I've been sneaking out every night after everyone goes to bed and staying the night at my mom's grave. It's cold outside and a little scary, but it's better than being at home with someone who hates you and nobody else that cares about you.

Carol and Daryl went back to their house now that my dad was back. I thought Daryl and I were starting to become friends but I haven't talked to him in days so I guess not. Same with Carol. My brother was getting very close with Michonne so those two had each other. Glenn and Maggie were kind of keeping to themselves, which I don't blame them for. They have each other and besides that, it's been awkward and quiet around here ever since my mom died and my dad left. My dad…he was still around but being distant. At least he was with me…

I didn't have anyone, I was completely alone. I know my mom loved me so that's why I've been spending a lot of time here.

"Bur, I'm cold." I said. "I hope you're not cold, mom." I laid a blanket down next to her grave so I didn't have to lay on the ground. "I can't wait for Summer." I stopped just then. It's not even Winter yet. "Guess I'll be waiting for a long time."

I went back home in the morning, no one even noticed that I was gone. Everything was exactly the same.

I heard my dad talking to the others about going on a run, we locked eyes for a second but that was it.

My dad, Glenn and Maggie went out looking for supplies that day. Daryl didn't go because I think he wanted to go hunting. So, Carol came over to our house to look after Carl and I while my dad was gone.

I waited for everyone to leave, then I decided to sneak out and go to my mom's grave. I wanted to stay there for the whole day. No one will notice anyway.

Narrator's POV

Daryl Dixon got back home from hunting sometime in the evening, all the man was able to get were a couple of rabbits. It was getting harder and harder to find any game.

The man went upstairs into the bathroom to clean himself up a little before dinner. He wiped the blood and dirt from his face and neck, then also washed his hands and arms.

After he was done and leaving the bathroom, he noticed that Abby's bedroom door was opened and took a peek inside. The girl wasn't in there though. He thought it was strange because he didn't see her downstairs either.

Daryl made his way down the stairs and into the kitchen where Carol was cooking the rabbits that he got. "These are just about ready." She said to the man.

Daryl nodded. He looked in the dining room and then living room where Carl was. No Abby. "Hey." He said to Carol. "Where's Abby?"

The older woman gave her friend a questioningly look. "She's not in her room?"

"Nah." He answered roughly. "I was just up there and she wasn't there."

The adults shared a look. "You don't think she followed the others on their run, do you?"

"I'on." Daryl shook his head and put his hands to his face. The man suddenly had a thought and looked down for a moment. "I thank I know where she is." The hunter/tracker grabbed his crossbow and headed for the door. "I'll be right back."

Abby's POV

It was beginning to get dark and the nights were getting colder. It made me almost regret coming out here. I couldn't leave now though, I promised my mom that I would stay the whole day.

I told her about Daryl taking me to get water, and the salt and pepper on the hard boiled eggs and making that awful pizza. I was running out of things to say. There wasn't much going on these days. I mean…there was but not anything good.

"Sorry I'm being so quiet." I told her. "There's not much to talk about." I let out a small laugh. "You're not really missing anything." I hated that I just said that and widened my eyes. "I didn't mean it like that, mom. I wish you were still here…even if it sucks."

I heard heavy footsteps just then and my eyes widened and I got scared. I saw Daryl standing there and immediately calmed down. I put my head down though. What does he want anyway?

He seemed to hesitate. "Thought you might be here." He finally said then walked closer.

"What are you doing here?" I spoke quietly.

Daryl snorted. "What are you doin' out here?"

I held up my head. "I've been coming out here every night for days."

"All night? You know how dangerous that is?" He said. I didn't say anything, just looked down. "Alright, come on. It's late and dinner's gettin' cold." He moved the slightest bit but stopped when he realized I wasn't getting up. He sighed. "Look, kid…I know ya miss yer mom but—

"No." I said getting emotional.

"No?" He questioned.

"I miss my mom but that's not why I'm out here." I kept my head down.

"…okay." Daryl cleared his throat. "Why you out here then?"

