Shattered

Chapter Nineteen: Calming Air

         I helped Carol put sheets on some of the beds and walked back into the cell block. I walked in my cell and lifted up my shirt to see the cut getting better after keeping it bandaged. I heard someone clear their throat and I pulled my shirt back down. "Rick." "I was wondering if you could go on a run. Glenn's busy." "Yeah, I'll take the truck." He handed me a sheet of paper and I walked outside. I got in the truck and rubbed my leg trying to get rid of the pain. I started driving towards the gate when someone jumped in the back. I jumped and looked back to see Daryl. Carl let me out the gate and we went down to the main road. I stopped and let Daryl into the truck. I went back to driving and passed the first town. "Where are you going?" "The next town over was pretty full the last time I was close to there. It's about fifteen more minutes out." 
         I opened the door to the Wal-Mart and Daryl went ahead of me to check the back. I grabbed a few bags and started filling them up with everything from the list. I was passing a dress when I had to stop and look at it. It was just a white sun dress but it was the most beautiful thing I've seen in a while. Mostly because it's been a while since I've seen anyone in a dress. It just makes it harder to realize nothing will never be same. . "Grace?" "I'm going to go to the pharmacy. Mind getting this half of the list?" He took the piece of paper and I went to the pharmacy. I jumped over the counter and picked up a bottle of antibiotics. I looked through the aisles and found some pain meds.
        I heard a crash and tossed the bag on my back. I ran over and found Daryl kneeling next to a walker. "What is it?" "Nothing. She came from the inside. We need to hurry though." I nodded and walked outside. He followed me out and got in the back. I drove around the building to the loading area and opened the door. "It's easier this way." We didn't leave until the truck was full of supplies. I stopped at the gas station and picked up some cigarettes. Hours passed by the time we got back. Daryl was in a better mood than we left as well. I was getting out when he brushed his hand against mine without flinching away. I smiled and helped everyone get the stuff inside. The other survivors were all trying to get situated. I went around with Carol and Beth handing out blankets and other necessities. I was at the last cell when I noticed a little boy. I smiled and pulled out a candy bar from my pocket. He smiled at me before I started heading to the other cell block. I walked in and sat next to Maggie at a table. "How's Hershel?" "Good. It's nice to have more people here. We need to communicate with people." I nodded and Glenn walked in. I finally noticed the ring on Maggie's finger. I smiled and left them alone. I opened one of the bags and went to an upstairs cell. "Mind helping me take these out?" "Not at all." I grabbed one side of the bed and helped Rick take it out. We tossed it over the side and grabbed the other one.
"Turning this into a supply room?" "Closet is full." I nodded and grabbed one of the blankets. I held it up questioning if I could take it and Rick nodded.
        "It's a calm day." "That it is." Hershel smiled and looked down at my leg. "How are you dealing with not having two legs?" "It's not the easiest thing I've encountered." I nodded understanding exactly what he meant.

       I slowly stood up shaking. The doctor told me to put weight on it but I was scared that it might hurt. I was already in enough pain, I didn't need to fall on my face as well. It took me two hours to finally take my first step. He helped support me for a few steps and then let go of me. I was a bit wobbly but soon got the hang of it enough to walk. Mary walked in and smiled through her tears when she saw me with the prosthetic. I put my arms around her and she cried into my shoulder. "Could be worse." "How..?" "I could've lost my head." She laughed at my attempt at a joke. "At least people will know how to tell us apart."

      The day was easy enough. No one was trying to shoot at us at least. Beth was yawning multiple times while I was sitting near her. "Do you want me to watch her while you go lay down?" "That'd be great." She handed me Judith and her bottle. I smiled down at the baby girl and started feeding her. Her small hand wrapped around my finger. She reminded me of Dacey. It made me wonder if I would ever see her again and if I did whether or not I would be able to explain her parents deaths. "You're good with her." "I've always wanted kids. Not that it matters much now." "You don't know that. There's always a chance." I nodded and handed Judith to Rick. He smiled and she reached up to his face. It was sweet to see him back to normal. I went to my cell and grabbed a clean shirt. I started to take apart my guns to clean them. Glenn sat down on the ground across from me causing my eyebrow to raise. "Can I help you Glenn?" "Sorry. I know you like your privacy but it's Maggie." I nodded and checked the gun chamber. 
      "What's wrong?" "She's mad at me because I'm protecting her. She needs protection." I smirked and searched Glenn's face. It was full of confusion. "People think you've changed but I still see the young man from the farm in the baseball cap. Maggie is one tough bitch, Glenn. You need to realize that she can take care of herself but like all of us we can get pinned against a wall." He nodded and ran his hand through his hair.
         "Are you sure? I mean she might think I'm pushing her away or neglecting her." "If you're neglecting her then you would let her run around on her own. You'll be fine, trust me she loves you more than you know." He nodded and walked out. "I need to put up a damn sign.." I put the guns back together and put them in the holster. I walked outside for a smoke and sat against the wall. I looked at the spot next to me and thought about my talk with Merle. He said I would get over it but I don't think I can. I rubbed the back of my neck missing the feel of my rosary. I got up and started walking around.
       I was walking by the side of the prison when a hand went over my mouth. My scream was muffled by his hand.