Down by the water • TWD

Comfort and Cause.

"Aves." She heard her name being called but was too focused on Rick. On Carl. The cries became muffled to her like everything was moving in slow motion. She could feel her heartbeat clear as day. Her breathing became louder than usual. "Aves c'mere." She blinked rapidly trying to get out of this state.

"Daryl.." She said looking up at the man who stood watching over her closely. He looked at her face seeing her tear-stained cheeks and bloodshot eyes. His face dropped in sorrow. Daryl dropped his crossbow on the ground lightly and wrapped his arms around her head bringing her into an embrace. Avery didn't move a muscle. She didn't hug him back, she didn't lean into him, she didn't talk, she didn't breathe. She didn't have the energy to share with him. That didn't change the fact she felt safe in his arms. Like nothing bad would ever happen when he was around.

What's done is done.

She felt her body go cold as he let go of her, his eyes focused on Rick. Avery looked at Carl who had his head down, refusing to glance at his dad. Avery knew what he was going through, and how he felt. She wanted to help him, but she couldn't.

"Rick, ya with me?" Daryl asked waving a hand in his face. "Rick?" Rick didn't respond Daryl huffed and stood up.

"Let me see the baby," Hershel told Carl as Maggie handed the baby off.

"What are we gonna feed it?" Daryl asked Hershel. "We got anythin' a baby can eat?" 

"The good news is she looks healthy," Hershel informed us while examining her. "But she needs formula." He continued looking at Daryl. "And soon, or she won't survive."

"No. No way. Not her." Daryl spoke swinging his crossbow on his shoulder. "We ain't losing nobody else. I'm going for a run." All Avery did was watch as he prepared to leave, all she wanted to do was talk to him and he was leaving. What was she supposed to do?

"I'll back you up." Maggie volunteered herself.

"I'll go too," Glenn said immediately.

"Okay, think where we're going. Beth." Daryl told them before asking for Beth's attention. "Kid just lost his mom. His dad ain't doing so hot." He told her referring to Carl.

"I'll look out for him," Beth told him while nodding.

"You two get the fence. Too many pile up, we got ourselves a problem." Daryl said to the leftover prisoners taking charge. "Glenn, Maggie, vámonos."  Avery felt like life was back in slow motion as she watched Rick pick up his hatchet and enter the prison. Alone. 

"Rick!" Maggie tried to stop him once again. That didn't stop him. Avery closed her eyes thinking about how he would find his wife. How he would find the knife. Avery's knife. She shook her head trying to remove the thoughts.

"Get the gate" Daryl shouted in urgency. "Come on, we're gonna lose the light." He was in a rush. Avery's eyes only followed him, she couldn't believe he was leaving. Now more than ever. She wanted to tell him not to go but she didn't have the energy. 

"There's a Piggly Wiggly on 85," Glenn suggested while running.

"No, the baby section's been cleared." Maggie shut his idea down following his pace. "Lori asked me to keep an eye out. I haven't had much luck."

"Is there any place that hasn't been completely looted?" Daryl asked annoyed.

"We saw signs for a shopping center just north of here," Glenn remembered feeling lucky.

"Yeah, but there's too much debris on the road." Maggie shut him down for the second time. "The car will never get through there."

"I can take one of you," Daryl said deciding they would take his bike.

"I'll go." Maggie chose herself over Glenn.

"No, Maggie, after everything that you've been through, okay, I'll go." Glenn tried to talk her out of it softly.

"I want to go. For Lori, I have to." Maggie insisted.

"Okay." Glenn agreed understanding. "I love you. Be safe." He continued as they shared a kiss.

"I will." She told him before hopping onto Daryl's bike situating herself.

"Glenn c'mere a sec," Daryl called him over. "Can ya look after Avery for me while I'm gone? When she's upset she don't talk bout it much, but she doesn't like 'bein alone." Daryl asked him while giving him actions he'd observed.