Bring Me Out of Darkness

Chapter One

The sun was beginning to set, dim rays of light seeped through the trees above as a warm breeze flowed through the air. The crunching of leaves giving into our weight was the only sound I could hear as I looked around me.

I couldn't spot any walkers, but knew if we stopped there was bound to be a few that'd show up. We needed to stop, however, as we hadn't rested since the prison. Beth was starting to grow weak, and I myself wouldn't mind giving my legs a break from their intense workout. The only one who didn't see a reason to stop was Daryl, who was now a few feet ahead of us with no sign of stopping.

I looked to Beth, who gave me a strained smile as she panted, and then back to Daryl. "Hey, Dixon." I called out quietly, and he turned to look at me, his expression showing his distaste of the nickname. "Maybe we should make camp?" It came out more as a statement than a question, but he seemed to understand.

He looked at Beth who was now bent over trying to catch her breath and then to me, before giving a quick nod. "Only get out what ye need, if walkers show up we need t'get out fast." I nodded and Beth collapsed to the ground with a relieved sigh.

Daryl watched as I pulled out a water bottle from a bag I found in a car a ways back, holding it out to her. "Here, but take small sips. It needs to last you until we find more." She took it gratefully and nodded.

I looked to Daryl, our eyes connecting briefly before he looked away. I sighed softly as I pulled out the last bottle handing it to him. "You take it...you need it more than I do." He shook his head, "Nah...I'm good."

I gave him a look before pushing it against his chest as I walked away, not understanding his new demeanor. His attitude had changed when we left, and I could only sympathize to a certain extent without knowing why he changed. I sat down, leaning my head back against a log and closed my eyes, taking advantage of the silence.