Archive of Our Own

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The world ended years ago, but his world came crashing down the day his best friend died. As a child, it was engraved into Daryl's mind that his emotions were worthless. Having feelings would only make him weak and get him into trouble. In his fathers words, all emotion did was get in the way of reality, distracting you from what needed to get done. Therefore, you had to hide it to the best of your ability. Maybe one day, if you get lucky, it would disappear completely. That way you would never get your hopes up, so you could continue to be the reliable person for the weak-minded individuals to depend on. That was the root of strength, pride, and masculinity. He wasn’t allowed to have dreams because dreams didn’t pay the bills. Trying something new, if it didn't prove useful, meant he had to give it up for the greater good of his family. Despite this awful rule, Daryl wouldn’t argue because it didn’t matter how he felt. Fear, sadness, disappointment, anger, joy... all signs of weakness. He couldn’t be weak...so he adapted to his father's logic. He grew up too fast.  The guilt he felt when Rick died was unbearable. Daryl couldn’t think clearly. Couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t be around anyone he cared about without fearing they would be taken from him too. He wouldn’t let his family see him as anything less than strong. In those years, he'd felt empty.Daryl isolated himself from this fantasy life had become. He told himself he would never care or become close with anyone ever again, and that he would be okay with living that life.All the standards he'd set for himself changed when he met her.She was remarkable. Caring, trustworthy, intelligent, beautiful. Daryl knew there was something special about her from the moment he met her. She turned the fear of a situation into a kind of selflessness that Daryl admired. Especially if a dangerous matter concerned someone she cared about.The more Daryl thought about it, he recognized the multitude of reasons why he enjoyed her company so much. Up to this point, he lived his entire life thinking he had to know every answer. That he was the one who had to solve all the problems. She made him realize that they were in this together. And now, with her by his side, the burden Daryl carried for years started to fade away.Daryl knew that one day he would have to throw away his father's teaching and accept he could show emotion, and it was okay. In fact, it was the greatest emotion of all. One day, Daryl would admit to Connie that he loves her.  Daryl was relieved as Connie strolled through the Hilltop gates. She’d been gone longer than he was comfortable with, each hour passing slower than the last.He had an atypical, at least for him, idea set in mind--something they briefly considered over a year ago, but it just wasn't the right time. A lot of things had changed since then. The rest of Connie’s group was settled, each with important roles towards the communities, and even relationships that took up the majority of the time they used to spend with her. Daryl couldn’t help but notice that Connie couldn’t find her place amongst them. Hell, he couldn’t find his either. So he’d been thinking since they sat together a week ago, both feeling like defeated third-wheels. Connie told him she’d always wanted to travel the world. She hoped as a journalist that an opportunity would one day open up. It was something on her bucket list, the 'end of the world' just beat her to it. The note she passed to Daryl was meant as a mere daydream, but nevertheless, it was a dream he wanted to make true. When I was little, I had a conversation with my parents about all the things I would miss in life because I couldn't hear the world, especially since most of my friends could and I would feel isolated. But they tried to encourage me by saying it would make seeing the world even better. So that became a little dream of mine. Kind of a shame we can’t see much of it nowadays.  Daryl understood her dream all too well. Community safety procedures made it hard for any freedom, it posed too much of a risk to the people. This "little dream" of hers to see the world soon became a dream of his. It was his first real dream. Surviving didn’t exactly matter if they couldn't live. With Dog at his side, Daryl headed over to Connie. They'd been ‘together’ for awhile now, but that didn’t mean much more than caring about each other. Hardly anyone even knew about their relationship.Daryl gave a slightly noticeable smile before wrapping her in a side-hug. Yes, it had always been this awkward in public. Public display of affection was something neither of them thought necessary. They enjoyed the privacy of their relationship, which gave Daryl an even better case for them to get away. Connie smiled and hugged back at the gesture. “Can I talk to you?” Daryl asked as clear as possible. Connie knew how to read his lips, but that required Daryl to stop his mumbling, which proved to be harder than expected. Connie nodded yes and they retreated over to a far-off picnic table. She removed her notebook and pen from her pocket. Daryl considered learning more ASL so they could communicate easier, but it was still challenging to find the time. What’s up? She wrote with a concerned expression. Daryl took a minute to gather his words in hopes they would be as smooth and collected as possible. “I’m going to leave. And I want you to come with me.” Connie seemed stunned by the offer. As much as she wanted to go, she was worried for her friends and sister she'd leave behind.  
What about the communities? They need us here.
 Daryl knew she would ask, but he didn’t have time to prepare a concrete answer that would convince her. Instead, he gave a small, 'lost for words' shrug, hoping it would ease the situation.  “Was thinkin' about what you said the other day. You said you wished you could travel the world, and I don’t hate the idea." Daryl didn’t even recognize the words coming from his mouth in that moment. Not even his voice sounded the same. He wasn’t ‘see the world guy’, he was a stubborn leader, fighter, or whatever he currently was. 
