Richard is sitting on the rooftop under the scorching summer sun with Francine resting her head on his lap. He is leaning back against the wall, his trembling hand from fear stroking Francine's hair gently. She's fast asleep with Mina sleeping on her lap. Richard looks down at Francine and Mina both soundly asleep. The 3 of them are still in their water park clothes, not having had time to think to change clothes after being brutally attacked by the walking dead. Richard looks down at his trembling hands, unable to believe he killed Joe with a metal pole to prevent him from reanimating the way Jenny did before his very eyes.
Richard: (in his mind) What's going on? Why is this happening? This world...what's happened to this world? I don't...I don't understand...
Richard looks to his left and watches Deana, Francis, Charles, Ronald, and Dennis contemplating whether or not it's a good idea to let Richard, Francine, and Mina join their group. Richard looks away, not caring about what anyone else has to say just as long as he can keep Francine and Mina safe. The 3 just lost Joe and Jenny, the older brother and sister figures who always seem to make the right decision in any situation. Jenny and Joe were good leaders in Richard's eyes, and the fact that they were the first ones to be dead in this world frightens Richard making him wonder just how long he, Francine, and Mina could survive. Richard closes his eyes for a second but all he can see is the reanimated Jenny in his head. He remembers Francine grabbing the metal pole and killing Jenny by piercing the pole through her head. The sight of that killing sickened Richard greatly, nearly making him vomit. Richard quickly opens his eyes widely, afraid, and sees Joe far away with a big hole in his head bleeding out and unable to reanimate. Richard looks up to the sky with tears flowing down quietly.
Richard: (in his mind) Shit! Shit shit shit! I'm so goddamn scared! What the hell am I supposed to do?! (breathing heavily) Fuck! I...I don't know how long I'll survive out there...I don't know if I can keep Francine and Mina safe...
Richard feels the scorching sun making him hotter, and he looks up to the sky once again. He feels the sun shining brightly upon him, and there's a cool breeze. Richard feels his necklace hidden under his shirt from the breeze, so he reaches into his shirt and holds onto his cross necklace. Richard looks down at Francine and brushes her hair aside to look at her face. He strokes Francine's cheek gently, remembering the time he first met her at Staples Center and how everything just clicked after that moment he bought Francine a beer. It warms Richard's heart knowing how far they've come after a year of being together even when most of the time they were apart living in different countries.
Richard: (in his mind) Joe is right. Francine needs me. She and Mina both need me. I can protect them; I have to. I have to get them back home. I need to keep them safe.
Richard plays with the cross in his hands and says a prayer in his head while watching Francine sleeping. When he's done with his quiet and humble prayer, Richard looks up at the sky to watch the sun go down. He knows it's about time to leave the rooftop with the group to head into the nearby forest, so he takes in a deep breath and looks back down at Francine and Mina. Richard knows that now is when he needs to step up to the plate; now is when he can't be scared or hindered by any of his fears. He knows that now is the time to keep his promise to Jenny and Joe, to keep Francine and Mina alive at any cost. Richard accepts what he needs to do, what his main priority is now that the world has flipped upside-down. Richard is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill his promise to Jenny and Joe.
Richard is wide awake in the same position last night with Beth around his arm. They're both sitting in the passenger seat of a car. Beth is fast asleep on Richard's chest while he's still playing with his cross in his hand. Richard couldn't get any sleep last night, his mind racing with thoughts and guilt of the past and present. His eyes are darkened by the turn of recent events, and the bags under his eyes are deeper and more prominent than ever before. Richard sits there thinking of his promise to Jenny and Joe. His heavy, tired eyes start to droop lightly, but his mind is the first to shut off. The world blackens around Richard, and he can hear Jenny's voice as if she's far away calling out for him. Richard sees nothing, but he hears Jenny's voice calling out his name.
Richard: J-Jenny? Jenny, is that you?
Jenny: Richard, stay strong.
Richard: Jenny, where are you? I can't see anything.
Jenny: Don't give up. You know deep in your heart that Francine and Mina are alive.
Richard: Jenny...
Jenny: Remember the promise you made me. You're going to keep my sisters safe and alive. You're going to take my sisters home.
