Carols mind was full of noise. The sounds of dogs barking and growling, of her group yelling to each other. The sounds of the other group yelling at the dogs, encouraging them to attack. She was watching as everything seemed to move in slow motion. One of the dogs was taken down by one of Daryl's arrows the same time another clamped onto his boot. Moving by instinct she slammed her body into the dog knocking it down, causing it to lose it grip. It recovered before she was able to straighten back up, but Daryl was there slamming his knife into it repeatedly, stopping it for good. They got to their feet as two more dogs took the place of the fallen one. Carol lost track of everything as she focused on their attackers. She wasn't sure how long had passed before she realized the woods were quite again.

Looking up from the body of the man she had taken down she could see the carnage in the rays of the rising sun. Maggie and Glenn were standing close together both filthy, looking over everything in shock. Barbara was on her knees over a fallen Dean, Carol couldn't tell if he was alive. Daryl was standing close to her looking toward the house. Following his gaze, dread filled her as she saw the door of the house standing open. They both moved at the same time rushing up the stairs and into the house. They both stopped at the sight. The room was filled with bodies, the walls covered in blood.

Carol could see the small body of the little girl she had given the dog to, she lay still clutching the poor dog. Carol couldn't help the tears. Daryl was standing over the bodies of Kristen and Jace who she could tell had put up a fight, but were no match. With a quick shared glance Daryl and Carol started the task of making sure no one would rise again. When the task was done they moved back outside. Maggie and Glenn looked up when they sensed them. Carol shook her head, Maggie turned and put her head on Glenn's shoulder. Her shoulders shook with her sobs.

Daryl moved to Glenn and Maggie as Carol moved to Barbara, kneeling beside her. Dean's lifeless eyes stared unseeing at the sky. "I can't do it," Barbara said simply holding the knife in her hands out to Carol. Carol pushed the knife back to her and took out her own. Looking to Barbara she waited, and then after a nod from Barbara she took care of him. "Thank you," Barbara said after a big sigh. After running her hand over his hair one last time she took the hand Carol offered to help her stand. They moved to stand with the others Daryl, Glenn, Maggie and Barbara were the only ones left. Carol held Barbara's hand as they all simply stood in silence.

"We can't stay here." Daryl said simply. Everyone agreed and they started walking not wanting to endure the house long enough to gather any usable supplies. With less of them they were able to travel closer to the road and soon found a group of cars that had belonged to the group that attacked them. There was cages fitted in the beds of several trucks along with a passenger van filled with provisions. The back seats had been removed and it was filled with weapons and an abundance of prepackaged meals, along with camping gear and several cans of gas. "We'll take the van and the red truck," Daryl said pointing to a large truck parked close by. "Carol will ride with me and ya'll follow close. We will drive a few miles then regroup. I just want to get as far away from here as possible," everyone agreed and they were soon on their way.

They drove in silence for an hour before Carol couldn't handle it anymore, "I'm sorry about your people," Carol finally said. Daryl glanced at her before simply nodding, not offering any comment. After a while he finally spoke, "Barbara seems strong." Carol nodded in agreement, "She is." Daryl nodded again. "I know you and Kristen were close," she spared a glance at him, saw his hand tightening on the steering wheel. "She was easy to talk to. She could make me forget about the way things are sometimes. Like you used to do." There was no venom in his voice but the words still cut deep. Carol leaned her head back and closed her eyes, decided talking was a bad idea.

It was evening by the time they stopped. Using the supplies in the van they sat up a small camp and started a small fire to cook. They all sat around the fire now, Maggie and Glenn talking quietly, the others lost in thought. "How far away is your compound?" Carol asked. "Driving with all the obstructions in the road, we have about a day and a half left." Daryl answered. "It's up the mountain." Standing he continued, "We need to do some inventory. It looks like we have plenty but I don't want to take any chances." Everyone went to the van and they made quick work of the task. They had enough food to last at least a week. Enough gas to last several days if they went easy. Enough water for three days. They were set.

