Frickin' biscuit tins...
I trudged through the grassy field all by my lonesome, running a hand over my forehead, pulling the stray strands back.
What the Hell are we supposed to do about this? We can't just leave it be.
If it wasn't made of pliable —breakable— wood, I might've considered leaving it alone for now, in favor of a more diplomatic solution, but this… There's no way the others —officer hothead— is gonna let this slide.
We never would'a stuck around this long if we'd known that was here.
Hell if Shane had his way, we'd have run for the hills or burned the damn thing to the ground. It's not like that's a plausible option, though.
I mean for one, Hershel might actually shoot someone for that— not that I would blame him, if what Dale said about his beliefs and his family being in there is true.
For another thing, burning it down would not only be a huge risk with all the smoke, noise, and ash it would send into the air, but it has the potential of burning down the entire property. Then where would we be?
I sighed, kicking at a half buried rock. I stopped, resting my hands on my hips.
We didn't even know it was there until now, so obviously it isn't an immediate threat, but it isn't a cozy thought having a herd of walkers —idle or not— this close.
I admit, it would be a bit of a different story if we were living in a structure— a building, and not thin fabric tents but there's no telling how this is gonna go down.
I glanced up, blowing air outta my mouth and caught sight of Daryl headed into the stable.
What's he doing? I thought he's still supposed to be recovering, did Hershel clear him already?
Heading towards the stable, I reached the entrance and looked in each of the stalls as I walked down the center.
Daryl come out of a little side room just ahead of me, lugging a saddle.
He dropped it on a metal stand and flinched, grunting as he held his side.
I jolted forward, stopping the stand from tipping over; instead of trying to grab him like I almost did. He's not usually one for touch, or accepting direct help as I've learned.
"You can't" I looked over as Carol hurried up to us from the open entrance.
How long has she been there?
"I'm fine." Daryl growled in annoyance.
Are you? Lift your arms above your head, and I'll believe you.
He stalked towards the bridle hung on the wall behind him, and I could'a sworn I saw him roll his eyes.
"Hershel said you need to heal." Carol argued, motherly concern lacing every aspect of her voice.
"Yeah, I don't care." He turned his back to us, opening the stall door to a chestnut horse.
I resisted the urge to groan. Figures as much. I knew it was too soon for him to be okayed to head out.
"Well, I do." Carol moved forward to see into the stall.
That makes two of us. As much as I would like to have him back out there, I'd rather he doesn't die trying. Trying to physically stop him from doing anything has yet to work.
"Rick's going out later to follow the trail, and Eve's going out too."
I nodded, giving a firm grunt so Daryl didn't need to look for confirmation while he situates the bridle.
"Yeah well, I ain't gonna sit around and do nothin'."
"No, you're gonna go out there and get yourself hurt even worse." Carol crossed her arms.
Daryl didn't respond, but he didn't stop, so obviously this is gonna take more convincing.
"We don't know if we're gonna find her, Daryl."
My breath caught in my chest. Daryl turning only vaguely registered, while I stared at her.
My mouth started to dry out with my lips parted as they are, but all I could do was stare.
"We don't." Carol glanced at me.
Her eyes glistened, as her fluttery gaze moved between us.
"I don't." Her voice dropped to barely above a whisper, almost so quiet the non-existent wind was drowning her out.
I don't know how long we just stood there, in silence, until Daryl slowly stalked up to her; the movement almost predatory.
"What?" Daryl's voice wasn't half what I saw coming.
There was no malice, aggression, or even confusion. It was flat; stale. The farthest thing from what I know him to be.
Carol shifted, almost like she'd been backed into a corner. "I can't lose you too"
If it wasn't before, my jaw is slack now; staring at the mother of the child, we've bled trying to find.
I barely noticed Daryl drop whatever was in his hand, and move towards the saddle I stood next to.
Daryl and I must have mirrored expressions because tears dropped from Carol's eyelashes; her lip quivering as she glanced between us.
I shook my head. There's no way in Hell I'm giving on Sophia, but I didn't know you— her mother, already has.
I jerked back as Daryl grabbed the saddle and chucked it as hard as he could off the stand.
The heavy saddle didn't go far but it was still enough to make Daryl double over.
I took a half step towards him without thinking, but he shot me a glare and I took the hint; staying just close enough I can act, if need be.
"Are you alright?" Carol rushed forward but Daryl staggered away from her.
"Just leave me be!" Daryl's arm swung out as he stumbled even further and I moved as he finally regained his balance.
"Stupid bitch" Daryl grumbled as he passed by me.
My eyebrows shot to my hairline, and I felt my jaw actually pop from how fast it dropped.
I stared at his back as he disappeared outside. He sounded like Merle.
Coming from his brother, I wouldn't have bat an eye, but from you, Daryl…
I thought you understood.
I glanced back to Carol and the look of hurt on her face, broke my heart. She looks like she's just been told her daughter's dead.
My hand moved on its own to touch her shoulder.
It's more hesitant and careful than it probably should be, but she didn't shake me off, so at the very least it must not be the wrong thing to do.
I'm not used to or particularly good at comforting, I've always seen it as a band-aid solution; but I am good at something else.
He may have as much right as I do, to be angry right now, but that is not okay.
My jaw set, I felt my eyes harden, and was moving before I even told my legs to. The moment I got outside, I spotted him in the field. My boots hit the ground in heavy succession for once in my life, and I don't care if he hears me coming or not— I hope he does.
"Hey"
Daryl turned and my palm collided with his cheek.
He staggered back, eyes fixed on me, stunned. His cheek already burning an angry red, but not even half a second passed before he directed his full Dixon-inherited fury at me.
"The Hell do you think ur—!"
"I would've expected this behavior from Merle, but never from you, Daryl."
"You—" Daryl stepped towards me.
"I thought you were better than this."
Stopping mid-step, he glared me down like only he can.
"You have every right to be frustrated and upset, but you do not get to take this out on her." I snapped through clenched teeth.
Daryl's mouth opened but I cut him off before he could make so much as a sound.
"Shit happens. This isn't Carol's fault, and she didn't choose to lose her daughter. You wanna be pissed off, go right ahead. But you need to ask yourself, what the Hell do you think she's been feeling?"
Daryl's glare dropped to a mild scowl.
"She's been goin' out of her mind worrying since the second Sophia left her sight."
My clenched fists relaxed to the point I could finally feel the tingling in my fingertips from lack of blood flow.
"That's her child out there, Daryl. Alone in the woods, and she is powerless to help."
Daryl took a step back, all anger from his posture disappearing in a snap.
"She has no clue where she is, no idea if she's even still alive. She could be hurt, trapped, starving, dehydrated, god forbid any number of things."
"We may be going out there everyday, but she's trying like Hell to get her daughter back. Even if she's dead, she's still going to look with or without anyone's help, despite how dangerous it is... Sound familiar?"
I didn't want to bring Merle into this— I didn't think I'd ever have to, but I'm sorry Daryl; I won't see you turn into your brother. Even if it makes me the enemy.