Sparks

Chapter Six

  The day seemed to drag on, the heat from the sun making it almost unbearable to do most anything, and I was beginning to wonder what the signs of heat stroke were. Carol and I had finished most of the chores early on and, much to my protests, she convinced me to go relax, informing me she rather enjoyed doing the small things that were left and I was no longer needed. I gave in, and now found myself sitting by the campfire, which lived on as embers and a small flame. It was quiet, everyone doing their own thing, occasionally talking amongst each other as they passed by.

  Everyone was starting to return; first was Glenn and Maggie, then Rick and his group. Carol ran up to them, and Rick held up his hand as she looked behind both him and Shane, her expression changing from one of excitement to disappointment. "You didn't find her," she sighed, almost in a panic as Rick shook his head. "No, but we still have another group out looking, and Daryl." he replied gently, giving her hope, and she nodded quickly before hurrying into her tent.

  I made my way over to him, crossing my arms. "Were there any signs of her at all?" I asked him, lowering my voice to make sure she wouldn't overhear. He shook his head with a sigh, scratching at his chin. "Daryl should have been back by now."

  With a small frown, I looked over at the field across the road to where the woods began, half expecting to spot him. "I'm sure he's okay-- just lost track of time." I replied, and Shane cleared his throat. "I actually have a job for you, if you're interested?" he stated, and I perked up. "Oh? What kind of job?" I questioned, and he motioned for me to follow him, which I did quickly. He led me to the RV, sliding a bag off his shoulder before holding it out for me to take. "I need you to check expiration dates, make sure we can still eat what we found."

  Shane waited for my response as I blinked a couple times, a little disappointed in the "job" I was given. I cleared my throat, nodding quickly as I took the bag from him. "You got it," I said with a smile, and he grunted before leaving me to my work. I headed inside, sitting at the table as I set the bag on its hard surface, the table shaking slightly from the sudden force.

  With great patience, I proceeded to look over every food item that was in the bag, finding that everything was still good. I sighed, realizing he just gave me something to keep me busy, something that was out of the way. He doesn't think you can help...he thinks you're weak. There was shuffling from ontop of the RV as Andrea called out 'walker'. I looked out the window as Rick, Shane, and a few others ran into the field where a single walker fumbled along. I narrowed my eyes, hoping to get a better look as Dale tried to convince Andrea not to shoot.

  But I knew she hadn't listened when the sound of a gun fire filled my ears, and the walker fell to the ground. Andrea let out a small 'yes', obviously proud of herself before Rick's cries of anguish were heard. I watched as they lifted the walker off the ground and began to carry it back to the farm, and I gasped when I soon discovered it wasn't a walker.

Author's Note: let me know what you think!!