Before nightfall they set up three tents, Maggie and Glenn, Carol and Barbara, and Daryl had his own. They were going to take turns keeping watch with Carol up first. Carol was sitting watching the fire die when she heard shuffling beside her, she jumped to her feet and grasped her knife, only to see Daryl there with his hands raised. "Jeez you scared me," she muttered as they both sat down. Daryl chuckled, "Sorry." Carol only frowned at him. He just shook his head. "I can't sleep. I keep thinking too much," Daryl said using a stick to poke the fire.

After a lengthy pause he started again, "After you left I looked for you. I went out after a woman showed up with your knife. I saw the house with the cage." He paused glancing at her, she kept her head down fidgeting with a string on her pants. "I went out again when Hank and Shiloh showed up. I was so close. I had a lot of time to think and the more you weren't there…. the more I realized what you were for me," he paused again chancing a look at her. She was looking at him expectantly now. "It's one of those situations where you don't realize what you have till it's gone… or some shit like that. I realized that I needed you… that you were why I could keep going." He looked at her again, her eyes were moist with tears, "Then you were just gone. You left like it was the easiest thing in the world." His voice had gotten harder now, "You left all of us."

When he didn't get any reaction he continued, "I eventually accepted it as much as I could and I moved on I guess. Kristen was nice and she somehow managed to make me feel a little again. Then you showed back up," he was looking at her again and her at him. "You're a completely different person now. I can barely see the woman I knew before. I know you've been through some shit, but I don't know you anymore. I'm not even sure I like this you," he said honestly.

Carol snorted derisively, "Well I don't need you to like me," she stood before finishing. "I regret leaving, I honestly do. It was one of the biggest mistakes of my life, but this is who I am now. It's not going to change." He watched her walk away, regretting ever opening his mouth.

When Carol opened the flap of her tent Barbara was sitting with her legs crossed on her sleeping bag. There was a flashlight standing on its end providing a dull glow and Carol could see the tears on her cheeks. Wiping them away quickly she gave Carol a half smile. Carol simply sat down beside her and took her hand. They sat in silence, simply being together.

The morning came quickly and everyone was moving slowly, all tired from a sleepless night. Daryl was the first to get his tent down so he sat and watched the others. Glenn and Maggie worked together and talked quietly. Barbara and Carol worked together in silence. Daryl briefly thought about apologizing to Carol about what he had said the night before, but it had all been the truth. He was lost in his thoughts when Carol tapped him on the shoulder, "Where are you?" she asked slight concern coloring her voice. He shook his head, but didn't offer an answer. Knowing she wouldn't get one she handed him a granola bar and some water. He nodded his thanks and she went to the others passing them their breakfast.

Carol sat in the grass eating her breakfast and watching as Barbara stared at her bar. Slightly annoyed Carol sternly told her to "Eat." The stern voice seemed to snap Barbara out of it and she quickly ate her bar. Carol was not going to lose anyone else. They set off as soon as they were finished with breakfast. They were able to travel for hours, before running into any obstacles. They were on a two lane road and it was obvious someone had worked hard to block off the road with cars and even some logs. After sitting for a few minutes to see if anyone came to them, everyone decided it would be a good idea to move forward on foot to check for danger. With their weapons drawn they moved as a group through the barricade. It became quickly apparent that there had been some type of attack that had taken place. There was bodies piled in a small pile near the center of the chaos. There was other bodies throughout as well. The whole cluster of logs and vehicles was about a football field wide.

It became clear pretty quickly that what had happened was over with and there was no more immediate danger. "How did this happen? It's only been a couple of week's sense we came in here last," Glenn said as they stood around taking everything in. Nobody had an answer. "We need to split up and see if we can find some a working car. There is no way in hell we're getting the van and truck through here," Daryl observed. Luck was on their side for once and they found a decent sized SUV that was in a position that they could get it out. It took them a couple of hours to get the SUV out and load it with as much supplies as they could and still fit themselves. It was going to be a tight squeeze for them but they didn't care.

"How close are we to the compound?" Barbara asked as they took a break to eat some dinner. "Bout' 30 or 40 miles," Daryl answered.