Ok. How are we going to get around the world? An airplane? Connie gave a soft laugh. She didn't hate the idea, it just wasn't doable. 
 “I know it’s stupid to leave all of this. Just, a few days, weeks, hell--maybe even longer. I don't know, but I want you with me.” Connie was now serious, pondering all the possibilities and consequences their actions could have. Daryl knew he was a bit of an ass for asking her to leave this place. He was anxious when she began writing on her notepad. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin their relationship by sounding too desperate.Thankfully, Connie's response was a good one. I’ll go with you :) The corners of her mouth lifted. Relieved, Daryl reached for Connie's hand. Daryl grasped it tightly, holding on and letting her know that he would protect her with his life. That he would'nt leave no matter how bad things got. Then, new words escaped Daryl’s mouth. They'd been a long time coming, and saying them was gratifying. “I love you," Daryl murmured, turning his head down as he braced himself for rejection. Connie smiled. This time she didn’t write on her notepad. Instead, she placed her hand on his face to get him to look up and signed I love you. She looked at Daryl for him to repeat the sign, but he was still trying to figure out if she really just said what he thought she said. Connie did the sign again with hope he would learn it this time. Failing to copy her arm and hand motions in a timely manner, she teased him. It was way too easy of a sign to forget. This deal has changed. I’ll go with you if you let me teach you ASL. She wrote, staring at Daryl with her head cocked to the side and eyebrows raised. “Yeah,” Daryl replied. 
Have to go find Kelly. See you at dinner :)
 Connie rose from her spot at the table. Reaching over to Daryl, she kissed him. Not long enough for anyone to see, just enough to get the point across once more that she loved him too.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Daryl took one last look around as he stuffed the remainder of his belongings into a bag. He wasn’t expecting to be gone long, but it was too early to tell. If it was meant to be for them to leave and start over, so be it. Maybe they would be back next week... maybe they would never be back. Connie and Daryl were up and out before sunrise. Connie suggested they leave a note so no one would worry. Daryl wasn’t expecting anyone to care he was gone. After all, he lived in the middle of nowhere for years after Rick died. Connie, on the other hand, did have people that cared about her. But now it seemed like her group had other people, so she didn’t feel like she would be missed. Hilltop residents hardly noticed when she left, besides Daryl of course. 
Going out with Daryl. I don’t know how long we will be gone. Take care. -Connie.
 Short and simple, she left it on the countertop. Connie gave their trip much consideration, and after hours of thinking, she decided she needed this. Before the world went to hell, vacation was crucial for her mental well-being. Though this wouldn’t be an amusement park or the beach, it would be with Daryl. And that’s all she needed. “Let’s head out,” Daryl said, throwing open the door. Dog ran up to Connie, as he knew she gave the best kisses and belly rubs. Giving Daryl a thumbs up, Connie signaled to the note. Reading it twice over, the reality of their decision finally set in. How he got her to agree, Daryl didn’t know.Nodding his head back towards the door, Connie and Dog followed.They stepped outside the community through a not-so-hidden exit and Dog immediately sat next to the motorcycle.   “We’ll take the bike,” Daryl mumbled, and Connie knew exactly what he meant. She shook her head faster than he had time to justify himself. “C’mon. It’s faster.” Connie brought her hand to the side of her head and twirled her finger in a circular motion. The sign for crazy . Imitating her motion, Daryl replied with a playful, “Whatever.” Connie gave a fake smile and pulled out her notepad. 
I’m not getting on that deathtrap with you.
 “Sure you are,” he teased, lifting up a helmet he'd packed away. With a scoff, she motioned for him to lower it. Daryl readied the bike as Connie pulled her hair back. She proceeded to repeat the crazy sign with a smirk. Don’t get cocky. This is just as much my decision as it is yours. Connie wrote. “‘k,” Daryl mouthed before whistling at Dog. He helped Connie onto the bike once he got on, taking it upon himself to sign crazy one last time. Connie nodded, locking her arms around Daryl’s torso.  As Daryl’s bike slowed, he and Connie came to the conclusion it was a good time to stop and look for a place to spend the night. They weren’t out very long; Dog still ran at the speed of light. But the bike had been to hell and back, and wouldn't make it much further. Luckily, boarded up apartments were within walking distance, so they decided to try there. You drive like a maniac. Connie wrote after adjusting her ponytail. “My driving ain’t that bad,” he responded. Connie gave Daryl a look. Daryl removed his backpack from Connie’s shoulders and pulled out an apple. “Here. We’ll find more ‘long the way.” She held the apple out to Daryl, stopping him. Balling her fist and placing it so her knuckles were against her cheek, she pivoted her hand back and forth. Daryl placed his hand like hers. “This right?” He asked. She smiled and nodded yes . Connie sliced the apple with her clean, polished Ka-Bar and handed the other half to Daryl. “Nah. Save it,” Daryl said, pushing it away. Daryl looked over Connie's shoulder as she wrote, Eat the apple. Grumbling, he finally took a bite from the slice. “Happy?” Extending her hands and rotating them towards her, she mouthed happy.  “Good.” Daryl couldn’t help but smile when Connie placed a kiss on his cheek, she was always looking out for him and he appreciated it. Taking the lead, she held up a speedily scribbled note: 
We don’t have all day. Let’s go! :)
