JUST BREATHE (Rick Grimes Romance)

Chapter 10

The fallowing morning started early at sunrise. In the light on day the bodies and destruction felt like you were standing in quicksand. No matter how hard you struggle. No how far you think you made it, you got no where. The skies were dark and overcast displaying the pending storm.

"We don't have a lot of time. Tyres and you guys grab some vehicles get these bodies out and burn them away from the compound. Bob, Glen and Abraham we are going to need four graves. The rest of you try to pick everything up and fix what there is time for before it starts to rain." There was an uncomfortable silence as Rick walked away. Four graves not three someone called from the back of the group. Rick stopped, hanging his head low but didn't turn around. "Four...Misty died this morning."

As the skies darken deeper a shrill wind began to whip around the compound. Mocking us in our efforts. Laughing at us as a school bully picks on a shy kid. Knocking us back down as we were trying to get back up. Mother Nature was getting ready to show us who was unequivocal boss.

As soon as the graves were dug Rick called us altogether for yet another mass funural. Listening to Rick speak you could tell these deaths were taking another toll on him. That he blamed himself for not being able to save everyone. Stedfast in his belief that he was letting everyone down. We had just finished saying our goodbyes when the rain began heavy with the largest droplets I had ever scene. It was almost like god was crying with us. As I ran through the door I looked back. Rick was just standing there staring at the graves. My heart ached for him as I watched Michone returned to his side.

Everyone seemed to gather together in the dinning room. Each of us needing the company of the other. I sat down at the table with Glen, Daryl and Maggie. I didn't really feel like talking but I didn't want to be alone either.

"Has anyone talked to Samantha today?" Glen asked staring out the window at the rain.

"No the doc has her sedated. Carol has been with her." Trying not to cry Maggie wiped at her eyes,"She said that she just keeps calling out Jasper's name and crying."

"This is bullshit, I'm so tired of burring family" Daryl snapped. "Today never should have happend."

"Does anyone know how the gate was left open?" Everyone turned and looked at me. "Sorry guess I shouldn't have asked."

"No," Maggie paused "Its just that Stacey and David were sneaking out the gate so they could hook up together. Misty figured something was up so she fallowed them. When she caught them hooking up she yelled at them and closed the gate locking it. With all the noise the walkers came and when Misty realized she tried to open the gate. Stacey got through and away but David got caught. When Misty tried to break David free the zombies pushed through and bit David. I'm the panic the gate was left open. Glen overheard Stacey talking to one of the other girls last night."

The table fell silent. It was a lot to digest. Teenage hormones and jealousy had reeked havoc and lives were lost and our group was irrevocably changed. Where do you even begin to place the blame....direct the anger. It was all so senseless. I excused myself saying I was going to get a coffee. I needed some space and left for the kitchen.

I had an unsettling feeling of hopelessness. It had been a some time but every once in a while it was like a cold icy grip pulling you closer to the grave. You had to fight to survive but for what. How many attracts could you survive before your number was called.

Grabbing a cup off the rack my foot hit the bag of flour on the floor. Stumbling I tried to catch myself knocking down a plate and the glass slipping from my hand, shattering as they hit the floor. Taking a deep breath I bent down and started to pick up the larger pieces while muttering to myself.