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»07 THE MAN WHO DOUBTS ME
TO WEST, PEACE was a contemporary of conflict. It was much more appreciated as a result, like a breath of fresh air after nasal congestion. She would never be fooled by peace's trickery. She knew behind each rainbow another storm would brew. That wouldn't change, it was the constant variable. The only thing that could change was herself and how she adapted to each unfortunate set of circumstances. It made her stronger. However, in this conflict, as well as she was composed, her heart pounded rapidly against the door of her chest. The same sickened feeling washed over her. It left her eyes darting across the space, searching for members of her group, scared one may vanish. It made her mourn the presence of those with an unknown status. The uncertainty of the situation was grappling. Were they lost? Taken? Killed? And the worst of it all was West believed that if she wasn't the one to look, they'd never be found. It had to be her. She had to try.
Daryl, Carol, and Bob were missing.
"Rick," her voice was solid, promising him solemnity. "Let me help." Time seemed to freeze.
This earned his attention and he walked closer to her at an increased pace, Judith's weight in his arms. "If you wanna help, I'd feel better with you here. We don't know what's out there. Who," He leaned in closely and lowered his voice. "Keep an eye on Gabriel," He passed Judith to her before she had a chance to protest. She reluctantly accepted the weight against her body. "On Judith."
That was the problem about large groups. West not only had no control, but there were so many people to help, she rarely got the job she felt fit.
West let out a sigh as her eyes traced over his blue irises, locked and unable to look anywhere else. She cradled Judith against her chest. "Something to say?" Rick questioned, almost tauntingly. West tilted her head and squinted her eyes, biting the inside of her cheek.
"If I had something to say, I would say it." she said carefully.
"I'll go. One of us should help." Lina offered, rifle leaning against her shoulder.
Josiah let out a sigh and practically rolled his eyes. "This is bull. We need to find the threat and take care of it." Standing next to Rick, he almost made him look small. To West, Rick never really looked small.
"And you want to, what, exactly?" Lina asked before Rick had the chance. "Send all of these people into the place everyone went missing. Open grounds?"
"Better to stay together than apart." Rosita reasoned, hands resting on her hips.
Rick looked as if he was contemplating, only for a precious second, before he raised his head and shook it. "No. Can't risk being surrounded." He said quietly. "Josiah, you'll come with us," He walked off, reloading his colt python. Lina let out a loud scoff. "Every-body else, stay put. Stay alert."
