Rachel's eyes slowly flicker open. She winces slightly as she attempts to move her arm. A tube sticks out of it, attached to an IV bag. Rachel turns her head, and sees what looks like a doctor rifling through a medicine cabinet.

"Where am i?" Rachel asks.

The doctor turns around and walks over to Rachel. "I'm Dr. Stevens," she smiles.

"What's this?" Rachel motions towards the tube in her arm.

"It's just fluids, you were really badly dehydrated."

"Where's the guy that brought me here?" Rachel asks.

"I don't know. Someone should be along soon. They'll fill you in," Dr. Stevens assures her. "I won't be long," she says, stepping outside.

Rachel watches her leave. She stares up at the ceiling, going over what had happened. She remembered being attacked, that would stay with her forever. And she remembered being rescued. Christ! What was his name? She frowns, not quite able to remember. The doors swing open to her left, and a man makes his way towards her.

"Hi," he smiles.

Rachel looks at him distrustfully.

"Not up to talking? I guess it's been a while since you were around people? Merle said you were on your own when he found you," he says.

Merle, that was his name, she thinks.

"Said the biters were closing in on you," he adds.

Rachel stares at him confused. "Yeah, i think so. It's all a bit hazy."

"That's understandable. You weren't in good shape when you got here. You've been out for two days."

Rachel's eyes widen in surprise. "Really?"

He laughs lightly. "Yeah, you must've needed it."

"Where am i?" She asks.

"You're safe. We have a lot of people here. People that keep this place safe," he says.

"Are you leading this place?"

"I'm trying. When i first got here, there were a lot of hotheads in charge. Bad people. So i rose up, took this place and made it better. People like to call me the Governor," he smiles almost apologetically.

"Governor?"

"I know. It's not a title i'd pick myself. But it's stuck. Soon as you're up and about, i'll show you round. It's up to you how long you stay here, but you are welcome to stay," he smiles.

Rachel watches him closely. Something bothers her about him, and she can't quite put her finger on it. "Thank you," she nods.

He smiles at her before heading back out.


"I feel much better," Rachel smiles.

"Good," Dr. Stevens nods. "If you have any problems, just come and see me."

"Thanks, i will do," Rachel nods.

The door to the infirmary opens. "I see you're feeling better," the Governor smiles.

"I am, thanks to the doc here," Rachel nods in her direction.

"Why don't i show you around?" He offers.

Rachel hope off the bed and makes her way over to him. He opens the double doors.

"Welcome to Woodbury," he smiles.

Rachel steps out of the door and looks out in awe. She turns to him. "You have an entire town?"

"We do. It wasn't easy, by we did it," he nods.

"How?"

He places his hands against his hips. "A lot of hard work. We have men on the wall at all times, keeping this place safe."

She scans the town, not quite believing her own eyes. "Well, it's just.. it's unbelievable."

The Governor laughs. "I can imagine why you'd think that. When you're out there," he points towards the gate. "It's a different world."

Rachel watches the people of Woodbury walking around without a care in the world. As if the world hasn't turned to shit.

"Come on, i'll take you to your apartment," he says, walking ahead of her.


The Governor opens the door to the second floor apartment. "It's not the biggest one we have, but it's clean."

Rachel steps inside. There's a large living/kitchen area. A bathroom and a bedroom. "You're joking right? It's brilliant!" She beams, taking it all in.

He laughs from behind her. "I suppose anything's a big step up from being out there."

"It is," she says, looking out of the window.

"There's clean clothes. Some fruit and canned goods. Plenty enough to last you a while. You need anything, just ask," he says.

"Thank you. I'll make sure i earn my place here, i will," Rachel assures him.

"I'm sure you will. I'll leave you to get settled in," he says.

Rachel nods. "Seeya."


Rachel walks around her apartment, eating spaghetti straight out of the can. After a shower and a fresh set of clothes, she felt much better. She glances at her old clothes in a dirty pile on the floor. Rachel grabs them and tosses them in the trashcan. She makes her way over to the window, looking down at the street below. It's strange, seeing so many people just milling around. She sees a familiar face and heads outside.


"Merle," she calls, making her way over to him.

Merle looks in her direction. "Hey there, shortie. See you got yourself all cleaned up."

"Yeah," she smiles. "I.. i wanted to thank you."

Merle nods. "Weren't nothing."

"It was. I don't like to think what might have happened if you hadn't been out there," she shakes her head. "I don't think i'd be standing her right now."

"You was one of the sorriest things i ever come across," Merle says.

Rachel looks down at her feet. "Why didn't you tell the Governor about those men in the woods?"

Merle looks at her uncomfortably. "Ain't nobody's business but yours."

Rachel nods. "That's pretty cool," she points at the blade sticking out of his stump.

Merle chuckles, holding it up in front of his face. "Think so uh?"

"How did you lose it?" She asks.

"Now there's a story. Cut it off ma'self. You believe that?"

"Really?" Rachel asks, mouth agape.

"Yeah, but i'll tell ya bout it some other time. I got shit to do," Merle says.

"Okay. Would you come over for dinner some time?"

Merle stares at her, confused.

"I just want to thank you, that's all. To be fair though, i'm not much of a cook, so, it probably won't be much of a thank you," she smiles.

"You're inviting me over for dinner?"

"Yeah. It'll just be tinned crap, but it saves eating it on my own," Rachel smiles.

"Alright, if it'll stop ya going on about it," Merle relents. "I'll come by tomorrow."

"Okay, i'll see you tomorrow," she waves, heading back to her apartment.

Merle watches after her, still confused as to why she'd invite him round for dinner. He stands there a few moments, trying to recall if anyone had ever invited him to dinner. Merle shakes his head and makes his way towards the gate.


Rachel lies in her new bed, staring up at the ceiling. She can't believe her luck. For the first time since this started, she actually feels safe. Like she can actually take a breath for the first time in weeks. After her conversation with Merle, she had realised what had been bothering her about the Governor. It was his eyes. Every time he had smiled, it hadn't quite reached his eyes. It was the same when he laughed, it felt like it wasn't genuine, like he was wearing some kind of mask. Like he was hiding something. But so what if he was? Maybe he'd had a family and lost them? And putting on a smile was the only way to get by. Christ! Wasn't everyone kind of wearing a mask. Rachel scolds herself mentally for being so judgemental, then rolls on to her side and drifts off.