They decided not to drive through the night, since no one had slept particularly well the night before. After moving the SUV to a more secure location where they could see all around them they got comfortable and were all asleep. They were awoken abruptly hours later by walkers thumping into the SUV and shaking it. Everyone was instantly alert, there was at least thirty walkers outside moving past them. Keeping as still and quiet as possible they watched the walkers nervously. It seemed to take forever for them to work their way past. Daryl wasted no time in started the SUV and driving off.

They drove for three hours with no problems. Maggie, Glenn and Barbara all talked and joked while Carol and Daryl sat in the front, both still brooding from their conversation. They were interrupted by Daryl cussing and the telltale plopping sound of a flat tire on the road. They were lucky enough that the SUV still had its spare tire and they were able to change it quickly. Their luck didn't change however as they were stopped several times with clusters of walkers wandering aimlessly down the road. At the sound of their vehicle the walkers would change their direction and head straight for them. Several times they had to leave the safety of the car to clear the road of downed bodies.

They hadn't seen any walkers for several hours so Glenn, Maggie, and Barbara were asleep as Daryl drove and Carol sat in the passenger seat looking for any threats. "You can go to sleep," Daryl spoke after a while. Carol shook her head, "I'm fine."

Daryl kept stealing quick glances in Carol direction. He could see she was sitting stiffly looking very uncomfortable. Sighing deeply he finally apologized, "Look I'm sorry about what I said last night…" She interrupted him "Don't apologize for telling the truth." She gave him a slight smile, "I'm going to lie and say it didn't hurt a little, but you wouldn't be you if you didn't speak your mind." Daryl chuckled.

There was a lapse into silence before Carol continued, "I know I was selfish when I left. I didn't think I could handle losing everyone again. When we found the car I thought it was a sign," she spared a glance at Daryl, his jaw was clenched, but he was listening. "I figured if I left it would solve my problems. I wouldn't have to deal with the pain of leaving the ones I loved. I wasn't thinking about how it would affect anyone else."

Looking at Daryl again she saw him looking at her, he didn't say anything so she continued, "It figures the one time I stop thinking about other people I get everything so wrong." She paused again lost in thoughts of her last year. "I really paid for my selfishness." She wiped quickly at the tears on her cheeks.

She jumped when she felt Daryl take her hand, "We're different people now. We're going to have to get to know each other again," he said softly holding her hand between them. They drove the rest of the way in silence, Daryl never let go of her hand.

It was early morning when Daryl said, "There it is."

Carol could see walls and several large buildings. She could see people already going about their daily routines. There was guards standing in front of sturdy looking gates, all armed with rifles. Daryl signaled them with a series of flashes of his headlights. Someone shouted and the gates opened and people started to gather to see the new arrivals. Everyone jumped out of the SUV excited to be home, even Barbara seemed to be caught up in the excitement.

Carol hesitated and watched as Daryl, Maggie and Glenn were welcomed by Rick, Michonne, and Carl. They were quickly joined by Sasha, Tara, Bob and Tyreese. She was about to be confront the people she had abandoned. She saw Daryl say something to Rick and then gesture in her direction, everyone's eyes went to the SUV. Knowing that her time of hiding was over she slowly got out of the vehicle, taking as much time as she could.

She hadn't expected to be welcomed back with open arms and smiles, but the untrusting looks still stung. She was surprised when Carl approached her and wrapped his arms around her. When she tensed he started to move away, but she quickly wrapped her own arms around him before he could move away. He didn't say anything, but offered her a smile when he moved away. She could only stand awkwardly as she faced the rest of the group. "Stay here," Daryl told her as him and Rick moved away from the group.

Everyone watched as Daryl and Rick seemed to have a deep conversation. She could feel everyone looking at her, including the others that she didn't know. She took the time to look around the compound. They had a nice setup with the 2 large buildings and several smaller ones. They had a complicated looking green house that despite the weather getting colder was filled with thriving vegetation. There was what looked like an outdoor kitchen setup that a couple of women were working in. Carol could smell the food and it smelled amazing.

Her eyes had just fallen on a familiar looking woman and child when Daryl and Rick came back distracting her. Standing close to her Rick started talking, "Daryl told me some things that worry me. I'm glad you're back and you welcome here, but you are going to give up you're weapons."

