The Wilting Daisy

[2]

"You should've just let it have me."
- Carol Peletier in The Wilting Daisy

ii.| Cherokee Rose

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Morning slowly crept its way into the world once more, and I was greeted by the peaceful chirping of birds, my skin greedily soaking in the warmth given by the sun. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes I propelled myself up off the ground, quickly stomping out the remaining embers from the previous night's fire.

The gurgling of a nearby threat is what cued my exiting the area, and soon I was alone once more. Alone and slowly going insane. Although the undead were a hazard, I chose not to kill unless deemed necessary. If I or someone else were in a dangerous and possibly life-threatening situation, then I would without hesitating.

The heat wasn't as torturous today. Even as the hours ticked by and afternoon rolled in the hint of a cool breeze stayed fresh in the air, making the hike towards new ground bearable. A pool of light informed me there was a clearing of some sort ahead, yet whether it was solid land or a creek was unknown. I quickened my pace, my heart working overtime just to keep up with the rest of my body.

My breaths were shaky and forced, and my main focus was to make it out of the woods as I scrambled through what could very well be Poison-ivy. I didn't stick around long enough to check as I took one last step, making it into the clearing. It's there that I look out over a pond, taking notice of a bridge off to my left.

I could hear it then, the faint sound of sobbing hitting my ears. I jerked my head towards the sound, finding that I am no longer alone. There was an older, middle-aged woman crouched down near the pond's edge, somewhat hidden amongst a patch of Cherokee Roses.

She looked frail, the emotional distress evident in her movements as she carelessly began to destroy the flowers. This wouldn't have been that big a deal, however, if it hadn't have been for one of the Bitten stumbling its way out from behind a tree, who's prime goal was to make her its next meal.

Without giving it much thought I withdrew my knife from the case attached to my worn belt, approaching the unfortunate creature slowly, reaching a hand out to grab it by the shoulder before digging the blade into the rotten skull. The Bitten fell to the grassy floor with a thump, and after sheathing my weapon I turned my attention back to the stranger, who's eyes were now glued on me.

"Why did... why did you do that?" her soft voice filled the air as she questioned my actions, and I couldn't help the confused expression that pulled at my features.

"It was going to kill you? I saved your life." I replied after a small pause, having needed to carefully word what I planned to say. The woman picked herself up from the ground, crossing her arms over her chest as her eyes moved to the corpse at my feet.

"You should've just let it have me....", she whispered, voice quiet enough I almost couldn't hear. I blinked, taken aback by her words. Had she known it was behind her? Did she want to die? I regained my composure before clearing my throat.

    "I'm sorry... I didn't realize--" She shook her head frantically, the action cutting me off.

    "No... no, I'm sorry. You probably did me a favor just now in the long run", she began to say as she met my gaze once more, "Thank you." I gave her a small smile, something that seemed foreign now after not having done so in such a long time. Sure, it had only been about two months, but for someone like me who'd been so light hearted and cheerful before the world ended it was a big deal. My happiness faded when I lost my sister.

"You're welcome. Are... you alone?" I asked her before my eyes curiously scanned the area for other survivors. I hadn't spotted anyone else, but I could never be too sure. Stealth was something I had learned over the past few months, and I wasn't naïve enough to believe others hadn't picked up on the trait as well.

"Not alone, no. I have a group, just down the way a bit, through the trees over there. We're held up on a farm." the woman informed me hesitantly, as though she were afraid to say anything. I nodded my head, slowly holding a hand out for her to shake. "I'm Daisy." I introduced myself, hoping it would make the interaction easier for the older woman. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and her dainty hand wrapped around mine. "Carol."

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