Joe: Francine needs you now more than ever, Richard.
Richard: Joe! Joe, you're here too?
Joe: Francine won't make it without you, man. You need to find her and quick before you lose her.
Richard: Wh...what do you mean before I lose her? She's...going to die?
There's no response.
Richard: How do I find Francine? Where do I even begin to look?
Richard still doesn't hear a response from Jenny or Joe.
Richard: Joe? Jenny?
No response. Richard is all alone in the black darkness, and his heart pounds fast. He's afraid for Francine; Joe's words are ringing in Richard's mind. Francine won't make it without you. You need to find her before you lose her. Richard snaps awake with a gasp and he quickly looks around for signs of walkers. He sees the road completely empty of walkers, and he composes himself to not wake up Beth from his startle. Richard stares out the window up to the dark grey clouds. He worries that Francine is in big trouble with Joe's words engrained in Richard's brain. Richard looks at the cross in his hands, worrying that Joe and Jenny came to see him as an ominous warning of the future. Richard puts the cross to his lips and prays in his mind for Francine's safety. Daryl stirs awake early, and he sees Richard and Beth together on the passenger seat. Daryl watches Richard looking out the window with his cross to his lips, staring out blankly in deep thought. Richard can hear Daryl moving around in the back, and he looks back to Daryl.
Daryl: D'you get any sleep?
Richard: No. I couldn't.
Daryl: (glances at Beth) She okay?
Richard: Yeah, I think so. We should head out and look for the others.
Daryl: Yeah, sure.
Daryl gets out of the car, and Richard gently wakes up Beth. Beth gasps awake as if she just woke up from a nightmare. She clings onto Richard's shirt tightly and looks around. For a moment, Beth can't believe that she's still out on the road when just yesterday she thought she'd have many more peaceful days within the Prison.
Richard: You ready to head out?
Beth: (looks up at Richard and back out the window) Y-Yeah.
Richard opens the door and walks out. He puts his hand out and Beth takes it. Richard helps Beth out of the car, and the 3 look out to the road before them.
Beth: Are we taking the road or the woods?
Richard: We should take the road.
Daryl: We'll be vulnerable.
Richard: It's the easiest way to spot the others and for us to be spotted.
Beth: Do we want to be spotted?
Richard: I'm willing to take the risk. (looks at Beth and Daryl) Are you?
Daryl nods, agreeing with Richard. Beth nods too, and the 3 friends start walking down the road together with their weapons in hand.
Daryl: Where's the wolf?
Richard: I don't know. I haven't seen Eldin in a while...
Robin wakes up hearing Francine retching in the bathroom. Robin slowly stands on his feet, kicking aside the sleeping bag from the fireplace. He cautiously walks out of the living room over to the bathroom door and knocks on it.
Robin: Francine? Are you alright in there?
Francine: (weakly, hoarsely) I'm fine.
Robin can hear Francine moving around in the bathroom cleaning up after herself. She opens the bathroom door, and Robin can see Francine doesn't look so good.
Robin: Uh...not to sound rude or anything, but you look terrible.
Francine ignores Robin's comment and walks past him towards the fireplace in the living room. She sits down next to Nayru and rests her head on Nayru's warm brown fur. Nayru whimpers a little as if she can sense Francine's pain. Robin walks towards Francine and opens a can of fruit for her. He sits down next to her on the ground and hands her the can of fruit. Francine feels sick again, and Robin watches her trying her best to hold everything in. Robin leans in and puts his hand on Francine's forehead to feel her temperature. She's not burning up, which is odd considering he thought Francine is struck with a fever.
Robin: Maybe we should stay in for another day. You look like you need the rest.
Robin touches Francine's cheek gently with his hand, and he feels her soft skin against his rough hands. Francine glances at Robin and their eyes lock for a quick moment. She quickly looks away and leans away from Robin's touch.
Francine: I need to find my sister and my boyfriend.
Robin: You won't make it long out there if you're really as bad as you look. It's gonna be winter soon, and it'll be bad out there in the woods.
Francine: Winter?
