Bella's hand moved across the page at an alarming rate. The rest of her was almost stiff, her head tilted down toward the notebook as her eyes moved along with her writing.

It was messy, but it was something. Her music was hardly legible, but it rarely was to anybody else besides her. She was used to sporadically creating music on the spot, so - out of convenience more than anything - Bella often wrote in a shorthand method of notes that typically only she would understand. She hardly ever had the patience to draw out the five lines of a staff every time she wanted to write a song. Usually, she would write out her notes on a blank sheet of paper.

She'd often pause to rest her head against the wall she was leaning one, eyes closed as her fingers played against her notebook. Imagining the piano beneath her fingers, she would hear the piece starting to take form.

This was her second notebook since the start. Before, she would just write whenever she had the chance. Sometimes it would be one day after another of writing – sometimes months. But now, it was all she had to carry her through the days. There was hardly any books or other source of entertainment. She'd either be writing or listening to her iPod - whenever it was charged, at least.

Bella's head had started to ache, but she didn't falter. It felt good to distract her from whatever the hell was happening out there. Rick had disappeared for some much-needed alone time after yelling at Sasha and Tyreese's group to leave. The rest were going to meet up soon to discuss their options for Woodbury, but for now, she was going to sit in her cell and write.

But June's loud sigh interrupted her thoughts. Sitting on Bella's bed, June was tapping her foot against the floor rapidly. She was frowning at the ground, clearly upset. Before Bella could ask, June flatly asked, "Why did he have to leave?"

Exhaling slowly, Bella closed her notebook. Lightly placing her pen on the ground, she simply said, "Family."

"But we are his family," insisted June. She joined Bella on the floor. "And his brother sounds like a shitty person."
Bella shot her a glare. June corrected herself, though not apologetic in the slightest. "- a bad person."

"It might be more complicated than that. We've never met Merle before, so we shouldn't be quick to judge."

June refused to back down. "He hurt Glenn and Maggie. And from what Carol had said about what Merle was like when he was still with them, he sounded terrible."

Sighing, Bella looked back up at the ceiling. "Sometimes, it's hard to leave somebody, especially when you love them. It makes you blind, and it's often easier to just go with it. No matter how much it hurts." Voice gentle, she met June's eyes. "You know that I know that more than most."

June frowned, but her look was softer. "But you left him. You were strong. You are strong."
Bella reached over to lightly fluff June's curls. "No. You made me strong enough. You made it worth it."

June sighed. "Well then, aren't we worth it?"

Bella didn't have the heart to answer her.


It had hardly been two hours since Daryl had split from the group, and already, it felt like ass. Not just because he was slowly processing the idea of never seeing any of them again, or that they still had to fight the Governor off without him. But also, he had to handle his brother's no-shit attitude and go back to wiping his ass with leaves.

Daryl didn't ask about Merle why he had left in the first place or how he even ended up here. That stuff didn't matter anymore, and he wasn't going to dignify Merle by asking. Daryl had done alright without him – more than alright, despite what Merle might say with his big mouth. And Merle sure as hell wasn't going to grace him with any questions about how Daryl had been these past nine months.

So, they settled back into the routine they had from before: hunting. But the two hadn't found anything since they left. It felt a bit strange to hunt with someone other than Bella. It had always been them two with their own system. After almost a year of doing that nonstop, it was easy as breathing.

He remembered when he once thought hunting with her would be an inconvenience.

Now, he had to deal with his loud-ass brother who had stopped their search by taking a piss on a tree.

Eyes out towards the trees, Daryl muttered, "We'd have better luck stoppin' by some of them houses we passed by earlier."

Merle snorted. "Is that all your friends taught you. How to loot for booty?"

Daryl leaned back against a tree, crossbow in his hands. "I'm just sayin. We've been at it for hours and hadn't found shit. We should find the stream and get some fish."

He heard Merle make his way back, leaves being kicked around. "I think your just tryin' to make our way to the prison."
"Wouldn't be a bad idea," murmured Daryl, not glancing over. Pushing himself away from the tree, he raised up his crossbow and peered through the scope as he scanned the trees. "Shelter, food, water."
"For you maybe," scoffed Merle. "Besides, they all dead."