I kept my head down and started crying pretty hard. "My dad hates me because I killed my mom." I sobbed and pulled my knees to my chest and cried into them.

Daryl was silent for a moment. I heard him exhale, then he sat down on the ground next to me. "Kid," he started, his voice was soft sounding, "you didn't kill yer mom. You put 'er down."

"She didn't turn yet." I sobbed.

"That's good." Daryl said gently. "You didn't let her become one." He paused. "You had to do that…you know that, right?"

I sniffed and lifted my head a little. It's true, I did. I just nodded.

"And yer dad don't hate you." He said.

"He does." I cried some more and nodded.

"No, he doesn't." Daryl shook his head slowly.

"Why is being so distant then?" I looked at Daryl for the first time.

"He's still workin' thangs out." He said. "It wasn't just you that lost someone, he did too. You lost yer mom, he lost his wife." He gave me a serious look. "It's gonna take some time fer him to get better."

I took in what Daryl said. I knew he was right, but that doesn't excuse my dad from the way that he's being with me. Why does it seem like he's fine with Carl but not me? I still think he hates me. I sniffled and wiped my tears away, then just nodded to get Daryl off my back.

"Come on, kid." He stood up. "Let's go home and eat." He put his hand out to me. I hesitated but then took it.

The others weren't back from their run yet so it was just Carol, Daryl, Carl and I. I was real quiet again and barely touched my food. I could feel Daryl's eyes on me, but I didn't care to look up.

"Abby, are you okay?" Carol finally asked me.

"…my stomach hurts again." It wasn't a complete lie. My stomach has been feeling sick ever since my mom died…maybe even before that. I think it's my anxiety.

"Okay, well…if you're not going to eat then…wrap your plate up and put it away, please." Carol said.

I nodded and got up taking my plate to the kitchen. I wrapped it and put it away like Carol told me to. I didn't want to go to bed yet though. The moon caught my eye. I glanced at it out the kitchen window.

I walked out there and sat on the edge of the porch staring sadly at the moon. "Please." I whispered.

Narrator's POV

Daryl Dixon's mouth pressed into a thin line as he watched the young girl out the window sitting outside by herself. He felt bad for her but didn't know what he could do. She needs her dad.

The front door opening pulled him from his thoughts. The man knew he had to say something to her father. He headed in there to talk to him.

"Hey, any trouble?" Daryl said to Rick.

"Not really. What about here?"

Daryl hesitated. "…well, no, but…" The man trailed off. Rick was giving him a questioningly look. "We gotta talk about Abby."

The father became a little concerned. "Did something happen? Is she okay?"

"It ain't like that." Daryl said. "It's just…she ain't been right, man. She ain't been right fer a while now." He shook his head. "Ya know, when you was gone all them days, we had no idea. Her and Carl were here alone."

Rick took in what Daryl just told him and looked down guiltily. The man sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I wasn't…I haven't been…" He trailed off.

"Abby stayed up and looked after Carl." Daryl ignored him. There was a slight pause. "Look, no one blames ya. We know yer goin' through yer own thang but…I thank you need to talk to 'er."

"Yeah." Rick nodded. "I know."

"That ain't it." The hunter said. "I thank you also should know that…Abby's been sneakin' out at night and goin' to Lori's grave."

Rick's eyes widened and he looked at Daryl. Now the man was concerned. He heard the back door slam closed. "Abby." He said and walked over to her.

Abby's POV

Almost as soon as I walked inside, I heard my dad call my name and stopped. He walked over to me. "Come on, it's bed time." He said and quickly lifted me, he started carrying me to the stairs. My face flushed because Daryl was right there.

"Dad." I complained.

"I know." He said. "You're too old." He carried me up to my room and put me in bed. I kicked my shoes off and got under the covers. I sleep with my clothes on because it's cold now. "Daryl told me about you looking after Carl while I was gone." He said. "You did a good job, but you shouldn't've had to do that. If something like that ever happens again, go get one of the others, okay?" He was looking at me seriously.

