So this is my first update in literally forever. I'm sorry to all of you who have been waiting for an update. I'm currently in my first year of university so it's been extremely hard to find time to write. I hope to post a chapter once a week, but I won't promise anything. Thanks to everyone who has commented on the story and everyone who has been patiently waiting.


I picked up the puppy, holding him so his face was level with mine. "You're not alone anymore." His tail wagged happily. I put him down, letting him roam the room that he now felt safe in. "We're going to have to name him." I smirked at Daryl, who had his attention turned to the window, watching for walkers. His back was facing me so I took this chance to walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his torso. He tensed and jumped slightly, but this was a natural reaction. Something we all did with the walkers here.

"What are you thinking about?" I pulled away from him, peeking out the window. There weren't any walkers in sight, but that didn't mean it was safe.

"We should go back to the group." He replied gruffly.

"Why? Rick asked us to try to find a safe place for the winter." I furrowed my eyebrows. We haven't been gone for 3 days yet.

"This place is safe. It's big 'nough to hold 'em all. It's close to a lot of other towns, so it'll be easier to get away from walkers." He had turned around, watching me take in all the information.

"Whatever you say." I yawned. "Should we head back now, or tomorrow?"

"I'm gonna head back now, get the rest of the group. You watch the place. Make sure no one tries to take it." I nodded and stretched again, making sure I didn't hit Daryl. I left Daryl in the bedroom, going towards another part of the house. I walked into a random room, discovering the living room. It was decent sized considering the size of the cottage. It was one of those houses that were bigger on the inside than the outside. I walked around the room, running a hand over the dusty furniture. I stopped abruptly, coming face to face with a large book shelf that was filled to the brim with various books. I scanned over the names, seeing some children's books by Dr. Suess and Robert Munch, and other older books like Wuthering Heights, Stephen King novels and more.

I faintly heard footsteps behind me before I felt a warm hand on my arm. I looked over me shoulder at Daryl, before turning my attention back to the books.

"I'm takin' off now." He said, taking his hand off my arm and stepping back. I sighed and turned to face him. He didn't have anything with him, just his crossbow and arrows.

"Where's your bag?" I looked around him, trying to find it.

"Not bringing it. I'll be back in two days. No need." He motioned to his crossbow. I shuddered at bit, knowing he wouldn't have anything to fall back on if he came up empty when he hunted.

"Better be back here soon." I muttered, sliding my arms around him for a hug before he left. He tensed up, but then relaxed, squishing me into his chest. He slowly retracted his arms. "So damn touchy, Sam." He smirked, patting my head. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

With that he walked out of the room, outside the cottage and headed for the others. I was alone.