Daryl and Beth: An Awkward Romance

Chapter 11: Swan Song Part 2

It had been weeks now, and we hadn't come across anyone that seemed particularly dangerous- in fact, we hadn't come across anyone at all. We'd lay low since Alexander's death, hidden in a secluded part of the woods, we both needed time to grieve him, he was the only friend I'd ever known, and might as well have been a biological parent to Wanda.

But of course time wasn't on our side and yesterday I'd spotted someone in the woods - it could have been an innocent man - or it could have been one of Alexander's killers - we couldn't take chances though, we didn't have that luxury. And so I had got Wanda and me up and moving again on our way to Alexandria at dawn.

We had been so careful, we'd stayed out of sight as much as we could, and we never walked directly beside the stream so that we were never in plain sight.

But it hadn't been enough, it was too late when I realised that we were being followed, and when I caught sight of a man far off in the distance, of course I ran, sprinted faster than I thought I could have ever run, grabbed my daughter's hand and left then and there, leaves crunching in our wake through the woodland. And now here we were, hidden behind a truck and some trees. After a while I realized they were catching up and decided hiding was the best option - if we continued to run we'd have no chance - at least here they could pass us if we were quiet enough.

I could hear them clearly now and my heart beat rose by the second as I dreaded the possibility of our exposure. Looking over at Wanda, I could tell she had heard by the look of solid fear implanted in her eyes. "Wanda, Wanda look at me" I whispered, fear swimming through my veins.

I grabbed her tiny hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, "Wanda, I want you to promise me something, look we may not have much time but some bad men are after us and I need you to promise me that if you see them, you will run. Don't wait for me sweetheart, you run and remember that Daddy loves you. I'm sorry Wanda, sorry for everything, for.. for Alexander, for mummy. They're up there now Wanda and they are looking down at us, watching over us. Don't ever forget mummy Wanda, don't forget Alexander. I love you Wanda, I love you with all of my heart. And whatever happens to me, you promise me you will run darling, don't wait for me. I'll catch up."

"But daddy, you won't be gone long, will you?" "No no, of course not" I replied, praying hopelessly that my response was not a lie. Tears were streaming now from her but the sobs were silent and afraid and I held her in my arms giving her one final hug before the inevitable.

I was likely going to die. I was terrified for her and I wondered how she would ever survive. It was blind, but I had to keep up hope. I'd told her to run and hopefully she would run where I wanted her too, we'd been following a stream to a place we'd heard rumours about - Alexandria I believe the name was. But even so, if I died, Wanda would be alone, and I could protect her no more.

It wasn't my death I was afraid of. It was the power to be there to protect her ripped away that I was afraid of and not knowing her final fate. How could she survive without me? How could a five year old child survive this world alone? It didnt seem possible. What if she never found Alexandria? What would become of her then?

But then her silent sobs became loud and uncontrollable, breaking me out of reviere and I tried to calm her, tried to stifle her tears with my shirt but my attempts were useless and they were now on the other side of the car. I attempted uselessly to stop whatever would come next, "Wanda, hey Wanda, the game isn't over, shhh" But we'd been found, and it was already too late.

"Wanda, Wanda look at me" I whispered hopelessly, turning her face to me, "I need you to run Wanda" I said hurriedly, "Run far away and don't look back my sweetheart. Don't worry about daddy, I'll be ok, follow the stream and don't go any other way. And Wanda, if you see the undead you must be as quiet as you can. But if they come after you, you run Wanda, okay?" She simply nodded, "Don't wait for me, keep going, and when you arrive tell the people that daddy may be a while. But you go in Wanda, promise me you'll make it there" "Ok Daddy" she sniffed, "Wanda you need to promise me" I said urgently. "I promise" she said, almost inaudible under her sobs.