Carol zipped up her tent and collapsed on her sleeping bag.
It had been a long day, and she was exhausted.
After what seemed like forever, they found Sophia. But it was too late. She wanted to hold her daughter one more time, but Daryl had stopped her from getting near her. She knew better than to go near her, but she wanted to hold her one more time. The thought of Daryl sent shivers down her spine, even though it's a hot night.
When Daryl showed concerned for Sophia's safety, it showed he wasn't as ruff as she first thought of him. She became his friend, and she felt the need to thank him yet again for looking for Sophia for all this time.
As Carol laid on top of her sleeping bag, thoughts of Daryl kept swarming in.
Did she have feelings for him? If she did, was it pointless? Could there be any chance at all that Daryl might actually like her? She shook her head in disbelief.
But still, the thought lingered.
The next morning, Carol decided to thank Daryl yet again for what he has done.
"Lori, do you know where Daryl is?"
"I believe he just headed out to the woods to grab something to eat." Lori replied.
Carol thanked her, and headed off to the woods.
Daryl was no where in sight, but Carol figured he could be a little ways in.
She headed inside the woods without a second thought. Without a weapon.
The breezed started to settle between the trees, which made Carol shiver.
Suddenly, Carol heard a crunch a few feet to her right.
She quickly jerked her head to see what made the noise, but no one was there.
Taking slow steps, Carol continued through the woods looking for Daryl. She hears noises behind a big tree, and thinking it's Daryl, she calls his name.
Suddenly a walker comes around the tree. The leg of a deer is in it's hand, blood all over it's face. She wanted to scream, but knew that would attract even more walkers in the area. She slowly walked backwards, and quickened her pace. The walker suddenly started to rush towards her. Carol turned, and ran as fast as she could. Dodging tree branches and bushes, jumping over fallen trees. But when she tried to jump over a fallen limb, one of the branches caught her sweater, and Carol fell to the ground. The walker approached, only a foot away. It's hand reached out, and brushed Carol's face. Suddenly, a bow shot through the walkers head, blood splattered on Carol's face. Carol gasped, trying to catch her breath.
There stood Daryl ten feet away. His face was concerned, but mostly angry.
"What were you thinking?!" He barked. Carol just stared. Too stunned to respond.
"I-I was looking for you" She stammered.
Daryl huffed and avoided her eyes.
"Well you shouldn't be out here. Go back to the camp" He turned and started to walk away. "Wait!" Carol shouted. She got up from the ground and brushed leaves off her. "I have something to say to you." Her voice was stern, but shook slightly.
"What is it woman?" Daryl turned and stared straight into her eyes with that smirk.
There was now only inches between them. Carol searched for the right words to say, so she went with her gut.
"I wanted to say thank you for looking for Sophia all that time." Daryl's face softened just slightly.
"And," Carol continued, "I think I owe you. So if there's ever anything, you let me know." Daryl just stared at her.
Sweat dripped from Carol's forehead. The blood splatters started to as well. Carol lifted her hand to wipe away the blood, but Daryl grabbed her hand. He then pulls out a handkerchief, and wipes Carol's face. Carol now knew, she loved Daryl. And she had to pay him back somehow.
