Ruins

4

I found my way around and offered my help anywhere they needed me.

Beth had me help organize some of the baby stuff.

"Did you have kids?" Beth asked, swaying with the baby in her arms.

"No." I shook my head, laughing.

"Did you want to?" She persisted.

"I never got a chance. I didn't find the right person." I slid the box of formula under the table filled with baby supplies.

"You still got time." She nodded, stepping forward and handing me Judith.

I took her in my arms gently, peering down at the baby, mesmerized. She was a delicious bundle of rolls. I actually loved babies. I wanted at least three kids, but I never met the right person and now I'm probably reaching my reproductive deadline.

"She's living proof." Beth shrugged, making a bottle.

"This isn't The Bachelor." I smirked, getting her to laugh. I took the bottle from her and watched Judith suck down the milk.

"Hey, where's Daryl? Glenn the Asian-or Korean, moved quickly into the block.

"I think he's showering." I answered. "What's up?"

"We need him at the fence when he's out, will you tell him?"

"I can help." I offered, rocking the baby as I fed her.

"Can you just tell him?" He asked. "Please."

I rolled my eyes as he walked out. "Here you go Beth." I gave Judith back to her.

She thanked me for my help and I grabbed my crowbar from my cell and jogged out after Glenn.

"Hey!" I called after him.

"I said-"

"That you needed help." I cut him off. "So I'm here to help." I passed him, jogging to where Maggie was at the gate of the courtyard.

She greeted me and made small talk as we took down walker after walker that was piling on the fence.

After quite a while, Maggie had worn out and I was beginning to lose feeling in my shoulders.

"I'll let you know if they pile up again. You can go inside." I flung my crowbar out of my hands, hunching over to hold onto my knees. I looked up to see Daryl and huffed my response.

My arms hung at my sides as I went inside.

"I made some stew." Carol pointed to the center of the cell block where a pot was.

"I'm just gonna clean up." I told her. I used a wet rag to clean my face, arms and neck then joined everyone.

I thanked Carol for the bowl she gave me and looked around. "Did your brother eat?" I dug my knee into Merle's thigh.

He grunted and shook his head, then resumed inhaling his food.

I filled another bowl and pushed open the door with my back, turning through the fence to see Daryl perched on the rail of the guard tower. He did seem different from Merle in a few ways. He seemed ultimately good, even with his tough exterior.

I made my way up the tower, as slowly as possible. I pushed open the door again with my back and gave him a short grin as he turned back to see who it was.

"Stew?" I offered, with a light smile. "It's still kinda warm- if you eat it fast enough."

"Thanks." He seemed weary of my gesture.