Daryl stilled, before lowering his bow. "Why you say that?"

"Because right now-" drawled Merle. "- the Governor is throwin' a little housewarmin' party for your pals. They as good as dead."


Glenn leaned over the ground, white chalk in his hand. His thumb was rubbing the dust off as he intensely stared at the layout of the prison he had just drawn out.

"So, you said that Tyreese's group came from over here?"

Bella stood beside him, hands on her hips as she tilted her head. They were both frowning down at it, while June and Carl sat across from them. The younger girl nodded as she said, "Right where the administrative part of the building is at the north. We saw that the whole ceiling and front wall had collapsed."

Bella bit her lip as she squatted down, joining the other three. Balancing on her heels, she pointed a gloved hand toward the northern side. Chalk dust stuck to the tip of her finger. "But you found walkers outside of it over here? Even when the doors leading to the administration section were closed?"

Carl nodded.

Glenn sighed as he rubbed his temple, his eye still black and swollen. "We've secured most of the prison, but that means there's another breach. That's not including the giant hole in the prison."

"The whole northern side is vulnerable," muttered Bella, her chin resting on her fist. "People and walkers could push through – crowd us in."

"How are we even sure that the Governor is coming for us?" Beth looked around, eyebrows furrowed as she held Judith. "What if he decides to leave us alone?"

Michonne shook her head slowly. "The man had heads in his tank, both walkers and people of Woodbury. He's coming."
Bella pursed her lips as a tense silence fell on the group, finger tapping on her thigh. They could fortify the northern side – use the debris already there to block exits and pathways. Make traps and use it to their advantage. But that would take days if not weeks. That would be something to do after the dust settles, if they're even still there.

They could run and make a break for it. Woodbury would never be able to find them again, and they could come back later when they were all recovered – maybe with even more people. Bella, personally, was not a big fan of the prison. They had lost more lives in the first one week than they had all winter, and she had almost joined the list.

But to leave now, with their group fractured and Rick unstable, could cause just as much harm. Furthermore, as much as the group had suffered here, even Bella could see the potential it had. They could make it into something stronger and thrive. It had food, defenses, watch points, a good location next to the forest and creek, and everything else necessary to flourish.

Plus, although she might not admit it even to herself, Daryl could come back.

"We should go to him."

Startled, Bella glanced up at Glenn, her hair spilling down over one shoulder from the movement. Ignoring the group's incredulous looks, he continued fiercely, "We sneak in and put a bullet in his head. He won't see it coming."

Speaking calmly for the group, Bella answered, "The war won't just end with him. We kill him like that in their own homes, they'll see us a threat. They'll make him a martyr, and someone else would just take over."

Hershel stepped up. "Last time you guys set out for Woodbury, he didn't know you were coming. Oscar was killed. Daryl was captured. And you and Maggie were almost executed." He sighed, shaking his head. "Our numbers are small as it is. You and Bella aren't even fully recovered, and neither is Rick. So many lives have been lost here. This place isn't worth anymore killing, so we should leave while we still can."

Glenn stood up, an intense and unforgiving expression on his face. "We lived on the road constantly running. We can't do that with you on crutches and a crying baby. We are staying here."

Bella joined Glenn, standing between him and Hershel. With the same low, firm voice she spoke with earlier, she asserted to Hershel, "We can't run with how we are now. Like you said, half of us are hardly in the right state to survive out there." But then she looked at Glenn, directing the next words to him and the group. "But that includes running to Woodbury. That's a suicide mission. We need to stay here where we can use and fortify the terrain."

She gestured to the map on the floor. "They don't know shit about this place, and we still have some flash bangs and gas to use to our advantage. We'll defend this place, and they sure as hell won't take it."

The group considered her words. To her relief, Glenn slowly nodded. "Fine. Carl and I will go to the tombs and scour the place for the breach. Bella, you and the rest can plan and fortify the prison."

She nodded. "You sure you don't need any one else to help down there?"

Glenn shook his head. "You need to stay here in case anything goes wrong."

