behind Carol I saw Beth holding something in her arms, when Carol stepped aside I finally was able to make out what it was. A baby. My hand flew to my mouth, she was so beautiful. I turned around to look at Rick with a huge smile on my face, only to be met with a saddened one on his. That was when realization kicked in, and my new found happiness faltered.

"Oh, Rick." My hand rested on his shoulder, and that's what broke him.

He started to let his tears fall down his cheeks, and I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach causing all the air in me to leave. My own tears welled up in my eyes, some falling down my face. I reached up and placed both of my hands on either side of his face,