 Daryl stored his bike to the side under a bush, drawing his attention to Dog. He shook his head when the canine took to her side instead of his. “Really, Dog?” He groaned. Adjusting his crossbow, he followed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Dog barked as a walker stumbled out of the first apartment. Blood spilled from its head as Connie killed it with her slingshot. It never failed to amaze Daryl when she made a perfect shot with just a stone and a rubber band.He followed Dog through the door and scanned the area, keeping a careful eye on Connie. Sure enough, two more walkers emerged. “Clear,” Daryl gave a thumbs up to her once they were down. Wiping his now bloodied knife on a rag, he dropped his backpack on a chair and began to raid the cabinets for salvageable food. By the looks of it, someone had lived there recently. It was well maintained and some food was stocked; fresh and preserved in cans and glass jars. Daryl wondered if the walkers he'd just killed were the previous owners. He at least hoped that was the case and no unexpected guests would arrive later. Daryl pulled out a package of uncooked rice and some fruit in glass jars from the cabinet. Other than that, there were only a few bags of stale crackers worth saving. 
We need to search the rest of the apartments.
 Daryl read Connie’s insistent note. “Yeah,” he said, grabbing bolts for his crossbow. Daryl and Connie spent the rest of the morning and afternoon rummaging through people's old stuff. With a few exceptions of short breaks, they had little time to adjust to the new environment. Their new life.They found much needed supplies throughout the building; sealed water, clean clothes, paper towels, blankets, some food. Uncooked beans and rice seemed to be a popular food choice since they were less likely to spoil. Daryl questioned why people would leave this place fully stocked, almost untouched too. Meanwhile, Connie tossed a baseball she found in her hands. She threw it to Dog, who was clearly intrigued. “It’s getting late. We should fix dinner,” Daryl said as his stomach rumbled. He realized they'd barely eaten at all.  Connie nodded. I’ll cook if you can start a fire.  Daryl agreed. He set out to gather wood while Connie stayed back and decided on the rations. Obviously it would be some combination of old rice, beans, fruit, and crackers—their supply was plentiful. Daryl’s fire-starting abilities came in handy for someone other than himself for the first time in a long time. He appreciated that, for now, dinner wasn’t a snake or rabbit.Outside the apartment complex stood a fire pit. It was hidden by a concrete wall separating them and the road. Daryl hovered over the pit as Connie emerged with her arms full of supplies. They look at each other with thankful expressions. In some way, shape, or form, the universe was pulling them together perfectly.Connie emptied a bottle of fresh water into a pot to boil as Daryl worked on the flame. Once started, Connie placed the package of rice in the water to soften and Daryl tore into a pack of crackers. Tonight, their meal consisted of carbs and more carbs. Though they needed to save as much food as they could until they found more. It’s not great, but I hope it’s first date worthy. Connie wrote. First date...They’d never experienced one of those together. For the most part everyone snacked on the go or gathered as a community. It was rare for families to have a sit-down meal together—let alone two people go on an official date. “It’ll be fine. Hopefully better than some wild animal,” Daryl assured her. Connie smiled. Gathering bowls, each placed a serving of rice and crackers. It was edible—Nothing more, nothing less. They both knew meals at Hilltop were way better, but at the end of the day, all they needed was enough nutrition to survive. And, of course, they had their weapons handy just in case. What about Dog? Connie asked, scratching the docile animal behind his ears. “What 'bout him?” Daryl questioned. He scooped a serving of white rice and laid it on the ground for Dog. The dog had stomach of steel. Daryl found it hard to believe rice would hurt him. Connie pointed to the bowl of rice and crackers and raised an eyebrow to ask How is it?  “Needs pepper,” Daryl replied teasingly as he ate the bland food. Connie rolled her eyes, though she thought the same thing. Salt and pepper seemed to fix a lot of things. “This place was a good find,” He said, surveying their surroundings. There were no growls of walkers, no yelling, no fighting, it was peaceful. Peaceful wasn’t even possible before the world ended. I have to admit, it’s pretty nice just you and me. And Dog, of course :) I could get used to this. Connie passed Daryl the note with a grin. However, he couldn’t read it when the fire glowing on her skin distracted him from everything. For a moment, it felt like they were the only people in the world. Free from disaster and chaos, just living. Daryl couldn’t restrain himself any longer from kissing her—and it was perfect. The sun set behind them, casting beautiful colors in approval. He never imagined himself as the “romantic” type...but in this instant, all “types” and lies people told him growing up became non-existent.  I love you. Connie signed. This time, Daryl repeated the sign correctly. “My name,” Daryl asked her to sign. She grinned and lifted her hands to spell D-A-R-Y-L. Slowly, he copied the letters, but resorted to the sign she'd made up for him instead: a downwards claw motion over his eye with her finger, resembling the scar beneath his eye. He proceeded to ask for the letters that spelt her name. Daryl tried, and mostly failed. “I’m learning,” Daryl retorted when she shook her head playfully. You’re learning. Connie repeated his words, leaning over to kiss him again.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Connie woke to Dog at her bedside, dropping his slobbery baseball by her face. She was startled, quickly sitting up and holding the dog-chewed toy. Dog placed his paw on the ball, making her smile. Trying her best not to wake Daryl, she tiptoed out of their bedroom, motioning Dog to silently follow. Overcome by excitement, he barked anyway. Daryl woke in defense mode, his heart beating a mile a minute.

