Thanks for Everything

Beth and Daryl were trekking along in the woods, searching for any type of food or sanctuary. As the days got colder, animals started to disappear. Eventually, even the mice were no where to be seen. All they had were the little rations they found at abandoned buildings and cars. Both of their clothes provided little protection from the cold, and at night, almost nothing could be able to withstand the freeze. The worst part was, it seemed like the walkers had grown more active. Almost every turn they made a walker was approaching them. It was a surprise either of them had survived this long. All day, they dotted around the forest, telling themselves they would find something amazing. Out of no where, a zombie made a slow but quick turn into the woods and limped towards them.

"We can't do this anymore, Daryl. We just need to find a place and wait out the winter!"

Daryl chuckled weakly.

"Getting weak, princess? I ain't stopping cause your little polished feet can't keep up with me."

"Do you not understand? We'll die if we stay out here," Beth exclaimed, "does that mean anything to you?"

"We'll die if we stay in the same place too long. There won't be nearly enough food to get us through this shit."

Beth gave out a sharp sign. Daryl was right. But it was better to be inside where it would be at least a little warmer. For a while they just kept walking, hoping for a miracle to happen. Daryl refused to stop.

That night, both of them were exhausted. If there was a building out in those woods, they would have seen it by now.

"I feel like we've scavenged this place two times over," Beth stated, "no one is here. No one except walkers."

Daryl watched the sparking fire. He didn't care anymore. All he wanted was to find a place for himself, and if it took exploring all of Gorigeia, then so be it.

"Who cares, really. All of 'em gone or dead."

Beth started at him with her big, blue eyes. She felt like screaming at the top of her lungs, then slamming a door. The truth was though, if he wasn't there for her, she would have been gone by now.

"We need sleep. Big day tomorrow," Daryl said sharply, taking his eyes off the fire.

He laid down onto the frostbitten ground. Beth gave a small nod and curled up on her torn up rags.

Many hours later, the fire had burned out, but Beth was still awake. She couldn't sleep, knowing her family and friends were still out there, possibly walker food. Just as Beth closed her eyes, she heard moans. Quickly, she sat up and whipped her head around. To her horror, a mini horde was coming towards them. Beth scrambled to grab her hunting knife, but it was too dark. Daryl didn't move a finger. She had a cold sweat running down her face. The walkers were getting louder and louder. Beth closed her eyes. She finally found the weapon. Slowly getting up, her arm lifted itself higher and higher.

"You can't do this, Beth. God just knows it's your time," her thoughts murmured to her, "Daddy is calling for me."

As the horde was at the tip of biting her, an arrow came out of nowhere. Beth turned around to see Daryl aiming at their heads. He ran towards them with an expressionless anger on his face. Usually he had this face, but now, it was more intense. The horde was grabbing him, being shot down one by one.

"Beth, get to the road, I'll meet you there."

"No! I'll help you! I-I can use this knife, you taught me to hunt. I c-"

Everything became slow. The zombies, the world, the noises. Before her eyes, she saw a zombie lunge at her. And right then and there, Daryl jumped in front of her. The zombie dug it's teeth into his arm. Blood sprayed on her face. She grabbed him and pulled as hard as she could. Beth struggled dragging him into the woods, sobbing and screaming. She hid them both in a bush. Being silent, the zombies passed.

"Daryl..."

He was laying on his back, coughing, bleeding. Beth was crying into his jacket.

"Guess I won't be the last man standing."

Beth stared at him, between tears, chuckling weakly.

"You'll survive, Daryl, you will. You survive everything."

"You'd make a good liar. I ain't gonna make it Greene, accept that. Now stop crying, I'm still here. You gotta be strong. Shoot me."

"No! I won't, I refuse to."

Daryl grabbed her wrist. Weakly sitting up, he stared at her.

"You wanna make me happy? Put me down. I know you're strong, Beth. You'll find the group. You'll feel pain, girly. Life isn't a box of happiness and love. Know you're place in this world, and make the best of it."

Beth looked at his wound. She shut her eyes and nodded. Her hand moved towards the gun, barely able to keep it still. Daryl grinned and laid back down. His face was pale. She lifted up the gun and pointed it at his head.

"Thanks for everything."