Daughter of the Fallen

Strangers

After around 4 hours of walking, we finally were able to take a break.

Carl and I talked as he fed Judith. Turns out we have a bit in common.

My parents acted like they missed me but I could tell they liked having some time to themselves.

Judith cooed and smiled up at me. She reached for my necklace.

I giggled a little and Carl placed her in my lap. I took off my necklace and gave it to her, letting her play with it.

"Where's her momma?" I asked Carl and chuckled.

His face slowly lost its light and I could tell where her mom was.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, Judith's hand curling around my finger.

"No, it's okay," he mumbled. "I got to say goodbye to her. I'm lucky for that."

I nodded and we changed the subject.

•••

We had been walking again when we saw a walker.

"I got it," Michonne said and smashed its head with her rifle as we continued walking.

•••

A few days later, we were walking through the woods.

Rick and Daryl were having a conversation up front while Carl and I trailed the back.

I caught up to my parents as they got done having a conversation and laughing. My dad went ahead.

"He's damn good at that," she chuckled to me and Uncle Tyreese.

"What?" I asked.

"A little game. To make good out of the bad."

Uncle Tyreese chuckled at the thought.

Suddenly, we heard a far off voice.

"Help! Help, anybody help!"

We all wanted to run but Rick put his hand up to stop us.

"Dad, come on!" Carl urged. "Come on!"

Finally, Rick gave in and we all ran towards the voice.

We soon came into a clearing. The man was on top of a rock as walkers surrounded the base.

A walker was grabbing his ankle and he was desperately trying to kick it away. He continued screaming.

We all ran forward and took down the walkers.

"We're clear," Rick told us. "Keep watch."

He turned to the man. "Come on down."

The man nodded shakily and slid down.

He stared at all of us. He looked like something was wrong with him.

"You okay?" Rick asked.

He held up his index finger and puked.

I winced and looked away. I still hate seeing people get sick.

When he was done, he sighed. "Sorry. Yes. Thank you. I'm Gabriel."

"Do you have any weapons on you?" Rick immediately asked, probably not wanting to waste any time.

Judging by his priest outfit, I thought. Most likely not.

He chuckled shakily. "Do I look like I would have any weapons?"

"No," I answered, proud of myself for guessing correctly.

"But we don't give two short and curlies what it looks like," my dad stepped in.

"I have no weapons of any kind," Gabriel promised. "The word of God is the only protection I need."

I rolled my eyes. He can't actually be serious.

"Sure didn't look like it," Daryl pointed out.

Gabriel smiled. "I called for help. Help came." He looked around at all of us.

It was silent for a moment before Gabriel nervously asked. "Do you have any food? Whatever I had left just hit the ground."

He looked down at his puddle of bile in embarrassment.

"We've got some pecans," Carl told him and offered him some.

Gabriel looked to him and smiled softly. "Thank you." He took them.

He looked back and saw Uncle Tyreese holding Judith.

He smiled. "That's a beautiful child."

Rick was still staring at him with extreme skepticism in his eyes.

I don't know why, but for some reason, I trusted him.

"Do you have a camp?" Gabriel asked.

"No," Rick answered immediately. "Do you?"

"I have a church," he answered.

"Hold your hands above your head," Rick demanded.

Gabriel seemed shocked before slowly obeying.

Rick started patting him down. "How many walkers have you killed?"

Gabriel chuckled softly. "Not any, actually."

"Turn around." Gabriel obeyed.

"How many people have you killed?" Rick interrogated.

"None," he answered, still seeming confused.

"Why?"

Gabriel turned around after Rick was done checking him. "Because the Lord abhors violence."

Rick stared at him for a moment. "What have you done? We've all done something."

Gabriel hesitated before answering, "I'm a sinner. I sin almost every day. But those sins, I confess them to God, not strangers."

"You said you had a church?" Michonne spoke up.

Gabriel looked at her and nodded nervously.