Connie threw her hands up and shook her head.

Sorry

she signed.

Watching as she rotated a closed fist in front of her, Daryl calmed. “It’s fine.”

Dog barked once again, signaling Daryl to Connie and the ball.
 
“He wake you up?” Daryl asked her. Without response, he realized that had been the case. It was too early in the morning for a game of fetch, Daryl knew that Connie understood that.

“You gotta be quiet, boy,” He told the canine. Daryl pulled on his shoes, following them out the door.

It was still dark outside, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. A breeze blew through the air. It carried with it the smell of last nights fire. The scent reminded Daryl of the amazing memory.

Dog fetched as Connie threw the ball. Finally, he got to experience the life of a dog—loved by his owners while they played a game in the yard. Lightning fast, Dog scooped up the ball and dropped it at Daryl’s feet.
 
“This is gross,” Daryl said, shaking the drool and dirt off the baseball. Connie shot him a glare as she pulled out a pen.
 
That says a lot coming from the man who didn’t shower for a year.
 
Daryl hadn’t realized she could see his lips. “It wasn’t a year,” he smirked.
 
It was probably longer.
She teased.
 
“It rained a lot,” Daryl replied, tossing the ball again for Dog.
 
That’s not what a shower is, Daryl.
 
He shrugged his shoulders. “Better than nothing.”
 
