Love & Death

CDC

After settling on a plan, Rick decided to head to the CDC in search of answers, with Shane's support amidst the flurry of opinions. Once the decision was made, we all began packing. I gathered my belongings and Rogue's, placing them outside the tent, uncertain of the next steps. Ignoring those concerns, I returned to the tent and started to dismantle it, struggling a bit. As I persevered, Daryl came over to lend a hand. Together, we took down the tent, packed it up, and loaded it onto the truck. I looked at him, puzzled as to why he suggested I ride with him.

She gazed at her jeep, overwhelmed by emotions from the adventures shared with her brother. The RV needed fuel for the journey, so they siphoned gas and filled it up. As she turned back to the car, Daryl held the door open for her. She climbed in, Rogue hopped into the back, and Daryl closed the door before taking the driver's seat. She rested her head against the window, watching the trees blur by, while Daryl, seated beside her, couldn't shake his concern for her, though he didn't understand the reason. Hours later, the RV came to a halt due to a blown gasket, prompting the convoy to stop. Everyone disembarked, except for Shayna, who remained seated, unresponsive.

"Guys, it's Jim," she said, her voice laced with panic. Her gaze shifted to Shane and Rick carrying the man, but she was indifferent. Everyone bid their farewells, except for her, lost in a void, oblivious to Jim's watchful eyes from afar. As everyone returned to their vehicles, Daryl headed to the truck, taking the driver's seat. He glanced at her still form, exhaling a sigh, at a loss for words in this unfamiliar scenario. He studied her, searching for the right words, but found none. "I'm sorry about your face," she finally spoke, turning to him. His eyes widened in surprise. "So, you can talk," he retorted with a scoff, then a smirk, eliciting a laugh from her. "It's alright," he reassured, understanding her grief wasn't about him. Hours passed, and they arrived at the CDC, a site resembling a battlefield aftermath.

Exiting the truck, Shayna headed to the rear with Rogue trailing behind. She retrieved her pack and Rogue's, ensuring her knives and hatchets were in their designated spots. Her gun was secured at her back, and she held her crossbow at the ready. Daryl glanced at her, then drew her in close as they approached the door, wary of the situation.

The ground was littered with the fallen walkers, their stench of decay wafting through the air, eliciting groans from the group. Shayna quickly produced a white bandana, placing it over her mouth as a barrier against the foul odor.

The gang moved silently among the decaying bodies, ever vigilant as they surveyed their surroundings. When they finally reached the door, it was evident that it hadn't been accessed in a long time. With no lights visible from any direction and nightfall approaching rapidly, lingering in the darkness so near to the city seemed unwise.

Shayna's head swiveled, surveying their surroundings as T spoke. "There's no one here," he said. Rick glanced around. "Then why are the shutters down?" he asked T. Silence reigned until Glenn's voice cut through, "Walkers." Heads turned toward the direction of the walkers; the children's fear was palpable as they began to sob. "You led us to a graveyard," Daryl accused angrily. "Calm down, son. He made a call," Dale interjected, defending Rick. "It was the wrong damn call," Daryl retorted, his anger mounting. "Guys, we need to stay calm; panic is when mistakes happen," Shayna interjected. The group, looking worried, nodded in agreement. "Okay, what's our plan now?" she asked, scanning the group. "This is a dead end," Shane stated, approaching the pacing Rick. "We can't be this close to the city after dark," Lori murmured, clutching Carl tightly. "There's still Fort Benning, Rick. It's still an option," Shane reminded Rick.

"On what? We have no food, no gas. It's a hundred miles the other way," Andrea stated. "One twenty-five," Glenn interjected, eliciting a smile from me. "Forget Fort Benning. We need answers tonight, immediately," she demanded. The group started to withdraw, but I stayed next to Rick, relying on his judgment. Our eyes locked, and we both observed the direction he was fixated on—a camera above the shutters—and unexpectedly, it shifted.

"The camera moved," Rick declared to the group. Most were in denial, some even called him crazy. "You imagined it," Dale countered. I shook my head. "It's the truth. I saw it with my own eyes. There's someone in there," I insisted, glancing back at the shutters, standing firm. Suddenly, a hand gripped my arm, pulling me away. I looked up to see it was Daryl. Too preoccupied with survival, Daryl wasn't listening to me. I tried to wrestle my arm free from his grip, but he was too strong. Weary of the struggle, Daryl hoisted me up and carried me away princess-style, my legs flailing as I tried to make him put me down, while around us, everyone was either crying or screaming.

Before Daryl could proceed, a brilliant light burst through the shutters, blinding everyone present. They all halted, uncertain if they were losing their minds or simply witnessing something extraordinary.

As the light dissipated, they ventured outside, eager to distance themselves from the deceased. Rick entered first, undaunted, and called out, "Hello?" His gaze swept the darkened room until the distinct sound of a gun being cocked echoed from the shadows, followed by a voice shouting down at them.

"Is anyone infected?" asked the mysterious man in a lab coat sternly. Everyone exchanged unsure glances until Rick spoke up. "One of our group was," he said. "He didn't make it." The man looked at us curiously before asking, "Why are you here? What do you want?" He stepped into the light, revealing himself as a tall, tired-looking individual with blonde hair. He seemed familiar, and then it clicked. I stepped forward to show my face. "You're Dr. Edwin Jenner, aren't you?" I asked. He looked at me, confused, then nodded. "My father spoke of you often to me and my brother. You even joined us for dinner at our house one Sunday night," I explained, feeling everyone's gaze on me. "Who is your father?" he inquired. "Rodger Folkner," I replied. His eyes widened, and he descended the stairs, embracing me. I stood there, shocked, then returned the hug. "It's been a long time, Shayna," Jenner said, stepping back. "Where's Eric?" he looked around. Tears filled my eyes as I looked down. "He didn't make it," I whispered. Jenner's expression turned to one of sorrow before he hugged me again.

After that brief moment, Jenner's expression became serious. "You all will submit to a blood test; that's the price of admission," he declared. Rick, without hesitation, nodded in agreement. "We can do that," he said, with everyone else nodding in accord.

I have a strange feeling about this place, but maybe it's just me.