"Okay." Was all I said. I was still surprised that he was talking to me.

"And another thang, no more sneakin' out at night and goin' to mom's grave." He said sternly.

I gave him a surprised look. "You knew?"

He seemed to hesitate. "…Daryl told me."

Oh. I looked down. Then, I just nodded.

My dad pushed my hair back, then lifted my chin so he could look at me. "You look tired. You should get some sleep."

I nodded. "It's just…it's hard to sleep sometimes."

"I know." He said quietly. Then, he smiled a little. "Want me to hold you like I used to?"

I looked up at him to see if he was being serious. I think he was but…I didn't want him to. I just thought about how he's been treating me. "No." I said. "That's alright." I looked down sadly then rolled over. My dad stood there for a minute, then left the room.

Narrator's POV

Rick Grimes was upset about how his daughter just was with him. He didn't know if she was mad at him or maybe scared of him? He knew he was being distant, but the thing was…it pained him to look at his daughter. He hated that she had to be the one to put down her own mom. The man couldn't even stand the thought of it. That poor baby. And it was his fault because he wasn't there. Now, every time he looks at his daughter, he's reminded of his wife.

Still…he felt guilty for leaving his kids and putting the responsibility on his daughter when she's just a kid herself. She shouldn't have had to do that. He wondered if she'll ever forgive him. Surely, she would, she was only a child. But the way things were right now…he didn't know what to think.

The man wandered outside to get some fresh air and tried to clear his head. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Rick looked up just then and noticed Michonne out there as well. He's been meaning to talk to her, now was a good time as any. "Hey." He said walking over to her. "We haven't gotten a chance to really talk yet." He said. "You haven't given me a reason to yet, but just know that if you try anything, you'll be the one who loses."

Michonne looked up slowly at the man. "I wouldn't."

Rick just stared at her for a moment. There was something about her. "Well…I still don't know about you but, you did save my kids…so thank you." He gave her a nod.

"You could have just sent me away after you got your kids back." The woman pointed out.

"Hm." Rick nodded. "Must've been somethin' else then." They stared at each other for a moment, then Rick headed back inside.

The next day, Rick and Daryl were in the front of the house looking over a map of the area. It was sitting on top of a car. The neighborhood they were currently staying in was a decent size, but it wouldn't be long before the dead caught up with them. Rick wanted to find a safer place to stay, a bigger neighborhood at least. It was time to move.

"You sure?" Daryl asked the man after he just told him about leaving this area.

"Yeah." Rick nodded. "I thank it's time."

"Alright." Daryl shrugged. He didn't really give a shit where they were staying. "I'll tell Carol."

Rick nodded. "Do me a favor and tell Glenn and Maggie too. I gotta talk to my kids."

"Sure." Daryl said. "What about her?" He nodded towards Michonne's house.

"I'll handle that." The father said. Daryl gave him a nod, then the two headed off.

Abby's POV

I was in the backyard looking at the dead plants along the fence. I bet they were really pretty once. I would like to have a garden one day. One that has fruits and vegetables and pretty flowers everywhere. I grabbed at the dead flowers and plucked one, it crumbled in my hand. Maybe I could plant some on my mom's grave.

"Abby?" I heard my dad call me. "Where's your brother?"

"Up in his room, I guess." I told him.

He nodded. "Listen, I want you to go up to your room and gather up your stuff."

My eyes widened because I had a thought. "Why?"

"We're leavin'." He said. "We gotta move to an area that's safer."

"No!" I yelled. He gave me a surprised look. "We can't leave! Mom's here!"

"Abby."

"No, we can't!" I was growing more frantic. We couldn't just leave her behind. I was breathing heavily.

"Shh, baby. Calm down." My dad said gently. He reached out to touch me but I pulled away.

"No, I won't go!" I screamed at him, then turned and started running down the road.

"Abby!" My dad yelled. "Abby!" I heard him coming after me but I was faster.

