"She was like a new light. A new beginning. A new end." - Rick Grimes.
This story is about Bella Sinclair and her journey through the new world of the dead. A story of hope, of justice, of family and most importantly, of love. It focuses on a simil...
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I twisted the flannel in my hands, watching the watered blood drip into the white bowl on the dresser. My attention directed itself to my own skin, seeing the creases in my fingers and knuckles stained with the dark substance. I sighed to myself, longing for a time where nobody would get hurt, even if it was just for a day. Just one day.
"How's he lookin'?" Rick asked, bringing me back from my thoughts.
"I had no idea I would be going through antibiotics so quickly." Hershel replied bluntly, which seemed to be the tone of most of his comments lately. It's understandable, he's given more and more to us than anyone could have expected and we haven't exactly been returning the favour.
I began wiping the stained blood from my hands with the dampened flannel. "I put Nelly back in the stable for you Hershel. I gave her a once over, she's okay, not even a scratch." I explained, dropping the flannel into the bowl and turning to meet my eyes with all three of theirs.
"The one that almost got me killed?" Daryl retorted as he laid on his side against the cream bed covers, earning a glare from me.
"I appreciate that Bella." Hershel nodded in my direction as he finished up on Daryl' stitches. "I could've told you she would throw you if you'd bothered to ask. It's a wonder you people survived this long."
I watched Hershel walk around the side of the bed, dipping his hands in a deep bowl of water before picking up a towel to wipe them dry. A few discolourations staining what was once a pristine white towel. "If I might be so bold Sir. It's because of people like you, willing to extend your generosity and kindness. It's the reason we all found each other and came together. None of us knew each other before any of this but we became somewhat of a family." I expressed deeply, feeling myself quite connected to my emotions in the moment.
Hershel watched me for a few seconds after my miniature speech before returning his gaze to Rick. "She's the reason I let you all stay. Don't forget that."
I shifted in my place, uncomfortable at the statement. I don't want to be seen as some pillar of good grace, or a bargaining chip; I just want to keep my people safe. "Believe me, I won't." Rick responded and I looked towards him, already finding his eyes latched onto me. We held the connection for a moment, perhaps even a moment too long, before Rick headed for the door and walked outside of the room.
"Thanks, by the way." I heard Daryl pluck up to my surprise. Not only did it catch me off guard but it caught Hershel off guard too, especially since he was the one Daryl had directed the sentiment towards.
Hershel gave him a short nod in reply. "Well, I'm gonna go freshen up. Do you mind if I use your bathroom Hershel?" I asked as I walked towards the door.
"Of course. Any time Bella." Hershel replied, a short smile on his face.
As I twisted the door handle gently, I heard some raised voices on the other side of the door. I lightly pressed my ear against the joining, trying my best to overhear what was being said.