As the two headed out to the tombs, Bella walked over to everyone else, the chalk rolling around in her palm. Squatting back to where the sketch of the prison was, Bella drew in more details regarding the cell block and the outside of the prison itself – including gates, watch towers, walkways, and courtyards. When she finished, she sat back on one leg, an arm resting on top of her other knee.

"If Woodbury just rolls up to our gates," started Bella. "Then we wouldn't be able to contain the fight outside. They'd knock over our fences and probably just drive straight up to our block."

June, who still sat on the floor next to the sketch, leaned over. "They could easily run up to the watch towers if determined, even if we have somebody there."

Carol, who sat at one of the tables, offered, "We could block up the walkways above the courtyards. We could use some scrap metal and wood as a shield, allowing a few of us to shoot down from up there."

Bella nodded thoughtfully. "Good idea." She drew in a thick line on either side of the walkway above the courtyard that is in front of their cell block. "The outside is too wide and open for just our group to fight a whole town. We'd easily get split up and overrun." She cocked her head, eyes scanning the white, dusty lines. "They know what the outside looks like. They'll scout it first if they're smart. So maybe, we'd just have to let them in."

June frowned. "No offense, but that sounds terrible. We'd be surrounded by them and walkers – which is exactly what we are trying to not let happen."

Bella waved her off. "The Governor and his men will storm in ready to gun us down. But they don't know the place, and they'd only know we'd be here in this cell block. If we go into the prison, just over here-" She pointed to the hallway connected to the common space. "We can take them by surprise. They'll be lost in the dark, confused."

Hershel leaned over her shoulder. "They'll be forced to go back to the cell block."

"They'd run out of the prison," she guessed. "Back out to the courtyard."

Carol nodded, a small smile on her face. "That's when the walkway could come in – as soon as they run out of the door, we'll take the rest out."

"Bingo," grinned June. "This ain't bad."

Bella frowned at the map, still unsatisfied. "We'll have to finetune some parts of the plan in case they split the group up and so forth. But until then, we'll fortify where we plan on hiding – the walkway and the hallway."

"Carol, you'll be in charge of the walkway. Take Axel with you." Bella looked up at the group, who were attentively listening to her commands. "The rest of us will prepare weapons and set up the hall."

But at that moment, the gated door crashed open, revealing a blood-soaked Carl and Glenn. Jumping up, Bella hastily made her way to Carl's side, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What happened?"

Carl shook his head, locking up the gate. "The boiler room is overrun."

Checking Carl for injuries, she heard Beth say, "But that place had been secured."

Bella frowned at Carl, concern on her face. "You good?"

The boy nodded. Bella reluctantly focused back on to worked-up Glenn, who was currently arguing against Hershel about staying in the prison. "We are not leaving. I'll just scout out the back on my own."

With that, Glenn strode out of the cell block, the metal door clanging heavily behind him.


"What was that shit you did back there?" Daryl could hear Merle stalking after him, the twigs snapping underneath his brother's heavy stomps. "Huh? Pointin' your crossbow at me like I'm another walker?"

Daryl scowled but refused to slow down his pace. They weren't too far from the camp. As long as they continued to head north, they should be there in an hour. "Those people on the bridge were scared, man."

Merle scoffed. "They were rude as hell. We saved their asses from becomin' dinner. They should've let us leave with a token of gratitude."

"They don't owe us nothin'."

That set his brother off – again. Daryl could hear Merle's voice get louder as he caught up to him. "Oh, so you're just helpin' people from the good of your heart? Even if that means dyin'? Is that somethin' Sheriff Rick taught you?"

Daryl whirled around to meet his brother's hostile gaze. His heart was pounding, and he felt restless – anxious. He felt like he wanted to hit something, and he hadn't felt like this in a long time. He was like this when Merle was around, and it felt like shit. "There was a baby," he growled.

Merle scoffed. "Otherwise you would've left 'em for the biters, huh?"

Daryl stared at him incredulously, his bolt still in his hand. This is what this was about? Why this jackass refused to cease his complaints and insults? "I went back for you. You weren't there. You cut off your own hand and ran. That's on you. You asked for it."

