I know this is a short one, but it's the last before the events of Season 4 begin. I really appreciate the people that took the time to review, and those that were willing to favourite and follow. P.S I am in fact English, so some of the spellings might be off depending on the country you come from. I have actually been trying to remember to type in American English because it's probably more recognizable to more people. Target audience and what-not. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.

Breakaway Chapter 3

When Evie arrived back in C-wing, dressed in her newly gifted jumpsuit, the cell block was bustling with a lot more life than it had been previously. People were happily chatting and moving around now, meaning she didn't have to try and be quiet any more. She'd probably spent more time than necessary inside that shower but she hadn't been willing to give up the heavenly bliss it provided her, but after deciding that perhaps it had been long enough, she headed back to her cell in order to reorganise and take stock of whatever she had left from her lone survival. She really wanted to offer what little supplies she had remaining to the group that had taken her in. It was the least she could do to repay them.

Upon arrival to her cell, Evie picked up her rucksack that had been left beside her cot and poured its contents on the bed as she crouched in front of it. Inside lay four full tin cans, a switchblade, a lighter, a half full bottle of water, and a honing rod. Evie stared at the switchblade, thinking about her first meeting with Rick. In jest she had suggested he check the contents of her rucksack for weapons, but she had completely forgotten about the little blade. She had never used it as a means to cause harm, just to stab holes into her tin cans. Honestly, it was probably as blunt as a walking stick anyway. Evie moved all the items from the bag to one side, excluding the tin cans.

"Rick told me you were awake." Evie turned to the figure creating the newly formed shadow in her cell. The old man with the long white beard that she was introduced to yesterday stood in the doorway. If she was able to remember correctly, his name was Hershel. "How are you feeling?"

She smiled kindly. "Much better, thank you."

Taking her response as an invitation, he moved further into her newly bestowed upon room. "You gave us quite the scare yesterday."

Evie cringed at the thoughts they must have been having when she fell. No doubt the first of them being that she was bit. "Sorry." She said simply, her eyes descending back to the contents scattered on her cot.

"Mind if I check that bump on your head?" Her hand moved to hover over said 'bump' before she shook her head, allowing Hershel to guide her to to sit beside him on the edge of the bed. "You're lucky Rick's boy was there beside you. The fall could have been much worse."

"I've been granted a lot of that lately – luck. Makes a nice change." They shared another smile as Hershel moved to push aside her still damp hair. "So what's the diagnosis, Doc?" She asked after a few silent seconds of prodding.

He shook his head, a smirk still plastered on his kind face. "I'm just a veterinarian. Doctor Subramanian is the real doctor, but I'd say you were going to be just fine. The bruising is hardly visible, your cognitions seem sound. I imagine even the pain will disappear by the end of the day." He moved his hands away allowing her hair to fall back into place.

"Thank you." He nodded and began moving to stand up. "I honestly didn't believe kind people existed anymore-" At the sound of her voice, Hershel halted. He took a glance at her far away look before deciding to remain seated. "-I mean, I hoped. I always hoped. But I guess I never really did believe it. Even when I was little I..." She took a deep breath, but before her mind could even process whether this was a good idea, she began bleeding her heart out. "I didn't know what a good person looked like. My parents were... difficult. Then the world went to shit and my partner he... we were attacked and he... they..." Tears began spilling down her face as she tried to cover them up with her palms. The grief of having someone to say all this to for the first time in forever became too much to bear. Honestly, she felt like a child again with the way she was behaving. It would be difficult for her, let alone anyone else, to realise that she was actually twenty-four.

A soothing hand was placed on her shoulder, and she looked up at the man sat beside her, his eyes gleaming with empathy. "Let me tell you a story..." And he did. He told her their story. It was so matter of fact, so blunt, it was difficult to believe the horrors with how philosophical he sounded. It made her sad to think that if she had come across the group just a few months before, they might have turned her away. They had all lost so much... Rick had both gained a daughter and lost a wife in one day! Then Daryl with his brother, Hershel with his stepson and... It was nice to be able to share in her pain. It sounded sadistic and sick, but it was honest.

"-So you see, we've all been through it all. It's how we share in our grief that keeps us strong." She nodded as her thoughts were reiterated and smiled in thanks.

"Hey." Both Hershel and Evie looked up to see a woman she was pretty certain she had not met before. Although she may have been in the room when she passed out. "My name's Sasha. I was asked to come see where we could best use your skills."

"Oh, I-" The older man rose from his position as Evie stuttered for words.

"I'll get out of your way." Sasha nodded as he passed her by and then returned her attention on Evie.

"Um, I guess I'm a good shot. I had some practice with my rifle, but then I'm pretty good with hand-to-hand combat, too. I've gotten used to being able to take those things out quick and quiet with my daggers."

She nodded, her mind seeming to form a basis for where she'd be most useful. "Well before we can take you out on runs, we'll need to ensure you're a team player. You've been out by yourself for a while." It was a sound strategy, one she couldn't argue with. "But if you're a pretty good shot we could always try you out on watch tower duty?"

Evie nodded, enthusiastic to be doing anything to contribute. "Of course. Whatever works."

"Okay. I can show you where you'll be spotting. I believe its Maggie's watch at this very moment, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind the company."

They shared a smile as Evie got up to leave. "Oh, wait." They both stopped and Sasha watched as she gathered up the tins in her hands. "I had these left over from... well, from out there. I know it isn't much, but I thought I could give them up. Every little helps, right?" Her stomach fluttered nervously as the woman didn't react. After a few seconds, she laughed and shook her head.

"That's really kind. We'll make sure the stock takers get them. For now, follow me."

They both set off towards the watch tower, Evie still getting used to the eyes following her walk. "So, in the watch tower, is there like... a set weapon we have to use? It's just that I've really gotten used to using my da- my scoped rifle, and it'd only be a step back if I changed now."

Is Sasha noticed the slip, she made no recognition of it. "No, you're welcome to choose any gun from the armory, provided its signed out and taken stock." She nodded, still navigating their way through the prison. It was going to take some serious observation skills in order for her to remember her way around this concrete maze.

Once they had arrived at the watch tower, Sasha climbed up first, quickly followed by Evie. At the top they found Maggie looking out at the prison fences in the direction of the walker pile up that must have grown over night. "Morning, Maggie." Sasha greeted cheerfully.

"Mornin'." She nodded to both of them after turning round, placing her rifle to one side. "It's good to see you're awake too, Evie."

She smiled in thanks. "You're dad said the same thing. He's a nice man."

"Yeah."

"I was just showing her where she'll be staying when taking watch duty." Maggie opened her mouth as if to say 'ah' before she turned back to the fumbling dead clawing at the wired fences. "You'll be replacing Rick's night watch duty. He wants to give it up so he can concentrate more on his more 'domestic' pursuits. You okay with nights?"

Evie smirked, shoving both hands in her jumpsuit pockets. "If there's one thing I'm good at, it's not falling asleep."

"Good. You start tomorrow. You can take the day out today. Meet the people, get a gathering of the area. No doubt the other new guy, Bob, will be doing the same." Now she had a responsibility, as well as good people to talk to and shelter to keep her safe. This truly was strange. "Anyway, I best get back to it. Daryl and I are planning our next supply runs. Catch ya later." She waved goodbye to the woman as she descended out of the watch tower.

A moment of silence passed before Evie moved forward. "Do you mind if I stick around a while?"

Maggie turned, a grin on her face. "'course not."