The Undead

The News

Phin sighed deeply, burying his head in his arms - deep in thought. Erik was pregnant. Just when he thought things couldn't any worse. Glenn told him the news the moment they came back from the city, he just stood there nervously as he blurted it out, feeling like a child sharing some forbidden secret. "She just confided in me, man. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know who to tell. Shit, we barely even know each other. It was weird!"

"Did she tell you who the father was?"

"No, she just told me she was pregnant and that was it. I didn't want to make her feel bad so I played Mr. Nice Guy!"

"Fuckin' hell, Erik." Phin cursed. It had been running through his mind all day, on a loop. He'd even avoided the girl since Glenn spilled the news. He felt terrible. He wanted to know if she was okay, more than anything, to know what the hell she was going to do. Most importantly, who the father was. The apocalypse wasn't exactly the time and place to raise a child.

"You going to bed or what?" Phin jumped at the sound of Stephanie's voice, and watched as she stood in the doorway, a puzzled look plastered on her face. "Everybody is asleep. At least I think they are. Maggie said that Rick's group is sleeping inside now. What about you?"

"I'm fine sleeping outside, really." He replied as he fiddled with his fingers. The urge to tell Stephanie the news was strong.

"Well, the girls and I...are not. What if you're out there and some walkers come along and tear you apart." Stephanie frowned. Joining his side she stared out at the landscape, spotting the tent Phin usually slept in.

"You all worry too much. I said I'm fine." He rolled his eyes.

"Get your shit. You're sleeping inside from now on. I don't want to hear any excuses, now hurry." She crossed her arms over her chest, watching as Phin groaned and headed towards his tent, obviously annoyed.

"Maggie said you can sleep on the couch, in the living room. A few of Rick's people are in there." Stephanie whispered. Phin silently trailed behind her as they stepped inside, deciding to leave the light off in fear of waking someone up.

"Oh, that's just great..." Phin rolled his eyes, clutching his duffle bag by his side.

"Erik really wanted you to room with her. Maybe you could move in tomorrow? It's pretty late now." She cocked an eyebrow. "She told me she feels like you've been avoiding her all day, is that true?"

"I've just been thinking a lot, Steph. Kind of been in my own space lately. I-I know you guys don't want to leave this place, but how long? How long till a herd passes through..."

"We have discussed this already. We are going to reinforce the fences. It'll all work out." Stephanie ushered him towards the couch, being mindful of the others in the room as she lowered her voice, taking gentle steps. "Just get your ass to bed....now is not the time to argue."

"Whatever." He muttered, settling on the couch. "But we're talking about this in the morning. All of us."