Chuckling, Merle paced around restlessly. "You know what's funny?" He stopped and jabbed his stump at Daryl. "You are all about that group now, huh? Wantin' to run back, even when it means you are just gonna die along with the rest of 'em. Who is it that's makin' you want to leave your ol' brother behind?"

Daryl just stared back at him. The question shocked him, and even he didn't know how to respond to that. It mattered to him – a lot – to go back. He felt anxious and restless here. He needed to get back and help them fight. Daryl cared for the whole group, he knew that. But he just couldn't stop thinking about someone specifically, even if he won't admit it to himself.

Merle scoffed at his mute brother. "Don't matter. Because I bet you didn't tell 'em that we were plannin' on robbin' that camp blind."

That snapped Daryl out of it. The hot, festering shame flared back up inside him, causing him to inhale sharply. Voice low, he said, "It didn't happen."

"Because I wasn't there to help you."

"What, like when we were kid?" snarled Daryl. "Who left who then?"

Voice like gravel scraping against concrete, Merle shouted, "What? Is that why I lost my hand?"

Daryl shoved past him as he angrily said, "You lost your hand because you're a simpleminded piece of shit!"

Merle reached for him as he screamed, "You don't know-"

Daryl felt Merle tug on the back of his shirt hard. He instinctively leaned forward to prevent himself from flying back, but he could hear the loud, almost deafening rip of his shirt. Daryl could feel the air hit his bare back and could feel the stare of his brother, who was finally silent.

On-edge, Daryl threw around his pack around, covering his scars from Merle, who was stumbling out, "I didn't know he was-"

The anger and shame came back to him like old friends. The familiar feeling burned at him, as if reminding him that nothing has changed. "Yeah, he did." Daryl staggered up, not turning around. "He did the same to you. That's why you left first."

"I had to, man. I would've killed him first." Daryl, ignoring Merle, hoisted up his crossbow and began to stalk away. "Where you going?"

Daryl stopped. "Back to where I belong."
Looking back, he saw Merle was wearing a strange expression, something Daryl has never really seen before. His brother had let go of his loud, boisterous persona and was now wearing something akin to fear. Maybe regret. "I can't go with you. I tried to kill two of your people. I just can't."

He was pleading, Daryl realized. It wasn't obvious, but he could see it, and it frustrated him. Shaking his head, he slowly said, "I may be the one walkin' away, but you're the one that's leavin' – again."

Daryl then turned his back and continued his way back to home.


Bella ran out after Glenn, who was stalking his way toward one of the cars. "Glenn," she called out. "Glenn!"

His whole body was tense as he slowed to a stop. Eye brows furrowed, Bella panted as she got out, "You're not going to Woodbury, are you?"

Tucking her loose hair behind her ear, she crossed her arms as she looked at him with concern. Glenn stiffly shook his head as he uttered out, "No. I'm just going out there."

Bella stared at him incredulously, her green eyes wide. Shaking her head, she settled back. "Fine. I'm coming with you."
"No, you're staying here." His cold, stilted demeanor was getting to her. This wasn't him, and she wasn't going to let him run out alone.

"Glenn," she said seriously. "Going out alone is never a good idea, especially now. You went out for a formula run, and you and Maggie almost died."

Glenn bristled. "You're saying this was my fault?" He breathed heavily as he glared at her. "I did everything that I could!"

"I know that!" Bella breathed in deeply as she stared up at him earnestly. "Hershel knows that. Maggie knows that."

Glenn scoffed at that, as he shook his head dejectedly. Warily, Bella continued, "Look, I don't know what happened back there. I don't know what's going on between the two of you, but I do know she still loves you. She just asked me to make sure you don't run off like this."

She shook his shoulders lightly, her eyes staring up at him beseechingly. "Glenn, you're family. You're like a brother to me, and I care about you. So, I'm telling you this: This rage is going to get you killed."

Glenn let out a long breath. Bella let go of him, as he responded in a somber voice, "Rick is wandering in crazytown, and Daryl is gone. You are still recovering and should be in bed right now. That just leaves me in charge."