Francine didn't keep track of the days ever since the world turned upside-down. She never realized just how long it's been since the dead have taken over the world. It seems like it was just yesterday when it was summer vacation, when Jenny, Joe, Richard, Francine, and Mina were innocently excited for the water park. But now it's winter. Months had gone by and Francine was completely oblivious to time restlessly moving on.
Francine: What month is it?
Robin: Late November. Thanksgiving was just 4 days ago.
Francine's mouth slightly drops thinking of how much time had gone by without much thought.
Francine: (whispers to herself) Winter...(looks up at Robin) Does it snow here?
Robin: I don't know. This is my first time in Atlanta. I'm from New York. Well, actually I was born in Iowa and moved to New York when I was 19. You know thinking about it, I don't know anything about you except your name and that you're looking for your sister and boyfriend.
Francine: I'm from California. I'm an accountant.
Robin: Hm, nice. I'm a film producer. My recent work was in Canada for a few months. I came to Atlanta for just a random vacation. You know, to just...get away from it all with my girlfriend.
Francine: My boyfriend's a director. He's from Canada.
Robin: Oh really? What's his name? Maybe I know him.
Francine is about to utter Richard's name, but just the mere thought of their distant peaceful past makes Francine choke. Robin can see how painful it is for Francine to continue pretending to be strong.
Robin: You should rest a bit. Did you sleep at all last night?
Francine: I couldn't.
Robin: Then get some sleep. I'll be here, and if you need any help just give me a shout.
Francine looks at Robin suspiciously. She doesn't trust Robin because she doesn't know him at all, but she knows she feels terrible. Francine knows that if she pursues her search for Richard and Mina today, she'll end up getting herself killed because she's not 100% herself.
Robin: Come on. I'll help you to the bed.
Robin makes Francine put her arm around his shoulder, and he puts his hand around her waist. He helps her up and takes her to the bedroom. Robin helps Francine onto the bed and he even tucks her under the sheets.
Robin: I'll be right out there, so if you need anything let me know.
Francine: (nods) Alright. Thank you.
Robin: Yeah. (smiles) Sleep tight.
Robin walks back towards the door, and Nayru comes trotting in past him. Nayru then hops onto bed next to Francine and makes herself comfortable, placing herself so that she's facing the door. Nayru then looks up at Robin as if giving him permission to close the bedroom door now. Robin closes the door, and Francine puts her hand on her stomach still feeling sick. All Francine can think about as she closes her eyes is the fact that she's late for her period. She became worried a week ago when a month went by without a period, and now that another week has gone by Francine is now very worried. Francine prays in her mind, praying hard that she's not pregnant, not at a time like this, not in a world like this. Francine can't fathom how difficult it will be to be pregnant in this world and trying to find Richard and Mina. She knows her pregnancy will only slow her down, and every second Mina is out there on her own kills Francine inside more and more. But she doesn't want to abort the baby especially since it's Richard's. She knows she may never have another chance to give birth to Richard's baby, so she wants this to be her time yet Francine is filled with fears and doubts about the well-being of the baby's future. Francine lets her tears fall silently, and she sniffles. Nayru rests her head on Francine's stomach gently, and her stomach feels warmer by Nayru's warmth. Francine pets Nayru and drifts off to sleep thinking about the possibility of a baby growing inside her stomach oblivious to the kind of maleficent world it will be born into...
Mina wakes up when she feels Faron moving around. Mina groans but she hears the snarl of walkers. She gasps and quickly hops into the wagon. She puts the shield over the top of the wagon to cover herself from the walkers' sight. Faron just hangs around watching the walkers walk past the wagon not suspecting a thing. When all is silent from walkers for 2 minutes, Mina peeks out to make sure everything is clear. She sighs and steps out of the wagon.
Mina: I'm thirsty. Let's find water.
Faron walks to the wagon and saddles himself. Mina leaves the shield in the wagon and walks alongside Faron to go searching for a fresh body of water. As the two trot along through the woods, Mina looks around the woods observing. She has no idea where she is and in which direction she's heading. All Mina can remember about where to go if she's lost is North, to follow the Northern Star. Mina looks up at the grey skies and fears that it'll rain soon. She looks forward and notices multiple walkers dead and rotting around a climbable tree. Faron keeps walking on but notices that Mina isn't following. Faron looks back and sees Mina staring at the pile of dead walkers around the trees. Faron whimpers lightly, trying to get Mina to concentrate on moving.
