How I Survived The Dead

Secrets

"Were having another fire. Are you coming?" Andrea asked me.

"Yeah. Just one sec," I reply.

I was in our cell. Andrea walked outside and went to the fire. I was constantly thinking about Sam and Katlynn. I must warn her! I now walked to the fire and sat beside Sophia and Beth. Beside Beth was Logan and beside Sophia was Carol. I looked at Sam who's hand was over Katlynn's. Lori cradled Judith in her arms. Judith was such a cute baby.

"We will need much more food soon. Our supplies are running low." Shane stated.

"I can go." I volunteer.

"I could go with you." Sophia added.

"You will do no such thing!" Carol argued.

"Why? I want to be helpful to the group." Sophia pleaded.

"I think it's a good idea." Rick agreed.

"I need somebody to watch my back." I nod.

"Ok, fine. But promise you two will be careful." Carol said.

"Promise." Sophia told her.

"I also need a bottle to keep milk in for Judith." Lori stated.

"Don't you think it's crazy to risk life's for a bottle?" Daryl said.

"This baby needs milk. Lori can't breast-feed every minute of every day." Shane stated.

"I was just saying..." Daryl began.

"Yeah, well so was I." Shane said.

Shane seemed annoyed. I think he needed more sleep. But I say nothing. It's no use telling him what to do. I get up without a word and enter the prison. I get into my bed and cover myself with sheets. The last thing I heard was everybody going to bed.

************************************

I had eaten and met with Sophia at the table. The bag of guns was in front of us. I handed her a pistol. Sophia hesitated but still took the weapon.

"We should go." I say.

"Wait. Could I speak with you before you go?" Lori asked.

"Of course." I replied.

Lori brought me into a secretive room in the prison. I could see it in her eyes that she was trying not to cry. She sniffled and looked into my eyes.

"You know I care about you." Lori sniffled.

"Yeah." I nod.

"I can't stand to lose you! I've already lost Carl! You and Judith and Rick are all I have left in this world!" Lori cried.

"I'm so sorry about Carl." I say, almost crying.

"Please. Promise me you'll be safe." Lori demanded.

"I promise." I reply.

I left Lori in the room and met with Sophia. Sophia and I left the prison and took a shortcut through the forest. It wasn't worth wasting gas for this. My hand was always on my pocket; feeling the knife. There were no walkers on the trail but I was cautious.

"Do you think Daryl likes my mum?" Sophia wondered.

"To be honest, I haven't payed much attention to them. I have been thinking of Sam and Katlynn..." I stated.

"Daryl and mum have been talking privately lately. I'm getting a little worried.

"What do you think of Sam?" I ask.

"He seems nice." Sophia said.

"Don't trust him." I say dryly.

"Why?" Sophia wondered.

We heard a snap of a twig. I froze in place. A walker. I took out my knife and stabbed it's eye. I pushed it to the ground and stabbed it once more. I flicked off a little blood from my knife and we keep going.

"Be safe. Walkers can come from anywhere." I say.

We entered a small town. No walkers were in sight. Sophia gripped her pistol tight. My pistol was at my side. We walked into a grocery store and stocked some food. I took two small plastic bottles and stuffed them into my backpack.

"Emily!" Sophia cried.

I looked over and a walker was taking a bite out of Sophia's arm.

"Sophia!" I scream.

I take out my pistol and shoot the walkers brains out. Sophia collapsed onto the ground. I knelt beside her and look at the bite.

"Please don't let me turn. Please don't let me dye!" Sophia pleaded.

"It's ok. Your going to be alright!" I lied.

I have never lied so badly in my life. This lie was the biggest lie possible. It was so hard to tell myself that Sophia will die. She will be gone. Just like Amy and Carl and Drake... Sophia breathed heavily in my face. I saw her body go weak. Her little eyes shut.

"No! Sophia!" I cry.

But it's no use. She was gone. I have saved her life and later let her die. I let Sophia come with me. I let the walker bite her... I took out my pistol again.

"Please forgive me." I plead.

I shut my eyes and let it happen.

************************************

I returned to the prison and threw the food onto the ground. I collapsed and cried. The tears felt like ice. I put her body in a safe spot. I will never allow the walkers to eat her.

"Where is she? Where is Sophia?" Carol demanded.

"I failed her. I failed you." I cry.

Shane came over and took the food. Carol ran inside. Everybody just stood and stared. But when I saw Sam...

"Katlynn, Sam tried to rape me." I blurt it out.

"What the hell?" Katlynn demanded.

"I was-" Sam began.

"Get the fuck out of here!" Katlynn screamed.

"You heard her. Get away!" Daryl said.

Sam stood; astonished. Daryl pushed him and he ran away. Katlynn sobbed. Daryl took her inside. I got to my feet and looked at everyone.

"Come on inside..." Lori said.

She brought me into the prison and we sat at the table. I sniffled. Lori looked deep within my eyes. I knew she felt bad for me. We could hear Carol cry and Daryl attempt to calm her.

"This was not your fault." Lori reassured.

"I saw the walker bite her! I saw everything!" I scream.

"You couldn't stop it. You cannot blame yourself for this!" Lori stated.

I just sit. My red, puffy eyes stare at her. I knew she was right... But I was there. I watched the walker bite Sophia.

************************************

I was putting food in my backpack. I heard Sophia doing the same. I pick up two bottles I knew Lori could use for Judith.

"Emily!" Sophia cried.

I look over at Sophia. A walker took a bite out of her arm. I quickly pull out my pistol and shot the walker. Sophia fell onto the ground. I sat beside her. I felt tears falling from my face.

"Please don't let me turn!" Sophia pleaded.

I took out my gun...

************************************

I woke on the table. Everybody was in bed. Carol put her hand on my shoulder and brought me into my cell. She tucked me into bed and smiled weakly.

"You tried." Carol said.