He strode away from her without another word. Bella watched him drive away, exhausted. Messaging her temple, she closed her eyes as she took in slow, deep breaths. It felt like time was closing in on them, and that whatever was coming was coming soon. With the group spread out in all of these different directions, it would be impossible to hold this place down. Doubt crept in, and she began to consider the idea of the group leaving the prison behind.

Sighing, she pursed her lips as she gazed out towards the forest. Carl and Axel had already let Glenn drive out, where she could see him riding out towards the east. Scanning around, she made out Rick's unique gait as he trekked along the edge of the trees.

With a renewed determination, Bella began to hike down to him. She felt her rifle bumping against her hip and shoulder blades with every step. The group had agreed to be armed no matter where they were. They didn't know when an attack could happen, so they should be prepared.

She didn't mind shooting guns, and she was rather good at it. Learning to shoot with a bow where she'd have to consider wind, force, distance, and more made aiming with a gun simple. But they lacked the discretion and skill that came with archery. It's much more satisfying whenever her arrow hits its target. Besides, when she picked a bow over a gun years ago, she never entertained the thought that one day, she'd be fighting for her life.

Rick didn't seem to notice her when she approached the fence. He stood on the other side next to the creek, staring out at something that Bella couldn't see. Every now and then, he'd suddenly start off toward one direction before stopping again. She watched him for a bit, solemn and grave. Sweat dripped down his face, and his hair stuck against his neck. He had been out here for hours, and she hadn't seen him take a break since.

Finally, Bella raised a hand and clung onto the fence as she called out, "Rick."

He started, and she could see that he didn't realize it was her. She saw how his body tensed, and how his eyes immediately went to the forest. Right before he stalked towards the trees, she called out again, more insistently, "Rick!"

Rick stopped and slowly turned around. Meeting her gaze, he seemed to hesitate on whether he should approach her. Bella clenched the wired fence in her hands and stared at him, wide-eyed. As if daring him to walk away.

Head stooped, he trudged to her, stopping a couple feet away. Sounding rather distant, he stated, "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

Resisting the urge to scowl, she calmly said, "We are preparing for an attack. When are you coming back to us?"

Rick just looked down at his feet before looking back out at the forest. More forcefully, she said, "Glenn is on a warpath. He may be clever, but right now, he is all rage. It's making him reckless. We need you."

Rick shook his head. "Then you lead. You can do it, I know it."

Bella sighed. She felt like if she said anything wrong, Rick would dart away like an animal. Lips pursed, she threw his words back at him, "Well, I should be in bed." She tilted her head and spoke gently. "What are you doing out here?"

Rick swallowed, looking anywhere but at her. "I've got-" His voice trailed off. Starting back up again, he said, voice thick, "I've got stuff."

Bella bit her lip, taking in his distracted, dazed state. "Can I help?"

Rick finally looked at her, contemplating. She stared back beseechingly. In those months out during the winter, Rick barely spoke about his own personal thoughts. He would speak in a direct manner about food, camps, gas – anything for the group. Bella understood he was having problems, so she and everyone else gave him space. But now she was trying to pull him back to the farm, where the two had talked about Lori, Carl, and Shane. He had shown a sign of faith then, and she was hoping he'd do the same now.

"I'm seeing her."

Bella's gaze softened as Rick shook his head, distraught and exhausted. "Lori. I – I see her. I'm seeing Lori." He looked up at Bella. "I know it's not really her. But it's got to mean something."

Exhaling, Bella nodded slowly. "Have you seen anything else?"

He looked away. "A couple days ago, when you were still missing, I heard her on a phone. Her. Shane. People we lost from before. You didn't know them."

"Do you see them now?"

He nodded. She frowned and stated, "You're looking for them."

"Waiting," he corrected. He walked up to the fence, imploringly speaking to her. "I know it doesn't make sense. But it will. In time it will."

Bella nodded slowly. "But Rick, it is not safe out here. Carl is worried about you." Rick looked down, but she continued, "He and everyone else is scared. We – I – don't know what to do. Please, come back inside."