Mina: Sh.
There's a very large and thick stick resting beside the tree, and a third of the stick is crusted with blood on it. Mina cautiously approaches the stick, and she looks into the face of a dead walker nearest the stick. Faron whimpers again louder as if begging for Mina to continue walking on. Mina ignores Faron trying to grab her attention, and she squats down to the dead walker. It's a woman with a heart locket around her rotten flesh. Mina reaches her hand out and pokes the walker. There is no movement. Mina then grabs the heart locket and rips it off the woman. She holds the necklace in her hands and opens the locket. Mina sees a picture of a man and woman posing together happily. Mina can see that these two are a lovely couple, and she wonders if the man is also dead. She then turns the locket back and sees two names engraved into it, Robin + Jenna. Mina looks back at the picture of the couple, and she rubs her eyes. Mina squints hard, but she can't see the picture clearly the way she did a few seconds ago. She rubs her eyes more and looks at the picture, but it's still very blurry. Mina then looks to her side at Faron, and the world around Mina becomes very blurry. She stands up, and Faron hops onto his feet looking up at Mina. Faron can sense something is wrong with Mina, and he whimpers lightly. Mina shakes her head with her eyes closed, and when she opens her eyes her vision is back to normal. Faron touches his wet nose onto Mina's hand, and she looks at her wolf friend.
Mina: Come on. Let's go find water.
Mina puts the heart locket into her pocket in her dress, and she grabs the large walking stick crusted with walker blood. She and Faron continue searching for a body of water side-by-side through the forest with Faron carrying the wagon and shield while Mina drags the walking stick along.
Beth watches Richard start a fire, and Daryl returns with rabbits and squirrels for breakfast. Eldin comes trotting back after his own hunt. Daryl skins the small animals, and Beth sets the animals over the fire to start cooking. Richard stares into the fire playing with his cross necklace in his hand. Richard can't stop thinking about Mina and Francine's well-being, and he can't stop thinking about Jenny and Joe. Though it's been months since he first lost Jenny and Joe, Richard continues to think about them wishing and hoping they can still help him become a better person even when they're not on this earth anymore. Daryl sits by Richard's side as Beth continues to cook their breakfast.
Daryl: We're gonna find them all.
Richard glances at Daryl and looks back at the fire.
Daryl: Don't lose hope, kid.
Richard: I know they're still alive and they're wandering around tryna look for me. I just...I need them with me. (sighs and looks at his cross) Before shit hit the fans, it wasn't just me, Francine, and Mina. There was Francine's older sister, Jenny, and Joe. He was Jenny's fiancee.
Daryl looks at Richard, surprised he never heard of Francine's other sister.
Richard: I couldn't tell you guys about it because it still hurt talking about them. It was something I never wanted to talk about because of the memories of what happened that day still haunt me. (pauses) Jenny was the first to go. She was the first to be bit. We were all at the water park when it happened, and we just booked it back to the hotel, and we locked ourselves in our room. Jenny knew she was slipping away, and I watched her. I watched her die. I watched Joe cradle Jenny in his arms, and...the moment she...the moment she died, everything just went dark. Jenny was always the voice of reason in the family. She could think things through straight. I mean, she was a lawyer...she and Joe both were lawyers. But I promised Jenny...I promised her I'd keep Francine and Mina safe. I promised them both I'd keep Francine and Mina safe. But now that they're not...now that we're not together, I just...they're haunting me, man. And they won't stop until I find Francine and Mina.
Daryl can see how much Richard is struggling by the look in his eyes. Though Richard is keeping a cool composure in his voice as he's confessing to his friends, Daryl and Beth can both see the look of distress in Richard's eyes, how weary and tired he is for living in fear and horror every waking and sleeping moment.
Richard: I keep seeing Jenny's face...when she came back to life as a walker...she comes after me. She reaches out to grab me, the life in her eyes are gone, and her mouth is just wide open ready to bite me. She comes after me and almost bites me, but then I always wake up. Right before she can bite me in the arm, I wake up...and Joe...(scoffs) I don't know who's worse, Jenny or Joe...
