Unearthed ↦ Daryl Dixon

2.6

While Rick, Shane and Hershel brought Daryl inside for stitches, you returned to your tent to check on Hunter.

"I'm coming in." You spoke, slowly unzipping the tent.

Hunter appeared to relax as soon as he saw your face. "The monsters?"

"No monsters. It's safe to come out."

Hunter nodded, climbing out of the tent as Lori approached.

"I went through some of Carl's stuff. He's already grown out of these." She trailed off.

"Thank you." You took the clothes from Lori with a smile before turning to Hunter. "Why don't we go ask Hershel if you can wash up in the house?"

You brought Hunter inside the farmhouse, heading towards an upstairs bedroom where you heard Rick, Shane, Daryl and Hershel talking. When you entered the room, the chatter stopped.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but do you mind if Hunter washes up?" You asked.

Hershel looked to Rick. "She found him alone out there when she was looking for Sophia."

Hunter poked his head in the room and Hershel's momentary annoyance faded away. "Of course."

Before you left, your eyes landed on Daryl. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been shot in the head." He mumbled.

You noticed a bandage around his waist, a wound you'd missed in the chaos earlier. Not wanting to press him for answers he'd likely given Rick already, you smiled and ushered Hunter towards the bathroom.

"I'll be here waiting for you." You smiled, handing him the clothes.

Hunter smiled back. "Thank you."

As you waited for Hunter, Lori made her way inside and sat on the floor across from you. It wasn't long before Rick and Shane exited the bedroom, closing the door behind them.

Rick looked between you and Lori. "He'll be alright."

"I hate to say it, but I'm with Hershel on this one." Shane spoke. "We can't keep going out there, not after this."

Rick stopped, turning to face Shane. "You'd quit now? Daryl just risked his life to bring back the first solid evidence we've had."

"That is one way to look at it." Shane shrugged. "The way I see it, Daryl almost died today for a doll."

"Yeah, I know how you see it." Rick responded, his words dripping with venom. "What about the kid's parents?"

You shrugged, lowering your voice to a whisper. "Honestly, from what he told me, it sounds like they're gone. I just hoped we'd find them out there and I'd be wrong."

Rick gave Shane one last glare before kissing Lori and storming off.

"I'm not trying to be a hard case, just being realistic." Shane spoke up. "He's gotta start making the tough calls. You two know I'm right."

"I may not agree with all of his choices, but I respect him." Lori responded. "Your way isn't harder. It's the easiest thing in the world to cut our losses and to not help. You keep telling yourself you're making the tough calls. You're really just trying-"

The bathroom door swung open and Hunter stepped out.

"I'm all done." He smiled.

You smiled back. "Good job, kiddo."

The two of you left the hallway, the mumbled chatter of Shane and Lori slowly fading out.

...

Evening had arrived as you'd spent most of the afternoon getting Hunter settled. Maggie was kind enough to offer a pillow and some blankets for him, since you didn't have an extra sleeping bag.