Daryl's Angel (10th Anniversary Edition)

Chapter 57: Resurrection

When people start turning in for the night, Hershel and I go around and make sure everyone's cell doors are closed. I refill their tea and grab them anything they request before going off to sleep.

"Drink the tea and get some sleep," I encourage. "We'll check on you in an hour."

I hear Hershel repeating the same sentiments on his side of the block. As I turn, Derek, another patient, stumbles from his cell, coughing and gagging. Blood pours from his lips, coating his chin and shirt, and he stumbles forward suddenly, hitting the far wall and collapsing onto his back.

Hershel and I move to his side immediately as he chokes, and I start rolling him into the recovery position, trying to help the blood leave his airway. He chokes, gagging and gurgling, and then all too quickly, he falls silent.

Hershel and I lock eyes. He purses his lips, reaching for his knife, and I get to my feet as I look around. Others have come from their cells, looking out at Derek's body from the first and second level.

"Everyone, get back in your cells," Hershel calls. No one moves. I see the pain and the horror in their tired eyes.

"You heard him," I say. "Back in your cells."

A few people disappear inside. I hear coughing, a few sobs, and then rattling as Sasha stumbles forward, dragging the stretcher with her. I take it from her as she gives me a tired look.

"Go, rest," I plead. "Hershel and I will handle this."

"But..." she starts.

"Can you make it to your cell?"

She blinks, slowly, then nods. I pull the stretcher over to Derek and Hershel, collapsing it to the lowest it can go, and we haul Derek onto it with some effort. I drag the sheet over him, my heart heavy.

Hershel brings the stretcher back up to waist height. I grab the end, but he shakes his head. "Go and check on everyone," he says. "I'll take care of him."

I take a short breath, then nod, and Hershel wheels Derek away. First it was Lindsey, then Mr. Jacobson, now Derek. Three deaths already, and there will be more.

Another breath. I reach up and touch the cross around my neck, closing my eyes for a second as I send a short prayer. "God, give us strength."

I turn and move to the next cell, belonging to an elderly black woman. "Jeanette, can I get you more tea?" She lets out a weak sob and disappears into her cell. My heart aches, but I grip the door and slide it shut. "I'll check on you in an hour."

I keep going around, around and around. I pass Henry's cell, where Glenn is sitting with the air bag. He looks ghostly beneath the pale light of the lantern, his raven hair too dark against his skin, and Henry is no better. He hasn't woken up in a long time.

"Need me to take over?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "I've got it."

"You sure?"

He looks up at me. The air bag hisses. "I'll call you if I need you."

I sigh, but I trust his word. I head off. I can hear Hershel down below, murmuring the same things I've been saying, closing cell doors one by one. I keep doing the same, trying to ignore the bone-deep ache of exhaustion that haunts me.

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I finish checking on Julio, closing and locking his cell door. I can hear Hershel somewhere below me, talking to Noris. Him and his son Jacob are both sick, although Noris has stayed healthier of the two of them.

"Want me to take a look at him?"

"No. Just...let him sleep."

"I'll check back in a bit."