Carol couldn't believe what she was hearing she grasped the handle of her knife, "Not my knife." Rick nodded his head, "All of them."

Looking around she could see that everyone else was armed. "Everyone is armed. I can't just walk around with nothing," she argued.

"You're safe in the walls." Rick argued, holding his hand out.

Carol actually laughed, "You know that's not true." Feeling everyone's eyes on her she looked around and saw that some of the others had their hands on their own weapons prepared to protect Rick. Taking several steps back she met Daryl's eyes. She could see the worry in them, nobody trusted her here. Turning her back, she went over her options. She could leave, but she knew that she didn't want to. Even though she had never been here this place already felt like home. She knew it was the people in front of her no matter how much distrust was between them.

Feeling hurt and angry she took out her knife and threw on the ground in front of Rick, ignoring his outstretched hand. After checking the safety of her gun she did the same with it. She knew it was childish but she was pissed.

"After you've proven yourself you can have them back," Rick said bending to pick up the weapons. Carol didn't answer just glared. Rick started to leave when suddenly Glenn said, "She has one in her boot too." When Carols head snapped in his direction he actually stepped back, "It's just to be safe," was all he said. Bending she took her extra knife off sheath and all and actually handed it to Rick.

"We will turn the generators on so you can have a warm bath. Ya'll look like you could use it." Carol followed the group wordlessly as they entered the gates. The onlookers had lost interest and continued about their business. As they walked toward the largest building Carol could hear Barbara talking to Rick. He was asking her questions about her time sense the outbreak. Carol noticed she still had her weapons.

Carol was stopped by a hand on her own. The others moved on without her. When she looked down she noticed it was a little girl, she looked familiar. She tensed when the little girl wrapped her arms tightly around her. Putting her arm around the little girl she looked around trying to find her mom. That's when she saw her, standing closer now she knew exactly who they were. "You saved us," the little girl spoke without raising her head. When the woman was close enough she grasped her daughters shoulders and pulled her away, "This is Kiera, she's been talking about you sense you saved us. I'm Claire."

Looking at the two alive and well Carol felt relieved that she had done something right in her year of hell. She was about to say something when she heard Maggie calling her name. Turning to the mother and daughter, "I'll find you later," she gave them a smile and went to Maggie.

"They told everyone about your bravery," Maggie said with a smile as Carol approached. "You would have done the same," Carol said with a shrug. Carol followed as Maggie explained the setup, "We use a locker room style bathroom toward the back of the building. There are individual showers but they are not to be used, it uses too much water. We were lucky this place runs off a well instead of city water." Stopping in front of a closet Maggie opened the doors, "This is where we keep some extra clothes. I'll go around and see if anyone has anything extra, I know you don't have anything," she handed carol some jeans and a t-shirt. "They'll be big on you probably."

"Its fine, thank you." Carol was still slightly overwhelmed at someone taking care of her, but she went along with it. Listening as Maggie went over the eating schedule and laundry schedule. "We'll have to figure out a job for you to do. Pretty much everyone has one, unless they're just not able."

"I'll do whatever is needed," she volunteered. When they reached the doors to the showers Barbara was waiting holding some clothes. "The guys are in there," she said. They stood against the wall waiting, "This place is great," Barbara said excitedly. "I haven't felt this safe in forever."

"Don't let your guard down," Carol warned. Barbara and Maggie both gave her a look, but she ignored them and they continued their conversation. Several minutes later the door opened to a cloud of steam and Glenn and Maggie stepped out looking much better. "All yours ladies," Glenn said with a big smile as he passed.

The room was warm and smelled of soap. Carol was looking forward to the shower but she knew that her new scars would be exposed. She didn't care about being naked around the others having lost any sense of modesty on the road long ago. She didn't want to expose what had been done to her. Maggie and Barbara didn't seem to notice her hesitation as they quickly stripped and got under the warm spray. Hoping that they would be distracted and the steam would be enough to hide her, Carol stripped and got into her own spray. The hot water relaxed her tense muscles instantly.

