Wanderlust

Reunions

Gypsy made her way through the forest as quietly and quickly she could go stopping for brief moments to take a sip of water here and there from one of the water bottles Daryl had put in the backpack. After traveling for several hours, Gypsy knew she had to get some rest or risk collapse again. Looking around she spied a large oak tree with wide branches. Shimming up the tree, Gypsy found a cluster of branches that intertwined which made a handy spot she could sit and rest. Pressing her back up against the tree, she listened for anyone that could be following her, or for walkers....she was glad there was nothing but silence.

Digging through the backpack she pulled out a long sleeve shirt and a pair of jeans. Slipping them on she almost giggled, she looked ridiculous. However Daryl had been right, she was a lot warmer now and they felt much better than the rag she had been wearing that was now stained all over with her own blood. Hugging herself, burying her nose in the shirt sleeve, Gypsy breathed in deep and closed her eyes. She knew the shirt would smell like him but she didn't realize how much comfort it would bring her. Closing her eyes and picturing him, she smiled softly. It was probably wrong to feel such happiness while he was in so much danger at the moment, but she knew in her heart that he would be OK and that they would find each other.

Digging in the bag again, she was thankful to find a belt and a bag of jerky. Taking a piece of jerky out, she chewed slowly enjoying every bit of it. Drinking the rest of her water bottle, Gypsy then took the belt and wrapped it around some of the branches and then her waist. She would be able to get a little sleep and not have to worry about falling out of the tree. Resting her head on her arms, she breathed him in again and closed her eyes as her exhausted body found sleep quickly.

Blinking her eyes open, she looked around and listened again to see if anyone was near her. Not hearing anything, she undid the belt and then looped it through the jeans that would hopefully stay up. Looking through the bag again, she was a bit sad there weren't any shoes, but there was several pairs of socks and that would help. Grabbing another piece of jerky and drinking some more water, Gypsy was soon ready to be on the move again. She had only slept for a couple of hours but it had been restful sleep and she felt recharged. Slipping down out of the tree, Gypsy put the pack over her shoulder and began her brisk jog again through the woods.

Walking for the rest of the night and the next day, Gypsy was exhausted again but knew she was close to home so she pushed on. Finally seeing the kingdom wall come into view, she stopped for a short rest and to think about what to do. Would there be anyone left at the kingdom? Would their be guards at the gate? Should she just wait here for Daryl? Chewing on her bottom lip, she finally made a decision. She would slip over the wall behind her house and check everything out from there.

Climbing the wall with her last bit of energy, she landed softly on the other side. Moving quietly, she looked around see who was still there and saw it was mostly women and children and older men. Going inside her home, she slipped Daryl's jeans and socks off and grabbed a pair of her own. Taking off his flannel, she slipped her own T-shirt on, but then put his back on. It just made her feel better and closer to him. Going out her door, she made her way to Ezekiel's, praying she could get in and see Shiva.

Getting inside, Gypsy walked briskly through the hallways when finally she came to Shiva's room. Turning the door handle she frowned as it wouldn't move. She jumped as a voice sounded from the other side.

"Who's there?" the voice boomed.

Gypsy breathed a sigh of relief

"Jerry it's me, Gypsy" she said back to the door.

Gypsy watched as the door flung open and was greeted by a giant bear hug.

"Gypsy! Homegirl! We were so worried about you!" Jerry exclaimed