A Dixon Sister?

Chapter 25

Emma POV

Flashback

"Emma". I turned around to see a worried Merle running through the Hospital doors.

"He's in surgery now". I said hardly audible, as I rose from my seat.

"Oh my God......what happened". Merle asked pulling me into a hug.

"Dad.....he...he". I couldn't finish my sentence before I burst into tears.

"Hey....Its ok. I'm here now". Merle stroked the back of my head.

I had calmed down a bit and built up the nerve to tell Merle what had happened. "Dad and Daryl got into a fist fight again, but it got out of hand. Dad threw Daryl down the stairs and then kicked him in the stomach and face. I tried to get him to stop but he wouldn't. Instead he pushed me away, got a knife, stabbed Daryl then left the house". I was barely able to say the last part.

Merle pulled me closer. His heartbeat had quickened and his breath was rugged. For a second I thought he might cry......but Merle never cried. He turned his sadness into anger, which fuelled the ever burning fire of hatred for our Dad.

"Miss Dixon". I pulled out of Merle's long hug and saw a Doctor looking around.

I quickly walked over to him. "Is everything alright? Is he ok?". I asked worriedly and probably a little too quickly. I heard Merle walk closely behind me.

"He had four broken ribs, He has broken his left arm and his right leg, he also has minor damage to his wind pip, he has also a large amount of blood loss due to the stab womb to the kidney........but he'll be ok". The Doctor said abruptly. I covered my mouth in shock.

"Can we see him". Merle asked.

"Family only sir.....I'm sorry". The Doctor said.

"I am family. He's my brother". Merle explained.

"Very well. If you would follow me please". The Doctor walked all over the hospital before we came to a small room. "He's in there". The Doctor said pointing to the room and then walked off.

"Thank you". I said even though he probably didn't hear me. I took a deep breath before quietly opening the door and walking in.

I looked over to the bed and saw an almost unrecognizable Daryl. The right half of is face was black and bruised and he had tubes and wires coming from his arms and mouth. His left arm was in a cast and so was his right leg. I saw his left eye open and his face filled with sadness. He tried to say something but he just winced in pain.

"Hey. Don't talk. Just let yourself heal. Me and Merle will be here for you". I said almost crying, as I walked over to him and carefully sat on the end of the bed.

I quickly sat up right and looked over at Daryl. He was still asleep. I think it was the only time he actually looked vulnerable. I looked around the room for Merle but then remembered.......he wasn't here......he was dead. I lifted my hands to my head and quietly started crying. Not for myself, but for all those people we have lost.

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Daryl POV

I woke up to the sound of Emma quietly crying. I sat up and looked over to her. She was sat up with her head in her hands.

"Hey what's up Em". I said tiredly.

She looked up, her eyes were red and puffy. "Just a bad dream. Sorry if I woke you". She sniffled, as she rubbed the tears away from her eyes.

"Come here". I opened my arms for her and she slowly came and curled into them. "Do you want to talk about it". I asked rubbing the back of her head.

"It's just- We have lost so many people and I know we are going to lose more, but I don't want to lose anyone else. Especially you. Your the only family I have left and I don't know what I would do without you". Emma hugged me tightly.

"Your never going to loose me Em......and your the only family have have left as well you know". I said gently.

I looked down at her and saw she had fallen back to sleep. I smiled down at her and carefully moved from underneath her. I put her carefully on my bed and covered her with both sleeping bags. I slowly stood up and looked down at Emma. She always looked so peaceful when she was asleep. I quietly walked down the perch steps and into the canteen sort of area. I saw the whole group except Herschel, Glenn and Maggie.

"Hey Daryl". Carol, Lori, Carl and Sophia said gladly in sync.

"Hey". I said politely and sat down opposite Carol who handed me a bowl of food. I nodded my thanks and turned to Rick. "So what are we doing today". I asked as I shoved some food in my mouth.

"We're clearing up the out side of the prison. Burning body's, bringing the cars in and just making the outside clean and safe. So we can start planting crops as soon as possible". Rick informed.

"Fun". I mumbled while finishing the last bit of food my bowl.

"Yep and Where's Emma". Rick asked a little worried. Everyone had a close bond with everyone now and Rick was sort of like a Dad to her..

"She still in bed....she had a busy day yesterday". I explained, not mentioning the fact Emma had nightmares. She almost always had them and I suppose the fact the world's ended hasn't stopped them.

"Fair enough.....we should probably start now anyway. Want to use as much daylight as possible". Rick said and stood up from the table.

I got up from the table and followed Rick outside, where I was met with the smell of rotting corpses and the sight of blood everywhere. I sighed.

Today was going to be a long day.