Maggie finished her shower first and as she moved to reach for her towel she caught a glimpse of Carol standing beside her. She put her hand to her mouth to stop her gasp. Carol's whole back was covered in vicious looking scars. They were too perfectly aligned to be anything but purposeful. Without thinking she called "Carol." When she turned Maggie could see that her stomach and breasts were the same. She even had a scar along her jaw that the layers of dirt had hidden on the road. There wasn't any part of her that didn't have a scar.

Looking at the other women Carol could see their shock. "Its fine," she said rushing to get dried and put her clothes on. She could see tears in both of their eyes, not knowing how to deal with the situation she quickly made her exit, "I'm going to go see if I can help with something."

Maggie dried quickly and dressed rushing out the door wanting to find Rick or Daryl. She found them both together. Standing together looking over a map. "Did Carol tell you anything about what happened to her before she found us?" She asked Daryl. He frowned slightly and shook his head. Maggie chewed the inside of her cheek trying to decide if she should tell them. When Glenn walked up she made the decision, "She's covered in scars." Rick tilted his head slightly, "We're all covered in scars."

Maggie shook her head, "No I mean someone covered her in scars. There everywhere. There too perfect to be accidental," she saw Daryl's expression darken.

"I saw some on her neck when I was treating her burn," Glenn added. She got mad when I touched one.

Looking around the yard he saw Carol standing at the kitchen area helping with breakfast. The area was full of people, but he was only seeing red and he rushed to her. Grabbing her arm in front of everyone he demanded, "Show me."

Carol yanked her arm back angrily, "Show you what?"

Daryl snarled, "You know what, show them to me."

"Daryl, no," Maggie said slightly frantic.

Carol glanced at Maggie and knew immediately what he was talking about. She noticed the silence around them as everyone watched them. Suddenly all of the emotions of the morning came crashing down on her making her angry. So staring Daryl straight in the eye she yanked off her sweatshirt and the t-shirt underneath, leaving her standing only in her bra. She heard several gasps, but she ignored them. "Is that what you wanted to see?" She said calmly.

She saw Daryl shoulders slouch and she watched as his eyes roamed over her. She expected pity, but only saw pain. When he met her eyes she could see the tears. Looking around she saw the same looks on the rest of her family. Putting her shirts back on she started to walk away, but stopped abruptly, "I don't have anywhere to go." Claire was there and led her by the arm away from the still silent crowd.

"I can't believe you did that," Maggie scolded Daryl stalking away angrily. Daryl still stood in silent shock. He knew he had messed up. He hadn't known what to expect, but the reality was so much worse. His head was filled with images of Carol in pain and afraid alone. He had only really thought about his side of her leaving. He hadn't thought of her own consequences. "I should go to her," he said aloud to no one in general.

"Give her time," Rick said from beside him. The same shocked expression on his face. They stood in silence beside each other letting what they had seen sink in.

Claire had taken Carol to her room so she could have some alone time. Claire and Kiera had stayed with her for a bit before going to get their food. They had brought her some back that she had eaten while she watched the two of them interact. She would gladly go through the pain she had endured at the hands of those maniacs over and over if it meant keeping these two safe and together. She left not long after not wanting to overstay her welcome. When she went outside it was mid-afternoon and the area was bustling with activity.

Carol was walking around getting familiarized with how everything was set up when there was commotion at the gate. A van was backed into the entrance and a group jumped out. Carol recognized Shiloh and Hank, who were met by Daryl. She watched on as Daryl pulled them away and said something that caused Shiloh to break down. Carol had to look away from the devastation on the young man's face. As she turned she bumped into Rick who had been standing watching as well. "His girlfriend was one of the ones ya'll lost," he explained. Carol could only nod.

"I was looking for you. We cleaned you out an area. It's basically a closet, but I didn't think you would want to share with anyone," he looked uncomfortable and for some reason Carol enjoyed it. "I'll show you where."

She followed him silently passed the main area of the largest building to a door at the end of a short hall. He opened the door and Carol could see that it really was just a closet. It had most likely been a supply closet. Now it held a camping cot with two blankets and a tipped over crate with a lit lantern on it. It actually looked surprisingly comfortable. She stepped into the room and sat on the bed. She expected Rick to leave but he stood in the doorway awkwardly.

