Till Death Do Us Part: A Daryl Dixon Story (The Walking Dead)

36

'We're going to war.' Rick had announced yesterday to the group after we returned from the meeting with the Governor. I couldn't help but think who is not going to make it after his announcement. It was a fair question, because death was a given by now. We had already lost so many people.

So many

The thought followed after me for the duration of the day. Whenever I looked from face to face, from Glenn to Maggie or from Hershel to Carol, I couldn't help the poisonous thoughts that followed. Who would die next? It could even be me.

It could even be Daryl.

My thoughts were all doom and gloom for most of the following day as well. I needed some air (Judith was crying again and it gave me a headache) so I went outside for one of my walks. It was then that I spotted Rick, Hershel and Daryl engaged in hush conversation by the fence perimeter. They all wore anxious expressions. I watched from a distance and couldn't help but become curious. Rick left for inside and Hershel hobbled after him. Daryl remained by the fence perimeter, staring into the distance. I hugged myself as I approached him. I stood silently next to him for some time, admiring the scenery and taking in the morning air. Daryl didn't acknowledge my presence.

'What was that about?' I finally asked.

Daryl continued staring at the mess of walkers prowling around on the dry fields. His face was set in a permanent frown and his eyes were constricted. He looked deep in thought, or at least heavy in conflict.

'Daryl,' I urged.

'You and Michonne...you'd say that you two are friends, right?' He didn't look at me while he spoke.

'She saved my life. She taught me how to survive.' I said, and my love and gratitude for that woman was woven into the words. 'She's family.'

Daryl scanned my face onceover, and then he turned to leave.

'About yesterday,' I said and he paused. 'I meant every word.'

I wasn't sure where this surge of confidence came from, and I hoped it wouldn't land me into trouble with Daryl. He rolled his shoulders back, the wings on his vest moving as well, and he breathed in deeply.

'I know.' He said without turning to face me, and stalked off.

I watched him leave feeling a bit confused. I sighed and decided to drop it -Daryl was just being his usual mysterious and brooding self. I stayed outside for a while longer, absorbing the sunlight and enjoying the fresh air. I was lying on my back on the table top of one of the benches in the prison courtyard, listening to the sounds of the walkers, when the sun had reached its peak in the sky. It was also round about the time Michonne, Glenn and Daryl were putting down spikes on the fields, for whatever reason. The autumn sun was weak and I started to get a bit chilly. Feeling a little bit guilty for not helping out for the day, I slid off the table top. I stretched my stiff limbs and spotted Rick by the fence perimeter. He just stood and stared out at the fields where Daryl, Glenn and Michonne were setting down spikes. I watched Rick watching Michonne slash through a few nearby walkers who could become a problem.

'What's all this sudden interest in Michonne?' I asked him, standing next to his equally brooding figure. Rick fixed his stare on me now, his eyebrows pulling together.

'What do you mean?'

I looked from Rick, to Michonne, and then back to Rick. 'Just a question.'

Rick didn't answer. I left him alone, then. What was up with all the broodiness today? Was it the upcoming threat of the Governor? I returned inside to look for things I could help with. I wasn't in the mood helping to prepare for the 'war' that day. It would definitely not help my gloomy thoughts.