6 Months Later -
Daryl stood in the watchtower, now rebuilt and reinforced, surveying the land before him. Looking down, he could see everyone carrying about their chores as usual. Rick was tending to the garden with Glenn who had stepped up to fill the void Hershel had left. Maggie and Michonne were tending to the laundry under the careful supervision of Judith. The bright eyed toddler made a game out of splashing the soapy water on the women as she tried to help just to hear them laugh. It was a nice change of pace for the family.
Finally, he spotted Carol with Carl at her side. They were down by the fence for weapons training. After Tyreese's explanation about Lizzie and Mika coming to his rescue during the attack on the prison, and Carol's admission about what took place during story time, everyone was in agreement that the classes were a necessity now. Being the brilliant woman he knew she was, weapons training was combined with fence clearing duty so the kids could get accustomed to their chosen tool and how much force was needed in a safer, more controlled setting.
Daryl remembered the day they left the prison like yesterday, closing the gates behind them. It had left its mark on each and every member of the group. For some, it gave them closure. For others, it did little to ease the pain of the events that had taken place in the last few days there. The Grimes family, which now included the warrior woman who had become like a mother to the kids, silently shed tears as they drove along with the caravan. Maggie cried herself to sleep in the other car. Even Abe was moved seeing the life they had built and hearing about how quickly and mercilessly the destruction had been. If it wasn't for Carol holding onto him as they travelled down the road on the bike, he may not have felt strong enough to lead the others to safety.
Motion in the trees to the west got his attention and removed him from the memories floating around his head. Daryl's eyes focused on a decent sized group of about fifteen people began to emerge from the dense woods to the south on the other side of the creek. A quick whistle got Carol's attention and she looked up to the tower where he was. Looking to where he was pointing, she saw the group included children and ran to let them in the holding area between gates while waiting for Daryl to get there.
It only took about a minute for Daryl to reach Carol's side. He moved to stand just in front of her, as he did every time they found themselves in this situation.
"My name's Daryl, and this is my wife, Carol," he announced, gesturing to her.
A man walked from their group to stand in front of Daryl. He was roughly mid 40s with sandy blond hair and a muscular build. He squeezed his hand through the fence to shake Daryl's.
"I'm Connor. Connor Flanery," he said with a slight accent. He moved through his group as he was introducing the other people, when a couple of the kids began fussing. Answering the three questions serving as the prison's admission test with responses Daryl found satisfactory, the gate opened and everyone walked up to the rebuilt cantina in the yard. Tyreese stood behind the counter preparing bowls to feed the new residents as Sasha used some of the skills she retained from being a firefighter and checked over the minor injuries a few people had.
Connor sat with Carol and Daryl as he ate and gave them a little more background on his group. They had run into a large herd the week before and lost a few members of their group, including the parents of the two toddlers. He explained that the last time a child was orphaned, the parents that remained wrote any and all information that might be needed, names, previous cities, family history, medical conditions, etc. and also letters to their children. Small backpacks were acquired and filled with the personal letters, diapers if needed, two sets of clothes, food, a bottle of water, a blanket, and a stuffed animal. They were kept as light as possible and worn by the children so if the group was separated, whoever had the kids would have their basic necessities.
"Who has been caring for these two?" Carol asked, watching the little ones eat at the table next to them.
"Lincoln, the little redhead, was my cousin's son. We lost her some time ago, so I've been doing what I can for the wee lad. As for the others, we all have been, but mostly by Maria. She's really the only one that's good with them, but it's been hard on her. She lost her little boy to the herd," he said quietly.
Hearing Connor's words, Daryl pulled Carol into his side. He knew she would be thinking about the day she lost Sophia on the highway. He quickly changed the subject to where the prison family came from and how they functioned. Carol placed her hand on his leg and gave a little squeeze to say thank you.
After the kids had full bellies and clean, dry clothes, they were off playing games with Rosita and Tara while the adults got settled in. Connor decided to stay close so the kids would feel comfortable with a familiar face. He had given the kids backpacks to Carol, so she could get their rooms set up in the meantime. The littlest girl climbed onto his lap and curled up to take a nap in his arms. One little boy, Lincoln, the fiery little redhead, ran off and kicked Abraham right in the back of his knee.
