Daughter of the Fallen

Strangers Part 2

As we walked back to the church, I heard Rick start to talk to Gabriel.

"Hey," he started. "Earlier, were you watching us?"

"I keep to myself," Gabriel answered. "Nowadays, people are just as dangerous as the dead, don't you think?"

I sighed and turned to Carl, who was walking next to me.

"Do you trust him?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

He shrugged. "Guess we'll find out."

•••

Soon enough, we were there.

Gabriel went up to the door and got ready to open it.

"Hold up," Rick spoke up. "Can we look around first? We just wanna hold on to our squirrels."

He held his hand out for the keys and Gabriel gave them to him.

Rick unlocked the door and we all walked inside.

The interior of the church was dark and slightly menacing.

We all held our weapons at the ready in case anything jumped out.

After, fully scanning the place, we decided it was probably safe.

We gathered outside again and Rick gave the keys back to Gabriel.

"I spent months here without stepping out the front door," the priest said. "If you found someone inside, well, it would've been surprising." He smiled at Rick.

"Thanks for this," Carl smiled a little. His optimism was refreshing after all of Rick's skepticism.

"We appreciate it," I added on, nodding at him.

"We found a short bus out back," my dad told Rick as Gabriel walked inside. "It don't run, but I bet we could fix that in less than a day or two. Father here says he doesn't want it. Looks like we found ourselves some transport."

I sighed and crossed my arms.

"Dad," I interjected. "Do we really have to leave right now?"

"You understand what this task is, Bree," he reminded me.

"You're right," I agreed. "I do. But right now, this is a safe place. Who knows when we're gonna find one of those next? Just take some time. Smell the damn roses for once."

And with that, I followed Gabriel inside.

Soon, everyone was following me.

Carl carried Judith over and sat down next to me. I smiled and he handed her over to me. She rested against my chest and fell asleep.

"How'd you survive here for so long?" Rick asked Gabriel. "Where did your supplies come from?"

"Luck," Gabriel answered. "Our annual canned food drive. Things fell apart right after we finished it. It was just me. The food lasted a long time. And then I started scavenging. I've cleaned out every place nearby. Except for one."

"What kept you from it?" Rick asked.

"It's overrun."

"How many?"

"A dozen or so, maybe more."

Rick nodded and exchanged a glance with all of us.

I was busy talking with Carl and only vaguely heard what Rick and Gabriel were saying, but the leader got my attention as soon as he looked at us.

"We can handle a dozen."

"Abraham and I will go with you," my mom offered. "Tyreese should stay here, help keep Judith safe. You coming, Bree?"

I looked at her. "I think I'm gonna sit this one out. I got it next time, though."

"You okay with watching Judith?" Rick asked my uncle.

He smiled and nodded. "Sure. You ever need me to watch her, need anything for her, I'm right here."

That made me smile. My uncle was always a really caring and sweet guy.

"I'm grateful for it," Rick said sincerely. "And everything else."

"I'll draw you a map," Gabriel offered.

"You don't need to," Rick said immediately. "You're coming with us."

Gabriel seemed shocked. "I'm not gonna be of any help. You saw me. I'm no good around those things."

Rick nodded. "You're coming with us," he finalized.

•••

Around 10 minutes later, I was saying goodbye to my parents when I looked over and saw Rick talking to Carl. It seemed like he was giving him a speech.

"Are you sure you don't wanna come with us?" my mom asked.

"Yeah, maybe you should," my dad added.

"I'll be fine, guys," I promised. "Both of you have said I can take care of myself. And I know I can. Plus, if anything happens where I need help, I have Uncle Tyreese and Carl."

They exchanged a glance before sighing and nodding. "Alright."

They both kissed me on the head before walking out with Rick.

I sighed and walked up to Carl.

"What did your dad say?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Just that I'm not safe and to keep my guard up."

He sat down and I sat down next to him. "I know I already asked, but...do you trust Gabriel?"

It was silent for a moment before he nodded. "Yeah, I do. Do you?"

I sighed. "I don't know. I want to, but...I just can't yet."

He nodded. He seemed like he understood.

"So what do you wanna do?" he asked. "Tyreese is taking care of Judith so we're off the hook for now."

I shrugged. "We could do some target practice, or-" I was cut off by a big yawn.

Carl chuckled. "Or you could get some sleep."

I shook my head. "I'm fine," I insisted.

"Bree, it's okay," he smiled. "I'm sure we have plenty of time."

I waited a moment before sighing. "Okay."

I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes, falling asleep in under two seconds.