Blowing Kisses in the Wind

by Evelyn Carnahan

Carol had always felt a connection with Daryl, ever since he comforted her when Sophia died. Daryl had felt feelings for Carol that were different than any other woman he'd come across. And so this love story begins...or it would if Daryl had the courage to tell her how he felt. But would the loss of her compel him to act on what he's feeling? One dream can change everything

2. Chapter 2

Fortunately, Daryl didn't have anymore dreams that night. But he still spent most of it tossing and turning. The image of Carol being attacked was etched into his mind. Come on, Daryl, he told himself. You know she can take care of herself. She's tough. Then why was he so worried about her? Is it because of his unmistakable feelings? This was why Merle said to not get involved with your heart. You start going crazy. He saw Carol sitting with the kids. She was talking about defending yourself and what that means. She's really a fighter, he admired. A smile only he knew was there appeared on his face.

It was early afternoon and Carol was teaching the young girls how to protect themselves. "It's not always about running away," she was saying. "It's about the willingness to be mean."

"I don't understand." Mika said, looking at her with innocent eyes.

"You have to be willing to kill. Not people, per say. The walkers. But sometimes to protect yourself, you will have to attack a person."

"I can kill walkers. I don't think I can kill a person though." Mika looked at her sister, Lizzy. She didn't seem to be paying attention. She was focused on something else.

Carol was about to reply when she noticed Daryl watching them. How long was he standing there? She wondered. What, did he just blush? She must have imagined it. Carol waved for him to come over but he turned and walked away. "Come on. It's time for lunch." She guided the girls to their makeshift kitchen. I will talk to Daryl later, she thought.

Out in the field, Daryl was helping Carl secure the fence. He had found Carl trying to do it by himself but he wasn't strong enough to lift the logs against the fence. Carl had grown a lot since the early days. He was more of a man than a child, it seemed.

"You didn't have to help, you know. I could have done it." Carl said, confidently. Daryl smirked at him.

The walkers were reaching their fingers inside the fence, grasping at air. Daryl and Carl stepped away, watching them and preparing for any sign of danger. Daryl made sure his crossbow was still hanging off his shoulder. Good, not broken he thought. "I think it will hold….for now." Daryl said, heading back towards the prison.

"Yeah…" Carl replied. "I'm starving. I hope Carol made lunch."