Rick inhaled sharply, his knuckles white on the fence. "I can't." Shaking his head, he began to back away. "I can't."

Leaving Bella behind the fence, he stalked back towards the woods.

Pursing her lips, Bella slowly turned around and began to walk back to the prison. She did what she could. For now, she needed to talk to the others. Maybe it was best to leave. She had to think about what is best for June. For Carl. For everybody.

Bella squinted up at the sky. She never liked making these calls. When it was just her and June, it was simpler. She accepted responsibility for them both, and it had allowed them to still be here now. But for the whole group? That was a different story. That was eight more people and a baby to think about.

Crack.

Immediately, Bella whipped around her rifle as she wildly stared around, knees bent. She was standing in the middle of the field, which was definitely not ideal for a gunfight. There was only one solitary shot, but she was sure it wouldn't be the last. She could see some of her group in the courtyard running around, but she couldn't tell if anyone had gotten hit. Bella desperately tried to see if June was out there.

Suddenly, more gunshots filled the air. Bella threw herself to the ground, rolling over onto her stomach as she tried to keep her head down. Using her knees and elbows to propel her forward, she squirmed against the ground as she pushed herself to a small hill in the ground. More of a lump than anything, but it still provided something for her to hide behind. But they didn't seem to be aiming at her, at least for now. As she squinted above the grass, she could see a few trucks down at the edge of the forest.

Propping her semi-automatic rifle on top of the grass, she aimed toward the men down below. She had no idea what the Governor looked like, but she peered through her scope, aimed, and pulled the trigger.

Bad idea. Really bad idea.

Almost immediately, her head felt like it was rattling in a cage. Inhaling sharply, she dropped her head to the grass, not seeing the man she shot fall to the ground. All she could hear was ringing, and opening her eyes felt like she was staring directly into the sun.

When she lifted her head, everything shifted and rolled over. It was hard to focus on a single thing, and the intense throbbing in her head forced her to shut her eyes again. Rendered useless and disoriented, Bella could only think about how much she now hated guns.

She pressed the palm of her hands to her ears and rested her forehead on the ground. Breathing in deeply, she desperately tried to block out her worry and focus on making the ringing stop.

It helped a bit. The intense jangling she felt inside of her head was fading away, leaving behind just a disoriented Bella.

Not long after, she felt the ground rumble underneath her. Lifting her head up, she squinted to see that a very large truck had just drove down the front gate. Riding past her, it slowed to a stop a couple yards away. Nobody was shooting, leaving everything still and eerily quiet, all except for the quiet hum of the truck.

It seemed like everybody was holding their breaths. But then, with a loud, jarring bang, the truck's back door fell open, spewing out walkers.

"Bella, get the hell out of there," roared Rick.

No shit.

But as if the universe was sending a giant "fuck you," the gunshots picked up again. But as long as she didn't shoot her own gun, she could handle the surrounding noise. She tried to discreetly crawl backwards, sensitive to the fact that she had guns and walkers to be wary about. The walkers hadn't notice her lying in the tall grass, but that was likely to change very soon.

She heard the roar of cars behind her. Glancing back, she was relieved to see that Woodbury was beginning to drive away, ending the gunfight. All that was left were the walkers, some of which had taken a notice to Bella. Staggering up, Bella shut her eyes as she tried to gain some sense of balance. The world tilted, and the sun started to scream.

Gunshots rang through the air as the rest of their group entered the grassy area to shoot down the walkers. But there were dozens, and they stood between Bella, who could hardly stand without stumbling around.

She hoped one of her own didn't mistake her for one. That would suck.

Another car – Glenn's car – entered the field. It stopped abruptly a few yards away from her. Breathing heavily, she clumsily ambled her way towards the car.

Someone – Michonne, to her surprise – joined her. Leaning against Michonne, who Bella decided then and there that she would be her new best friend, she stumbled into the car. They both fell into the back, and before Michonne had even fully closed the door, Glenn stomped on the gas pedal and sped towards the prison.

Feeling like she was most likely going to throw up, Bella didn't see the telltale bolt strike down a walker that was lurching towards her.