Unearthed ↦ Daryl Dixon

2.7

You walked around the barn, checking for any weak spots. There were small cracks in the exterior but you couldn't find any loose boards or spots big enough for a walker to sneak out of. This didn't make you feel any better, however. You could hear the groans and clattering going on inside, each sound making the hair on your neck stand up.

Despite Rick's promise to speak with Hershel, your hopes were low. If he truly believed these walkers were just sick people, there was no way he was going to agree to put them down.

"My father's going to kick your people out now, you know?" Maggie spoke from behind you.

You let out a small sigh, turning to face her. "You can't seriously believe these people are sick."

"Those people are my family." Maggie hissed. "If Glenn would've just let it go-"

"We deserved to know." You cut her off. "Look, I get why your father feels the way he does but you guys haven't seen what we've seen. You haven't seen people being eaten alive, screaming in agony. Sick or dead, they're dangerous."

Maggie was silent for a moment. "When Glenn and I went into town yesterday, one of those things almost got me. He saved my life."

"Then you understand." You whispered. "Please, help us make your father understand. Maybe we can move them somewhere else, away from where we all sleep. There's gotta be a way."

"I'll talk to him." Maggie agreed. "I don't know if he's going to change his mind but I'll try."

You smiled. "Thank you."

Maggie nodded before turning around and heading back towards the farmhouse. You took one last look at the barn before making your way back to camp.

Hunter sat on a stump, awaiting your return. As soon as he saw you approaching, he stood up.

"Were you at the barn?"

You nodded. "It looks safe enough for now. I wouldn't worry too much, alright? That's my job."

Hunter nodded, though you could feel his discomfort. Knowing what he'd experienced out there, the last thing you wanted was for him to be scared here. You had thought this place was as safe as it gets now and part of you felt guilty having brought him back here. Sure, there were much worse places to be, but you wanted the best for him.

"Listen," you spoke, crouching down to his level. "I won't let anything happen to you, okay? We'll figure out a way to make this place safer for all of us. I just need you to be careful and always stay within eyesight of an adult."

"I will, I promise." Hunter responded. After a moment of silence, his face began to crinkle. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course." You smiled.

"Yesterday Carl got to go with everyone else. He got to practice shooting a gun. Why couldn't I go?"

Your face fell at his question, as you had no idea how to answer it. "Did you want to go?"

"I don't know."

"I thought about sending you with them but I wasn't sure if you were ready for it." You spoke plainly. "It's a big responsibility but if you'd like to learn we can start slow. I can teach you how to handle them safely and we can work our way towards shooting lessons."

Hunter's face lit up. "Really?"

"As long as you feel ready. It's important that you know how to be safe around them. For you and for others. Do you promise to take it seriously?"

"I promise."

You nodded. "Come with me."

The two of you walked towards the RV, making your way inside. You gestured for him to sit down at the table while you grabbed a pistol from the bag of guns.