Richard shudders at the thought of his nightmares of Joe. He sees himself standing on the rooftop with Deana, Charles, Ronald, Dennis, and Francis staring at Richard from behind. In front of the 5 people on the rooftop are Francine and Mina. Francine is holding Mina, making Mina unable to see what's going to happen. Richard can still feel the cold of the metal shower pole in his hands. He looks down at Joe who is looking up at him. He can see Joe fading away into the darkness by the look in his eye and his slowed down breathing. Richard holds the metal pole tightly in his hands and takes in a deep breath, waiting for the moment Joe breathes his last breath. Richard takes a moment and drives the metal pole deep through Joe's head, and his body trembles from having just killed a good man. Richard falls to his knees, looking at Joe eye-level and he takes the metal pole out of Joe's head. Richard tosses the metal pole aside 1/3 of the pole covered in Joe's blood. He looks into Joe's lifeless eyes, blood dripping down his face from the hole in his head. Richard snaps awake from his thoughts when he hears Daryl's voice pipe up.
Daryl: We all have ghosts that haunt us, that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. The only way to deal with them is to face them head-on. You can't be scared of the ghosts or else they'll get inside your head, start to twist you up, know what I mean.
Richard is quiet. He knows that losing Francine and Mina isn't his fault, but he can't stop feeling guilty that he put them both in danger. And now he's paying a dear price: his mind.
Beth: The food's ready.
Beth hands the cooked meat to Daryl and Richard, and all 3 eat quietly together...
Francine is in her home back in California. There she is sitting out in her backyard with her entire family. She can smell and feel the ocean, which is the backyard of her backyard. Francine feels the warm sun on her skin, and she hears young laughter. She looks back and sees a young brunette girl and a blonde-haired boy playing together. They both look to be about young teenagers, and they clearly like one another. Francine hears the back door opening.
Girl: Daddy!
The young girl runs to her father walking into the backyard, and Francine looks to see Rick hug and kiss his daughter.
Boy: Dad!
The young boy runs to his father, and Francine looks to see Richard hug his son. Richard then smiles at Francine and walks to her to kiss her. Francine looks around her backyard. She sees the group all together in her home, and she even sees her two brothers, Philip and Johnny. Everyone is relaxing in the backyard, and Daryl comes running into the backyard with a look of terror on his face that breaks the good mood.
Daryl: The walkers are coming!
Everyone looks at Daryl in shock of the words he spit out.
Daryl: The walkers are coming! We need to get out!
Rick: How bad is it?
Daryl: Surrounded. There's no way we'd make it out alive if we stay here.
Boy: Mom...
The young boy runs to Francine's side afraid, and she wraps her arms around her son.
Richard: Alright everyone, you know the plan. We need to get to the boats now!
Francine wakes up in the middle of the dream, and her heart is racing. She quickly gets out of bed and looks out the window into the forest. She sees no signs of walkers nearby. Francine sighs with relief, and she puts her hand on her stomach. In her heart, Francine is now absolutely sure she's pregnant with a boy. Now she knows she can't leave the cabin for a while for the sake of her baby. Francine sighs and steps out of the bedroom. She sees Robin sitting next to the fireplace eating freshly picked berries with Nayru laying down by his side. Robin smiles seeing Francine awake.
Robin: Good afternoon. How are you feeling?
Francine: I'm fine. Thanks.
Robin: Want some berries?
Francine: I'm good.
Francine sits by Nayru in front of the fireplace, and she pets Nayru gently.
Robin: (watches Francine) Are you okay?
Francine pauses for a moment, wondering if she should tell Robin.
Francine: ...I...think I'm pregnant.
Robin: ...you think you're pregnant?
Francine: (nods and looks at Robin) I'm late for my period, and I...I had this weird dream.
Robin: Well how late are you?
Francine: Two weeks.
Robin is quiet and looks into the fireplace. He then looks back at Francine.
Robin: So what are you going to do?
Francine: ...I think I'm going to have to stay in the cabin for a while. At least until I give birth...if I give birth.
Robin: What do you mean "if"?
