The Fallen (Daryl Dixon fanfiction)

Chapter 9

Author's Note: I do not know Spanish. Feel feel to correct me on the translations. 

“I’m so sorry,” Deanna says. 

“We’ve all lost someone. A husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, friend, or mere acquaintance.” She sniffles, blinking the tears away. Not letting any fall. No one cried anymore. There were no more tears left to shed in the new world.

~.~

“Let’s go again!” Beth exclaims.

“Alright, Alright.” Reese nods while dealing out the cards. Glancing at the young boy. “Ah, ah, I saw that.” She scolds, extending her hand for the cards the boy snuck under the table.

“Cheater!” Beth scolds.

“Hey, you wanna cheat, don’t get caught.” She advises. “Serious now. Let’s go!” She places the remainder of the deck in the middle of the table. 

The three slamming down their cards laughed at the frantic speed of hands slapping down cards.

“Whatcha’ guys playin’.” The sheriff asks, taking in the light-hearted scene.

“Slaps, and I’m winning.” Carl boasts.

“Yeah, cause you cheated.” Beth corrects dealing the cards.

“What’s up? Need somethin’?” Reese asks Judith, whining as she shifts her in her lap. She settles into looking about happily gumming on her pacifier.

“If you don’t mind.” He gestures away from the children.

“Sure.” She hums, taking her cue from Beth, placing Judith into her waiting arms and joining Rick on a walk through the prison. Opening the doors walking out into the courtyard.

“Don’t think I’ve seen him smile since-” he cuts himself off the words getting caught in his throat. It’s only been about a week since Lori’s death, and it seemed Reese’s probation period was over as she was now a valued member of the group. Mainly watching and playing with the kids, helping Carol prepare food, and night watch.

“It’s nothing.” She shrugs.

“Finding food and supplies for Judith, watching the kids.” He lists. “I have you to thank for that.”

“I’ve been through loss...” She inhales a breath breathing out again. “...hurts like hell.” She chuckles. 

“Yeah.” He agrees. Rubbing his tired eyes. 

“I doubt Sheriff Grimes pulled me aside just to tell me a good job.” She smiles, seeing one appear on his lips. “What’s up?” she leans against the riling of the six steps. 

“I’ve got a job for you.” He starts. “We’re doing well on resources for now, but it’s always good to think ahead.”

“Need me to scavenge.” She connects the dots. “Alright, me and Glenn will be back before nightfall.”

“Glenn’s not going.”

“Maggie.” She assumes.

“Daryl?” he corrects.

“Why him?” She grimaces, gesturing to an empty space beside her as if the sour-faced archer were beside her.

“You know the area, and he knows how to track. This will ensure you two don’t come back empty-handed.” He explains. A high-pitched whistle startles them. Reese holding her assaulted ear looking to the archer near the front gates.