Between Arrows and Hearts - Daryl Dixon

New problems

Carol's cries finally stopped, though her trembling form remained in Daryl's arms.

"Don't look." Daryl murmured, his voice uncharacteristically soft as he tightened his grip. 

But Carol shook him off, her face streaked with tears. She broke free, stumbling toward the RV, her pace frantic. The weight of everyone's gaze on her was too much to bear.

Beth, who had been sobbing in Jimmy's arms, suddenly pulled away. Without a word, she walked forward, her face pale as her steps carried her toward the lifeless walkers.

She dropped to her knees beside the bodies, her cries echoing in the heavy silence. Her hands trembled as she reached toward her mother's lifeless form. Then the walker lunged.

Beth screamed as her mother's reanimated corpse grabbed her hair with a vicious grip, yanking her closer.

Glenn and Cass were the first to reach her. Glenn grabbed the walker's arms, fighting to hold it back, while Cass pushed against its shoulder, her boots digging into the dirt as she strained to keep it from pulling Beth closer.

The rest pulled Beth away, dragging her to safety. The girl's screams filled the air as she flailed, trying to get back to her dad. Andrea stepped in, without hesitation, she drove a knife into the walker's skull.

The farm fell silent again, save for Beth's heart-wrenching sobs.

The Greene family began to retreat, devastated by their losses. Hershel, his face hollow and grief-stricken, walked as though in a trance, his daughters at his side. Glenn, Shane, and Rick followed closely.

The rest of the group dispersed, each consumed by their own emotions.

Cass's eyes instinctively darted to Daryl, tracking his steps as he followed Carol. She scolded herself, her chest tightening with frustration at her own distraction. Shaking the thought away, she turned her attention to Lori, who was still seated on the ground with the kids.

Carl sat cross-legged, his face streaked with the remnants of tears. He stared at the dirt, lost in thought. Beside him, Charlotte was crying uncontrollably, her breaths coming in quick, uneven gasps. She kept her head down, refusing to look in the direction of the barn.

Taking a deep breath, Cass walked toward them, determined to at least try to ease their pain. It was what she always did. Offering what comfort she could to keep the group all holding on. 

"I thought I'd find her." Carl said suddenly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"We all did." Lori replied softly, her gaze heavy with sadness.

"I mean me..." Carl continued. His eyes stayed fixed on the ground as he spoke. "That I'd be the one. Like maybe she was hiding somewhere in a cave or a tree. She'd be safe and I'd find her and bring her back." 

Cass's chest tightened at his words. His innocent hope, now shattered.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then Carl spoke again, his voice colder this time.

"He did the right thing, shooting her like that. I would've done it too."

Cass froze, her hand stilling mid-stroke in Charlotte's hair. The boy's words hit her like a blow. Lori turned to her, concern etched into her face. "Cass?" Her voice was calm but carried an edge of urgency. "Can you take the kids to the house?"

Cass nodded quickly, masking her unease. "Of course."

She gently nudged Charlotte to her feet, taking both children by the hand.

"Come on" She said softly, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. 

Before she could get much further, someone stepped into her path.