After nearly a minute he finally spoke, "I'm glad you're back. I know we don't have the strongest relationship, but things seem more normal when you're here," without giving her a chance to respond he continued. "We need to figure out a job for you."

"I'll do whatever you need me to do," she volunteered.

Rick nodded, "Well I would like to request you take on some of the cooking duties, you would be doing everyone here's stomach a huge favor. The ladies in charge now really try, bless their hearts, but….well let's just say they come up a little short," he chuckled and Carol joined him. "I will gladly take over cooking," she laughed harder at the look of relief that flashed over his face.

"I'm going to put you on the gate duty list. There are 7 people on the list including you. You will alternate watch them. You'll be able to have a gun only for that time," looking uncomfortable again, "We will readdress that situation in a week or so," she gave him a nod. He went over some of the rules and then left her to get situated.

She laid back onto the cot thinking absently that it was good quality. The next thing she knew she was being shaken away, jerking up and reaching for the knife that wasn't there she saw it was only Maggie who stepped back quickly, "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's OK." Carol waved her off. Seeing that she was holding a bag, "What's up?"

"I went around and was able to get you some essentials and some more clothes. I also got you a couple of books," she handed Carol the bag and sat down when Carol motioned her to.

"Thank you for this," Carol told her with a smile, going through the bag.

"I'm sorry about Daryl earlier, it was my fault. I told him about your scars. I didn't think in a million years he would act like that." Carol could tell she was upset.

"It's not your fault. He was upset and we all know he doesn't handle emotions well." Carol gave her arm a quick squeeze. "It's better everyone knows anyway. I don't want any secrets." Maggie nodded her and gave her a smile.

"I know you probably don't want to talk about it, but if you happen to want to I'm here for you." Carol thanked her and they continued to talk about a little bit of everything, until it was time for Carol to go cook.

The woman in charge of cooking seemed relieved when Carol said she was a new cooker. There was three women that helped in the kitchen with just the one cook. After she was shown where all the food was kept and learned the setup of the kitchen Carol was able to make a stew out of some meat and vegetables that had been canned over the summer. The pantry had been stocked with every spice known to man and Carol had actually enjoyed herself, the mundane activity bringing her back to much better times. She had even made cookies for desert with some of the supplies the run crew had brought in earlier. Everyone had been full of compliments for her, she couldn't help but feel a little proud of herself.

Hours later Carol was laying on her cot reading a book when there was a knock on her door, "Yeah?" When it opened she was surprised to see Daryl standing there looking sheepish, "Can I come in?" he asked quietly. With a nod she pulled her legs up so he would have room to sit on the cot in front of her crossed legs.

"Nice set up you have here," he said glancing around the tiny space.

"Thanks, let me guess you sleep in the tent against the back wall," she guessed.

"You know it, can't stand most of these people. Idiots," they both chuckled.

"I wanted to apologize about earlier. You know I don't handle emotions well. I wasn't thinking and it makes me so angry thinking about what you….," he paused lost in thought. "I handled it so bad," he finally finished.

"Yeah you did. I didn't have to expose myself to everyone like that though. I was just as mad and all the emotions made me lose it briefly," she looked at him waiting for him to look at her. "It happened. It messed me up physically, and we both know mentally. I'm ready to move on from it. It's hard though." She held her hand out and was happy when he took it gently, "We know I had trust issues before, now their even worse, but I know I have people here that I can trust. My family is here, I am going to get everyone's trust back and I am going to learn to trust again."

He stared at her for several minutes and then "No shooting people who are giving up."

She shook her head, "I'm not promising something like that. You know he would have hurt someone first chance he got."

Daryl shrugged, "Possibly," with a sigh he reached into his pocket with is free hand. "I got this back from that lady," he handed her the trench knife. "Don't let Rick see it, it was my idea to take you weapons in the first place." They both sat quietly just enjoying the being beside each other.

"I have gate duty tonight. I should go," he finally said, but made no move to get up. After a bit he took his hand back and slapped his thighs, "Ok I'm going," and without another word he left.

Carol looked at the door realizing for the first time in a long while, she was feeling hope.