Safe haven | Rick Grimes

021. THE MOMENT SHE DREADED

Chapter twenty one

"The moment she dreaded."

The next day, the rest of the group was outside moving cars and clearing debris. This left Scarlett, Beth, Lori, and Carl inside with Hershel, who was finally ready to try out his newly crafted crutches.

Beth and Scarlett walked back into the cell block from the cafeteria just as Carl stood up from the steps. Lori watched as Scarlett set the crutches down by the bed. Hershel immediately started pulling himself up.

"I know you like to take things fast, but let's move a little slow, okay?" Scarlett cautioned.

Hershel sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the mattress.

"Daddy, don't push yourself," Beth added softly.

Hershel chuckled. "What else am I going to do?" He reached out and grabbed the crutches. Scarlett kept her arms hovered around him just in case. "I can't stand looking at the bottom of that bunk anymore..."

Suddenly, Hershel lost his balance and leaned heavily to the side. Scarlett caught him instantly, steadying his frame.

"Easy," she murmured, supporting him. "It's gonna take some time to get used to it."

Hershel tapped the crutches against the floor, found his footing, and took his first tentative steps. Scarlett stayed right by his side with her arms ready. Carl backed up to give them room, while Beth and Lori followed closely behind.

"You know, I think I'm pretty steady," Hershel noted, keeping a consistent pace.

"Good. You wanna take a rest?" Scarlett asked. She had seen too many patients overdo it, fall, and end up restricted to bed rest for days.

"Rest?" Hershel chuckled. "Let's go for a little stroll."

"Alright," Scarlett agreed. "But if you fall on the concrete, I am bringing you right back inside to that bottom bunk. You'll be stuck there for a lot longer than just one day."

Hershel chuckled warmly. "Yes, ma'am."

With Scarlett guarding his side, the small group slowly made their way out of the cell block.

Heading outside, Scarlett walked backward in front of Hershel, facing him as they navigated the stairs so she could catch him if he tumbled forward. Lori, Beth, and Carl followed closely behind.

"There's no rush, Hershel. Just take your time," Scarlett said.

When Hershel hesitated, struggling to find his footing for the next step, Scarlett moved closer. "Okay. Okay. You got it."

Hershel managed the step, and the group continued down. Once they hit flat ground, his pace smoothed out. Looking around the yard, Hershel smiled. "You cleared all those bodies out? It's starting to look like a place we could really live in."

"You just focus on walking, alright?" Scarlett chided gently, keeping her eyes on his feet.

"You're doing great, daddy," Beth cheered.

Carl grinned, jogging backward a step. "Ready to race, Hershel?"

"You give me another day, and I'll take you on," Hershel replied with a chuckle.

Carl laughed. The small group paused to look across the yard. Down below by the fence, Rick, Daryl, and Glenn were working. To the right, Maggie, Carol, and T-Dog stopped what they were doing to smile at Hershel's progress.

The warmth of the moment vanished when Carl caught a low, guttural growl. He whipped around. "Walkers! Look out!"

Carl instantly drew his gun. Scarlett rushed forward, putting herself between the danger and Lori.