Outcast (A TWD Fanfiction)

Chapter 4: Respects

"Show me the manner in which a nation or a community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to high ideals." Sir William Ewart Gladstone

(PRESENT)

Ellen headed back inside as morning's first light began seeping through the canopy of the trees. The night had been quiet, providing her with an ample amount of time to collect her thoughts after her long day and sober up a bit.

She thought of what the two men had told her about Deanna's death, and she felt bad that she hadn't gone back to visit Alexandria more often before her untimely passing. The woman had created a vision, a future where the normalcy of the old world had the possibility to be achieved again.

Ellen wondered if the woman's legacy would be carried out by Rick Grimes.

Ellen thought briefly of her own estranged father, who had been an officer himself, and how Rick reminded her of the man a bit. Except he had been more rigid, disciplined. It seemed like Rick was mild-tempered and had a good sense of humor.

Ellen listened to the world waking up around her, finding the birdsong humming through the trees peaceful.

She walked through her greenhouse and began building the two men a few boxes of supplies to take back with them.

The men woke to the smell of fresh coffee being brewed. Rick stretched and joined the woman at the table for a cup. He rubbed his eyes. "Wow, I can't remember the last time I slept that good."

Daryl climbed down from the hammock to grab a cup of coffee too, before heading out of the room. "Gotta take a piss," he said as he excused himself.

"Yeah, these woods are real peaceful at night. Honestly, last night, that's the first creeper that's gotten this close in awhile. Oh, speaking of--" Ellen said, pulling something out of her pocket.

She handed Rick an ID before walking over to her desk and sifting through the others. She found the one she was looking for, and handed it to Rick.

Rick examined the two driver's licenses, and then raised a brow. "Well look at that, Arnold and Patricia Samson. 52 Elm Street. You really weren't lying."

Ellen sipped her coffee and nodded, leaning against her desk. "I think you'll come to find that I'm a straight shooter, Rick Grimes," she stated.

"Hey, about last night..." Rick started.

"Yeah, sorry for being short with you," Ellen said.

"Nah it's not that. We shouldn't have pushed it. We've just been through so much, my group and I... we've met some real bad people. I have my son and daughter to think about now... If you've met this man and you tell me he's no good, I'll take your word for it."

Ellen nodded silently.

"Y'know, you're pretty tough," Rick said. "I know I've already said it, but if you're ever around, or if you get tired of being by yourself out here..."

Ellen looked at him and offered a small smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

Daryl walked back into the room at that moment. "What are all those boxes downstairs?"

Ellen turned her attention to him. "For you guys to take back with you. You have more mouths to feed than I do."

A teasing expression came over her face. "And actually, there's something else I have for you, Daryl," she said flirtatiously, walking over to him and pressing herself close to him.