The Next World

Chapter 33

I got back to the house and quietly placed the tray on the kitchen counter. I'd wash them later. I walked upstairs and slowly opened the door to our room. I stood by the door for a bit to make sure Daryl was still asleep.

"You gonna come over here and tell me where you were or what?" he said.

I sighed. I closed the door, took off my boots and pants then made my way to the bed. I slipped under the covers. He was looking at me right before my head hit the pillow.

"I'm sorry. I went to see Denise," I said.

"You all right?" he asked sitting up.

"Yeah. I just...I saw the lights on over there. And I was curious as to why she was up so early," I said.

"How she holding up?" he asked.

"She misses Tara. Says that she told her she loved her before we left yesterday. She regrets not saying it back," I said.

"Sure Tara knows how she feels," he said.

"That's what I told her. That's what was keeping her up," I said.

"Was she doing better when you left?" he asked.

"I think she'll be fine," I said.

He then wrapped his arm around me and pulled me closer to him.

"You eat something?" he asked.

"Yeah. Are you hungry?" I asked.

"Nah. Not right now. You gonna get more sleep?" he asked.

"I'll try," I said.

"Okay," he said.

I moved closer and kissed him.

"I love you," I said once I parted from him.

"I love ya more," he said.

I rested my head on his shoulder and the both of us tried to get some more sleep in. A few hours later, everyone was up and ready to start the day. Daryl and I had a quick bite to eat before the both of us went out. I sat by the steps while I watched him fixing up his motorcycle.

"Does it look to be in good shape?" I asked from the steps.

"Yeah. That asshole didn't screw it up as much," he replied.

"Good. What do suppose happened to him?" I asked.

"Probably got himself killed," he replied.

"You think so?" I said.

"Ain't no other way to explain him not being there," he said.

"And would you be okay with that?" I asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" he retorted.

"Because I know that you tried to help him. And those girls," I said.

He was silent for a bit.

"You know, it was 'cause of them that I stopped wanting to look for people," he said a little softer.

"Yeah. I figured it was something like that. Sucks when you realize just how shitty this world makes people. I'm sorry," I said.

"Ain't like it matters to me," he said.

"I know it does, Daryl. Even if you won't admit it. I know it does," I said.

He looked at me. He then came up and kissed my forehead then went back to fixing his motorcycle. Carol was now making her way to us. I stood up.