Francine: I don't know...maybe I'm not pregnant. And if I am...who says it'll make it all 9 months inside of me? Miscarriages aren't rare...
Robin: (pauses) You're not talking about abortion, are you?
Francine: No, no not abortion. (puts her hand on her stomach) I would love to have this baby. I mean, I just never thought I'd have my first baby this young but now that the world's changed...I want this baby. But I'm really scared.
Robin looks at Francine, and she looks back at him.
Francine: I'm scared I won't be able to protect him. I'm scared I'm going to watch a walker kill him...
Robin: You're never going to have to worry about that because I know you'd never let something like that happen. I know you'll be a great mother, and you'll protect your baby with your life. And you won't have to do it alone. I'll help you.
Francine: (surprised) You will?
Robin: Sure. I'd love to help you raise your baby, Francine.
Francine is touched by Robin's words, surprised that a stranger would offer to help her raise her child.
Francine: (smiles) Thank you, Robin. You're...you're a good guy. (sighs) So I guess I'll just make camp in this cabin for a few months.
Robin: (nods) Sounds like a plan.
Francine looks back into the fireplace.
Francine: You realize how difficult everything will be with a baby. It'll cry at the most random and unfortunate times. We'll need to feed another mouth.
Robin: Yeah, but just the joy that comes with a new baby...I think it'll be worth it. We need that kind of good in this world, don't you think so?
Francine: (looks at Robin) Yeah. But you really think it's a good idea?
Robin: Yes. I mean, yes, this world is a complete shit-show and there's probably no hope of escaping from the dead. But this baby you're gonna have, it just proves that we humans are meant to be on this world, not the dead. And we won't lose it to the dead. We'll adapt, we'll learn, we'll fight. And you'll do it all for the sake of your baby.
Francine smiles weakly to herself.
Francine: Wow...that was...actually encouraging.
Robin: (smiles) It was meant to be. And I'll be helping you too.
Francine: You're very kind, Robin. It's my burden, but you...you want to help me.
Robin: Hey, you saved my life, remember? If it weren't for you, I'd be dead. I still haven't forgotten that.
Francine nods with a smile.
Robin: So, how about some berries?
Francine grabs a handful of berries and eats them with Robin in front of the fireplace more relaxed than before...
Faron trots alongside Mina's side as the two wander around in the woods together.
Mina: Maybe we should try to find the road. Maybe Franny and Richard are taking the road.
Faron just trots in the woods as if ignoring Mina's suggestion.
Mina: No? No road, Faron?
Faron keeps walking, and Mina continues to pull the wagon following Faron. As the two come across a clearing through the bushes, Mina gasps seeing a fresh mountain river running through the woods. Mina runs to the river with her wagon as Faron trots to her side. Mina quickly drinks the water happily, and then she washes her face.
Mina: Ah, it feels so good!
Mina starts playing around in the river, wetting her clothes but not caring. Faron growls and Mina stops playing in the river. She steps out of the water and stands next to Faron, looking around the trees that surround her. Mina hears a ruffle in the bushes, and she looks to see a man in American military uniform step forth with his rifle in hand. The man doesn't believe what he's seeing, a little child out in the wild all by herself with a grown wolf and a wagon with a large shield in it. The man can see how dirty Mina is, dirt on her face, hair, and clothes as if she's been in the woods for a while. The soldier cautiously approaches Mina, and Faron growls louder.
Man: (calmly to Mina) It's alright. I won't hurt you.
Mina eyes the man. She sees that the man is completely drenched in blood, and she knows it must be walker blood because of the familiar stench. His hair, his military uniform, and his face are all covered with walker blood as he's been going Predator-fashion. But through the stains of blood on the man, Mina can see into the man's eyes. Mina can see this man has been alone for a while, fending for himself in this hell-hole. The man stares back at Mina, still unable to piece together how a little child could survive on her own in this world. The man looks at the wolf growling at him, and he's even more confused as to how this child tamed a wild wolf. He wonders where she got the wagon and shield. The man wonders if this girl came from the sound of gunfire that echoed through the forest yesterday.
Man: (to Mina as he puts his gun away) My name is Sergeant Richard Winters. What's your name?
Mina: My name is Mina.
