Lost | Daryl Dixon

16 - Intimacy

Elizabeth's POV

I awkwardly sat on the back of Glenn's horse, feeling a touch nervous as I grabbed his waist, scared to fall off.

Maggie seemed uncomfortable with us as a whole group, so I chose to sit with the one less experienced in riding a horse, I clung on like I was going to fall off.

We never had horses growing up - one almost kicked me when I was 2, and after that Dad sold it. We didn't need them anyway. Not for our lives, and with insurance to pay our bills. Though, it was embarrassing, to be in the apocalypse, and be more afraid of a horse than most things - but I was. I didn't say anything, though - I needed to get that test for Lori.

I remembered, briefly, when Rick told me they were pregnant with Carl.

​​​​​I was so excited for them, despite being stuck with Henry still at that point. I remember immediately getting a catalogue, and ordering baby clothes for them - how much I hugged Rick.

​​​​Mom was excited back then - her mind hadn't started to go yet. Evie had only just had her move in with her, so they'd both flown back to celebrate.

That excitement I had then wasn't here now. I just felt dread.

"You know, normally this is the kind of thing I'd do on my own. Solo," Glenn asserted, with a light chuckle. I blinked, realising I'd accidentally leaned on his back, half-asleep as I thought back. He hadn't bothered to move me - despite trying to flirt, or seem macho.

Glenn was a good guy - I surprised myself with how much I had grown to love and care for the people in this group. Maybe it was this shared trauma we handled together, but slowly I found myself thinking of them as family, not just strangers I volunteered to look after.

I sat up, allowing him to try to seduce the woman. He needed this - something sweet. He was a cute, kind man - he deserved a chance if it was there. "It's sort of my thing, you know? I'm a loner."

"Oh yeah, he's really impressive," I added, patting him on the back. "This man - in and out of the infected city at the moment you'd ask."

She didn't respond, looking distracted as she led us into town. I felt the creeps - the town was completely abandoned, not a single person around, no survivors.

I shared a look with Glenn, looking back at her. "You all right?" I called over. She suddenly flicked her head towards us. She looked ill, like she was still processing what she'd seen at the well.

"I'm fine," She muttered, glancing away. Glenn moved slightly and I dug my hands into his sides so as not to fall off the horse. He tried not to react.

"I saw the look on your face back at the well," Glenn called out. I pulled my bag more securely over my shoulder. "Never seen one killed up close before?"

She didn't respond, glancing back and saying nothing. I looked forward into town as we came up towards a store. "Guess it's kind of a shock," I commented, as she hopped down, tying the horse to the side of the store. "You know, being out on the road, we've seen a lot. More than I think we've really realised. "I guess we've gotten a little numb to it."

She finally looked at us, offering a hand to help me off. I took it, gratefully. "Whoa. I guess so." She examined my face a moment, as Glenn hopped off the horse, she glanced at him then the floor. "Come on."

A sign was leaning against the window of the store - 'TAKE WHAT YOU NEED AND GOD BLESS'. I frowned at it, wondering how terrified people in this town would've been. Information about what happened was hard enough to get by the city and in the hospital. Nevermind a town like this.