I ran down that narrow alleyway that was behind the house, then made a right down a steep hill. I didn't even realize it at first, but my feet were taking me to my mom's grave.

I could hear my dad calling me, but I just kept running.

Tears were streaming down my face, I didn't bother to wipe them. I looked back to see if I could see my dad, I couldn't but I could hear him. My dad can't make us leave, he just can't.

When I turned back around, I almost ran right into a walker. It reached out for me and snarled. I gasped with my eyes wide and stepped backwards. It was coming for me. I kept backing up but it was still coming.

I pulled out my gun and aimed it at its head, then hesitated. I was breathing heavily and everything began to fade around me, except me and that walker. Don't think. Just do it. I told myself. I pulled the trigger, the walker went down. Everything else came back into view.

My dad was there right as the walker hit the ground. He looked at it then at me. My eyes were wide. "I…I did it." I said in disbelief. "I killed it."

My dad nodded, then a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You did." He put his hands on my shoulders.

Our moment was broken up by the sound of more snarls. More walkers were headed towards us. My dad looked down at me with raised eyebrows. "Do it again."

He stabbed walkers while I shot them, it was almost like it was nothing now. I just aimed and pulled the trigger.

However, more and more were coming. "There's too many!" I said.

"Yeah." He said. "We gotta go somewhere else. We can't lead them back home." He killed another one. "Come on!" He put a hand on my back and we ran down the street.

My dad and I picked a house, made sure it was clear and then stayed there until the herd was gone. Maybe my dad is right, maybe this area isn't safe anymore. I still didn't want to leave though. My feelings from before weren't forgotten.

We have been here for a while now and it was getting dark. I sat on the floor in the living room on my knees. My dad walked by and sat a bottle of water by me. "Drink some." He told me. He put his hand on my head for a second. My dad sat down in a chair and I was facing away from him, not talking.

"Do you see why we have to leave here?" He said.

"Yeah." I said quietly. "I still don't want to though."

"I know." He said. There was a pause. "Why don't you come over here with me?"

I turned so that I was looking straight ahead now. "That's okay."

There was another pause. "Abby…what's wrong?" My dad finally said. "Why won't you talk to me?"

I began to feel emotional, those feelings I had about my dad hating me were coming back. I started to cry. "I can't."

"Why, baby?"

I put my head down. "You hate me because I killed mom." I sobbed.

"Abby." I heard my dad say all breathy. "Baby, you know that's not true."

"It is." I cried.

"How can you thank that?" He sounded upset as well. "Come over here." He held out his arms. This time, I went to him. He pulled me onto his lap, kissed my forehead and held me. "Baby," he looked at me seriously, "there is nothing that you could do that would make me hate you. Nothing." He wiped my tears away with his thumb.

I sniffled. "But…you-you stayed away. You wouldn't even look at me."

He shook his head. "You got it all wrong, baby. I hated myself, not you." He explained to me. "I hated that you had to…" He never finished that sentence, but I knew what he meant. "You shouldn't've had to do that. It should've been me."

I looked up at him. "Mom said it couldn't be you." I told him. "She…she told me to go get one of the others to do it. I didn't want to leave her though. I was afraid she'd turn. So, I did it." I cried again.

My dad cried too. "You had to." He said. "I hate that you had to…but you did. And you did not kill her. You hear me? You did not kill her."

I nodded. I get it now. I knew it before but…it was just nice to hear my dad say it. I'm glad we made up. "I'm sorry, daddy." I cried again. "I love you."

My dad teared up a little now too. "I love you, too. So much." He held me to him tightly and kissed my temple a few times. "And I'm sorry I left like that." He said. "I'm so sorry, baby. I'll never leave like that again."

"You promise?" I lifted my head off him to look at him.

"I promise." He said. I just wrapped my arms around his neck and held him tightly, he kissed my cheek a bunch of times.

I felt so much better in that moment. I still miss my mom, but at least I got my daddy back.

I realized that it had gotten dark and I could see the moon out the window. "Thank you." I whispered.