Man: (kneels down to look Mina eye-level) Hello Mina. Have you been living out here in the woods by yourself?
Mina: Just for 1 day. Yesterday my home was taken by a bad man with a black eye.
Man: Did this man use a lot of guns?
Mina: Yes. He had tanks too. Everyone ran away, and I had to run away too with Faron.
Winters nods, putting the pieces of the puzzle together. A few days ago, he heard the gunfire war between the Prison and the Governor's people from afar. The sergeant decided to check it out for himself, tired of being alone in the woods to fend for himself. Winters was hoping that he'd run into adults, and the child came as a complete surprise as if nature was playing a cruel joke on him.
Mina: Are you a soldier?
Mina's words snap Winters out of his thoughts, and he looks at the child secretly disappointed that he didn't find what he was looking for.
Winters: Yes, I am.
Mina: Can you help me, Mr. Sergeant? I lost my sister and her boyfriend. I want to find them.
Winters: (nods) Sure. I can help you find them.
It's late at night, and Daryl, Beth, and Richard sleep in another car they found on the side of the road. Daryl is asleep in the back of the car while Richard and Beth sleep in the passenger's seat. Beth is fast asleep with her head resting on Richard's chest, and Richard is awake looking out at the sky through the window. Richard continues to hold his cross in his hand, praying in his mind for the safety of Francine and Mina...
Francine is lying in bed as Robin let her take the bed for a few months while she's pregnant. Francine has her hand on her stomach, and she thinks about Richard. She wishes he was with her so that he would be the one to take care of her, but she's happy that Robin is kind enough to help her instead. Francine sighs and looks at the slightly open door. She's afraid to close it because the wood is creaky, so she quietly moves her hand from her stomach down to her pants. Francine gently starts to touch herself, and she closes her eyes imagining Richard. She gasps quietly, and she continues pleasing herself. Robin is in the living room thinking about his future with Francine and the baby. Though he encouraged Francine to keep the baby, he has his fears and doubts too. Robin wonders if Francine is asleep because he wants to head to the river for a dive. He makes it to the door of the bedroom and is about to knock when he hears a gasping. Robin peeks in to see Francine lying in bed with the blanket over her. He can see her legs are up on the bed, and he knows Francine is touching herself by the way she's breathing. Robin's mouth drops open as he watches Francine pleasing herself, breathing heavily. He continues to watch until Francine reaches her climax. He could imagine seeing Francine's toes curling judging by the way she's whimpering. When Robin watches Francine shuddering with pleasure, he swiftly and quietly walks off back towards the fireplace. Robin lies on the sleeping bag, unable to get Francine out of his head. He remembers the time he watched her bathing in the river naked, and now this new image provokes Robin even further...
Mina starts a fire, and Winters is impressed. Mina looks up at the sergeant smiling at her with a surprised look on his face that the little child is handy.
Winters: Where did you learn how to start a fire?
Mina: My sister. She was a Girl Scout.
Winters smiles and is happy with the warmth of the fire. He starts skinning the rabbits he hunted down, and Mina watches him. He's surprised the little girl isn't grossed out by the sight.
Mina: Are you supposed to do that first?
Winters: Yes. It's easier to cook the meat if you skin the animal first.
Mina: Oh. Faron just ripped open a rabbit for me, and I cooked the meat like that.
Winters: (weak smile) That's another way to do it, I suppose. So this wolf, it's yours?
Mina: Yes. Faron and I have been together ever since I found him when he was a baby. Franny and Richard have Faron's siblings.
Winters finds it amusing that wolves would choose to protect humans from the dead.
Mina: Do you have a family too, Mr. Sergeant?
Winters: ...No.
Mina: Really? Not even a mom and dad?
Winters: They both passed away. My father passed away when I was young, and my mother passed away a few years back from stomach cancer.
Mina: Oh, I'm sorry...you don't have brothers or sisters too?
Winters: (shakes head) Only child.
Mina: Well Mr. Sergeant, you can be a part of my family then. When we find Franny and Richard, we'll all take care of each other and live together.
Winters smiles at the innocence of this child. Listening to Mina makes him wish he had a daughter just like her if only he ever loved a woman.