𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐄! ᶜ ᵍʳⁱᵐᵉˢ

007. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬

I stagger behind the rest of the group as they run towards the scream. Carl convinced Rick that we needed to help, that it could be a good person, that no one deserves to be left alone. His optimism is something I am beginning to despise. I personally thought it was a bad idea, but I hold no place in this group to express my opinion.

We reach a stopping point- a large rock with a man in a suit curled up on top. I hear the growling of the ghouls- walkers, as everyone else calls them- come to an abrupt end. The man climbs down from the rock, breathing heavily. "You okay?" Rick asks, watching the man carefully. He leans down to puke. I twist my nose up in disgust as he composes himself and mutters, "Sorry." After composing himself, he pants, "Yes. Thank you. I'm Gabriel."

"Do you have any weapons on you?" Rick asks. I begin to move closer to the spectacle, seemingly entranced by the idea of a man who's donning a spotless suit. He must have a refuge, to be so clean.

"Do I look like I would have any weapons?" he says, his tone flirting with a joke. "We don't give two short and curlies what it looks like," would be said by none other than Abraham. "I have no weapons of any kind. The word of God is the only protection I need."

"Sure didn't look like it," Daryl says cynically. I roll my eyes. "I called for help. Help came."

Gabriel asks if we have any food. "I got some pecans," Carl offers a feeble handful of nuts. The man takes them, thanking Carl. The newcomer turns his attention to the cooing baby who I'd come to know as Judith. "That's a beautiful child."

The entirety of the group just stares- I'm wondering if we're all thinking the same thoughts. That this man is crazy, delusional, wondering how on earth he managed to survive this far. "Do you have a camp?" Gabriel asks, breaking the thick silence. Rick answers shortly, "No. Do you?"

"I have a church," he answers. "Hold your hands above your head," Rick orders and asks him the same questions he asked me, just a couple nights ago, as he pats him down for weapons. "What have you done?" Rick asks, his voice raspy. Gabriel searches our faces, his own expression almost afraid. "We've all done something."

"I'm a sinner. I sin almost every day. But those sins, I confess them to God. Not strangers."

I'm unimpressed at his answer- no walkers, no humans. I carefully observe the surrounding adults' faces to see their reactions. No one seems impressed- or believing- in his answers.

Gabriel leads us to his church while explaining that "Nowadays, people are as dangerous as the dead" so he doesn't leave his sanctuary. "I haven't been beyond the stream near my church more than a few times since it all started. That was the furthest I've gone before today. Or maybe I'm lying."

I look to Tara at my side- besides me, she's the newest group member. She looks indifferent at his comment. "Maybe I'm lying about everything and there's no church ahead at all. Maybe I'm leading you into a trap so I can steal all your squirrels."

He goes silent, his eyes scanning the crowd. He turns around and begins walking again. "Members of my flock had often told me that my sense of humor leaves much to be desired."

Daryl looks at him for a second, before commenting, "It does." I let a humored smile creep across my face.

We're led to a white church with two red doors. A few members of the vagabond group enter the church, guns drawn. I tap my foot on the ground, waiting for the clear. Judith peeks at me over Carl's shoulder. She gives me a drooly smile, reaching her hand out to me. I can't help but smile back at the small child. I remember when Alya was that little. A picture of innocence, yet to be corrupted by the evil, remnant of the world, unaware of the dangers that lurk in every corner.