"Son of a dick!" Abe shouted as his knee gave out sending him to the ground. His face flushed with anger ready to fight with his attacker. When he realized it was one of the toddlers, he laid back on the pavement with his hands behind his head and laughed.
"Dick!" the little boy repeated, laughing at the reactions he was getting from the women who were holding each other up as they laughed.
"Lincoln, is that how a big boy acts?" Connor asked, kneeling down to look the boy in the eyes. Lincoln shook his head, hugged Connor, and ran off to play with the other kids.
Connor went to apologize to Abraham for the little boy's behavior, but Abe didn't want to hear it. He was still laughing at Lincoln, repeating the word like a little parrot as he colored the pavement with sidewalk chalk.
Daryl poked his head into the larger office Carol was setting up as a room for the children just as she was sitting down to read the letters inside the backpacks. He crossed the room and took a seat on the worn leather sofa next to her as she was removing the first letter from its envelope.
Lincoln James Morley, born August 25, 2013
Parents - Benjamin Noah Morley, born
Margaret (Meg) Rose Morley, formerly Schmidt, born April 16th, 1986
Younger brother to - Ryan Patrick Morley, born June 2, 2010.
Lived in Newnan, GA
Only known allergy is bees
Histoy of thyriod problems on fathers side
Linc is a happy little boy, with a fiery Irish temper. He likes to have a job to do, and won't do anything else until it's finished. Quite goal-oriented for a toddler. He enjoys cars and trucks. Early riser, often sits quietly entertaining himself while waiting for others to wake up. Won't go to sleep without the camouflage blanket. It was Ryan's, and I think it reminds Linc of his brother who we just lost when the herd came through our campsite
Carol's heart ached for the little boy who had lost so much at such a young age. She could hear Daryl sniffling next to her. Without a doubt, she knew he was thinking of Merle. She reached for the next envelope, which belonged to the little girl.
Elizabeth Sofie Michaels, born October 31, 2013
Parents - Joshua Justin Michaels, born August 20, 1980
Melanie Andrea Michaels, formerly Archer, born February 27, 1984
Lived in Union City, Georgia - Southwest of Atlanta.
No known medical issues
Eliza is a happy baby full of smiles and tiny giggles. She's usually pretty quiet, and doesn't use many words. The people we've been travelling with have developed a sixth sense when it comes to her and what she needs, often before she can vocalize her demands. She has become attached to the purple My Little Pony blanket and delays bedtime, which she despises, by asking repeatedly what the ponies names are. Eliza usually falls asleep in someone's arms while they sing to her. She's more than a little spoiled, but as our only child, she deserves it.
Carol read the little girl's name once again, not believing that each of the girls she had lost were represented there in some way.
Her troubled Lizzie, ever so hopeful Beth, her precious Sophia, and even sweet little Mika. Daryl must have realized it as well, because his arms snaked around her, pulling her body flush with his.
"Lincoln has Connor, but poor little Eliza doesn't really have anyone. She's an orphan," Carol said sadly.
"Doesn't have to be," Daryl hastened to say. Carol adjusted herself on the sofa so she could see his face, searching his eyes for an explanation.
"Us, Daryl? Are you saying we adopt Eliza?" she asked, unable to hide the hope in her heart as she spoke.
"Yeah. I think we could all use a fresh start. We ain't who we used to be. We were broken, damaged goods, but we healed each other. I'm stronger now because of you," he stated. "Let's give this little girl a chance to become strong, like you."
"Alright," she agreed, her lips turned up in a big smile. "Elizabeth Sofie Michaels Dixon it is."
With that, they walked hand in hand to find Connor the others to share the news that it wasn't just the prison family that was growing that day, but the Dixon family as well.
Thank you so much to all of you who've read, reviewed, messaged, followed, and favorited! You've all been so wonderful and motivating, especially you, my three amigos. I hope you three catch and enjoy the easter eggs!