Pulled Over

In retrospect, I guess I did look kind of suspicious, I mean driving down an abandoned road in my big black truck. The front of my truck had crudely welded on metal spikes, all three a rusty brown color from dried blood. I also had assumed no one had driven down this road in a long long time. But that wasn't just because this road was a back road.

Let me elaborate. A few months ago an outbreak occurred. The infected would bite or scratch you to turn you or, if you were unlucky enough, they'd continue to devour you. Pretty soon the small outbreak turned into a worldwide epidemic, with no known cure. Way over ¾ the world's population had already 'died', leaving a couple billion infected to roam the earth with only the intentions to eat human flesh. When the outbreak began, it was bad, really bad. I couldn't save anyone. My whole family was presumed dead, and I was alone, with only the empty road ahead of me to comfort me.

My truck had all the supplies that I had managed to salvage, in the trunk I had my sleeping bag, two pillows, enough food and water to last me maybe another day if I ate very little. I also had four bags filled with my clothing, toiletries, weapons (a pistol, three blades, a machete, and two boxes of ammunition for the pistol, each containing 24 bullets)

Like I said I probably looked very suspicious driving down that road, but how could I have possibly expected three (very buff, mean looking) men to cut me off with guns pointed at me?

So now here I am, three men with guns in front of my truck, none of us moving. Deciding to take initiative, I open my door slightly and yell out "You got a reason for pulling me over, officer?" I sarcastically asked the dressed up man. The men glanced at each other before the man with the sheriffs hat cautiously began to inch closer. "I'm Rick, that's Shane, and T-dog, we just wanna talk" he called back. "Yeah because I always 'talk' to people with a gun pointed at their head. I aint done nothing wrong Rick, just passing through, I don't want no trouble" I call, quickly looking over the men. They were all armed with a single gun, a large knife, and scavenging bags. Rick walked closer, over to where my door was and put his gun in its holster. "You're what? 18? How'd you make it so long?" He asked sympathetically. "I'm 19, and I'm not asking for help. I've survived for this long, I think I can manage" I snapped. "I know you think you can, but you're still only a teenager, and I know that if I was in your place I'd want help" "And what if I don't?" I question. "Well then keep driving, but I know from experience that driving alone is awfully lonely" I let out a sigh. "What are you proposing?" I ask "A group? Protection? To not be alone?" Rick proposed. "Rick I- I appreciate your kindness but-" I was cut off by a blunt force hitting the side of my head.

-A Few Hours Later-

My eyes slowly opened, my vision was blurry and slightly tainted as I brought my hands up to my throbbing head. I let out a groan as I felt around the tender spot on the side of my head. I soothingly rubbed it as I sat up, the pain becoming more prominent. "You feeling okay?" I heard Rick ask. I jumped slightly before I let out a groan in response. I threw my feet over the side of the bed and stared at Rick, wondering where in the hell I was. "I never got your name" Rick prodded. "Madison" I curtly replied, slowly pushing myself to my feet. "I'm glad you're awake, Listen, about Shane knocking you out- he wasn't supposed to do that. I had no idea" Rick rambled. I ignored him, and began to walk towards the door, I didn't know these people, I had to get out. "I don't care, I'm leaving" I say, stumbling slightly as I reached the stairs. The throbbing was fading slowly, but it still hurt.

Rick trailed behind me "I think you should rethink that decision. You can't survive all on your own" "Watch me." A dull throb lingered but I pushed it away as I stormed off toward the front door, ignoring the way my legs shook. "I don't want your blood on my hands. Letting you go is leaving you to the walkers and I can't do that" He persuaded. I scoffed and pushed the door open, walking out with Rick persistently following. "You don't know what I've been through with groups Rick. I'm better off on my own. I didn't ask for your protection and I sure as hell don't need it. I'm leaving, now, and that's final" I tried keeping my tone down as I noticed other people but my agitation was getting the best of me. Before Rick could even open his mouth to respond I heard familiar voice call out "Madison?" The voice sounded confused and when I turned to my left I understood why.

He still looked the same. His brown hair was a little longer, a little shaggier yeah, but he had it styled the same. His eyes were the same muddy brown color, and he still wore the flannel with the ripped off sleeves. He looked dirtier, like he had just come back from hunting. He had random splotches of mud and blood on his pants. His hair was a mess and he had a line of dead squirrels by his feet. "Daryl?" I questioned, tears welding up in my eyes. The last time I had seen my cousin was three months before the outbreak. We were really close but I had gone to college in another state so we got separated. We always used to hunt together, he'd always tease me and teach me new things he thought would be helpful. He had looked after me a lot when I was younger and was proud of me when I became the first Dixon to go to college.

My feet began to move to their own accord, picking up pace as I ran towards Daryl, a single tear slipping down my face. I smiled slightly as he opened his arms, and I ran into him, my arms wrapping around him as I tried to push away my tears. He was slightly tense as he hugged me back, he had never really gotten used to me being a hugger. "I thought you were dead" I whispered, pulling back. "Hey, aint nothing gonna kill a Dixon, but a Dixon" He teased, reciting what we always used to say. He smiled at me slightly before looking at me suspiciously. "What'cha doin here anyhow?" he questioned, looking over at Rick. "It's a long story" I said, kicking the gravel below me. I looked over at Rick. "I may have to rethink your offer" I say simply, looking back at Daryl.

I stood between the two men and sighed in defeat, glancing at Rick sheepishly and asking "So what do I have to do to stay?"