I've got to say it was probably the most peaceful i had been since the start of the apocalypse. I thought, maybe I'm finally dead. I realized I must still be stuck in this god forsaken world when I noticed the pain in the back on my head, not to mention how hungry I was. I slowly opened my eyes and saw the sheriff about 5 inches from my face. I blinked. At least I wasn't completely crazy.

"You're awake." He said in a southern accent.

"Yea, thanks for noticing" I said sarcastically "maybe next time you're gonna breathe about 5 inches from my face you should at least eat a mint" the man chuckled

"I was afraid you were dead."

"Yea well, wouldn't be very surprising. Given the circumstances." I noticed his water bottle and I'm not sure what took over me but I lunged for it and drank it all. This was the first good amount of water I had in a few days.

"that's it" I decided "you, sir. Are a godsend" I glanced at the empty bottle in my hand "uh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to drink it all it's just I haven't had water in-"

"Nah that's quite all right. Besides I can't have you fainting on me again. By the way the name's Rick. Rick Grimes" he held out a hand. I shook it

"Charlie Griggs, but you can call me Charlie." I looked at his horse "how did you find a horse in the middle of an apocalypse?" I laughed.

He wiped his forehead "long story, look w- where is everyone? I heard this is supposed to be a safe place." He looked very worried. I frowned.

"Well you are the first human contact I've had in over a month I think.. I assumed everyone else was just.. gone" i said dejectedly.

"N no no, my wife.. my son…" he looked so scared I almost held his hand.

"Hey.. are they missing?" I asked and scolded myself dumb question, Rick nodded "I thought they might have come here. Lori has family here but.."

"Don't worry Officer Grimes, I'll help you find them." I didn't really think we could find them but, I wanted to cheer the guy up. It worked and he smiled. He looked alot better when he was happy.

"Anyways, I was headed into the city but if you want you could come along, your horse too." I offered.

"Yea that would be great" he hopped back on the horse and I walked beside them. We went in total silence. I was in deep thought. I couldn't believe I had managed to wind up with this Rick Grimes person. I couldn't believe how easily he trusted me. And I wasn't sure If I should stay with him. All the other small groups I had been in they… well I was alone until now.. I was bad luck. I had decided that after the third group. Although, Rick seemed to be alone. Maybe he and I could work together.

After a while Rick spoke you "so.. have you been alone this whole time?" I had been dreading the question but I was expecting it. "No.. there were others." I said slowly.

"Really? Where are they?" He asked

I looked down at my feet "I'd rather not talk about it." after that we walked in awkward silence.

We turned a street and I heard moaning. Lots. Of moaning. "Oh shit" I said immediately. They hadn't noticed us yet. Then the horse reared up and the entire horde turned. "Rick we gotta get out of here!" I yelled. His face was ghost white. I couldn't understand, it's been like three months since the start and I've seen a lot of hordes like this, I just usually avoid them, i guess Rick being there distracted me. but he looks like this is the most walkers he's seen. Great now I'm going to get him killed. I pulled him off his horse and the bag of guns fell off on to the ground. "Rick! Come on!" He reached for his gun. Oh my God I thought. He's gonna get every walker in the city on us he started firing away I stabbed a few of them in the head then I noticed the tank. "Rick! The tank!" He looked at what I was talking about and then at me he nodded and we both ran for it. By the time we got under the tank walkers had surrounded us. I was starting to panic, this is how I'm going to die. Just because of one stupid mistake. "Nice knowing you Officer friendly." I said to rick. He looked up.

"Charlie in here a hatch!" And he climbed up, once he was in I followed and just got in as the walkers reached my feet. Rick was closing the roof hatch.

I lay on the floor. Breathing hard. Rick sat against the wall. I looked up. "Uh Rick.. is that" the walker turned to look at him and reached out. Rick shot it. My ears were ringing like crazy. I thought I heard a voice and shook my head. "Hey you!"

I looked at Rick questioningly.

"Yea you dumbasses in the tank! Cozy in there?"