Beginning of the End

XLIV

I took off after his tracks, noticing any branches that seemed broken, any footprints that seemed fresh. I realized I was walking towards the dam. I continued to follow these tracks until I saw him, sitting on the edge of the river. He was placing his hands in the water, then rubbing his face, removing the dirt. I stood behind a tree, watching his every move. He stood up, removing his duster and his jacket, revealing many scars along his arms. I quietly removed my bow from my back, nocking an arrow. I quietly stepped out, arrow drawn.

"Who sent you?" I shouted. He quickly drew his gun at me.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Who sent you? Why were you in my clearing?" I asked, sternly. Trying to cover the fact that my voice was shaking. He stood there, with a confused look on his face.

"Look, lady, I have no idea who you are. I'm a fucking nomad. I work with no one." He was getting irritated.

"Bullshit. Did Chris send you?" I was getting more angry by the second.

"I don't know who the fuck Chris is, but you need to drop your fucking weapon before I shoot."

"You couldn't do me the fucking favor," I said through gritted teeth. I dropped my bow and stood with my arms extended. He stared at me, blankly, "GO ON! SHOOT ME!" I shouted at him.

"Shut up!" He said sternly as he placed a finger against his lips, "You're gonna draw attention to the dead ones."

"Oh, Mr. Nomad is scared of a few walkers." I fake pouted.

"What the fuck do you want, child?"

"First off, I'm not a child. I'm 22 years old," I stepped forward, "I run a whole community full of fucking people," I stepped closer once more, "And I'm not in the mood to play fucking games," I took a few more steps, placing my forehead to the barrel of his gun, "So if you want to fucking shoot me, pull the goddamn trigger." He placed his finger on the trigger and stood there. Eventually, lowering his gun, placing it back in his holster.

"Jesus fucking Christ, woman..." He rubbed his face in aggravation. Then he stood there, looking at me, "What the fuck happened to you?" He shook his head.

"Doesn't matter." I turned and walked to my bow and picked it up, along with the arrow.

"You look sick. Like, malnourished sick," I turned to him, as he was reaching into his backpack, pulling out a can of corn, "It's not much, but it looks like you need it." He tossed it at me. I caught it, then looked at him.

"I'm not sick. I eat. We have food." I tossed it back. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply.

"Jesus Christ, you're one stubborn woman." I turned and started walking. I heard shuffling and turned to see him running towards me.

"What?" I asked, annoyed.

"Well, a small, fragile woman as yourself shouldn't be in these woods alone. I may be a nomad, and an asshole, but I'm not completely heartless." He shrugged. I stopped and turned to him.

"Look, Nomad, I appreciate the concern. But I can do this alone. I've made it this far."

"Barely. Have you seen yourself? You're nothing but skin and bones. You look like you're ten seconds away from being one of the dead ones." I rolled my eyes.

"Thanks for the concern, Nomad, but I'm fine." I turn and start walking away.

"It's Austin." He yelled out. I turned.

"What?" I asked.

"Name's Austin." He said.

"Alright, Nomad." I turned, walking back to Community.