Connie tried to hide a laugh. It reminded her of the rainy days when she was young. She would stomp in puddles all day, later scolded by her parents for tracking mud into the house. The muddy footsteps stained the carpet and her bedroom would smell like wet dog, but she promised her parents that the rain water was clean. Her parents taught her that the water wasn’t the problem, it was nature. It was a huge shock back then, but she didn’t expect to be giving a grown man the same lecture years later.

Connie missed those days. As she got older, her carefree personality started to slip away. Luckily, Daryl restored that trait in her.
 
They paused from their bickering to watch the sunrise. Holding his gaze, Daryl remembered his past; the days he wished the sun didn’t show its ugly face. He felt like he had nothing for a long time, finding it hard to figure out the point of it all. Daily tasks felt like a burden that he couldn’t be relieved from. If someone told him that one day it would turn out just fine, he wouldn’t have believed them. Today, Daryl would give anything for a sunrise, as long as it was with Connie. If he only knew the things she thought about him, maybe they really would live happily ever after.

It would be a lie to say Connie’s life was all happy memories. She had her share of emotionally torturing days, similar to Daryl. Being deaf and going through her childhood, especially teenage years, was rough. She felt like an outcast, not being able sing to music or clearly communicate with her impatient friends. There were other things, of course, but those were the two things people took for granted every day.

Two things she prayed she would be able to do

someday

.

Connie felt unaccepted by nearly everyone. Her peers didn’t want to hang out with the deaf girl when she couldn’t carry on a conversation or understand what they meant half the time. Learning how to live and cope with her disability was harder than anyone could begin to imagine. The only person to give her an actual chance was Daryl. He didn’t have to, he could have left her—similar to every new person she came across. But despite it all, he stood by her side.
 
“What about some breakfast?” Daryl asked, breaking Connie’s attention from the sunrise. Unable to figure out what he mumbled, she asked him to repeat his words.

“Breakfast?” He pointed back to the apartments. She pulled out her notepad.
 
You mean apples? We
really
need to find more protein.
 
“We’ll go out today,” Daryl said. He hoped that together they could manage something. Heading inside, they sat on the couch to reveal their options: Apples or crackers. The lousy substance gave neither of them enough energy.
 
Do you think we could find something to roast?
Connie wondered. She was desperate as she swallowed a bite of apple. As everyone knows, desperate times call for desperate measures. Without giving it another thought, Daryl grabbed his crossbow.
 
“You wanna come or are you good here?”

I’ll go,

Connie spoke through the motion of pointing towards the door. Though she couldn’t necessarily hear the steps or sounds from animals, her other senses were brilliant. She naturally relied more on sight, smell and touch, making Connie a great tracker.
 
Dog growled as they came to the woods. When he focused, he sniffed out any sign of animal very easily. Daryl could hear birds to the west of them, although they would be too small and difficult to track.

Pausing, Dog caused Daryl to halt. Connie pointed through a bush to a tree. By it, a single squirrel. Daryl gave her a thumbs up, aiming his crossbow at the animal. She clenched and turned away as he gathered the furred creature. It was incredibly unsettling, but starving to death seemed much worse.
 
“Breakfast is served,” Daryl said, removing his crossbow bolt in front of Connie.
 
Please just cook it. I think I’ve already lost my appetite.
She focused writing her note.
 
They slowly made their way back to the apartments, gathering wood as they walked. Roasting and splitting the appreciated protein into thirds, they feasted.
 
“How is it?” Daryl asked.
 
Needs salt.
Connie sneered, recreating the remark Daryl made about her cooking yesterday. He gave her a look that said—

seriously?

“Get ready. We should go soon.”
 
Chewing the final bit of her food, Connie nodded. She continued to pack Daryl’s backpack as he cleaned up.
 
I think I saw some shops up ahead. Maybe we could try those?
 
“Yeah,” he responded.
 
xxxxxxxx
 
Their walk was long and and tiring, but soon enough, they arrived. The shops were mostly sorted through, leaving few items for anyone else. Connie discovered a few pieces of fabric, thinking they could be useful in the future. She stuffed them away before Daryl could ask if she was planning on sewing a quilt.

Daryl found oats, several types of beans, freeze dried fruit, and of course—more rice. He thought they were good finds. It was likely here that the apartment residents found supplies. Picking up a bottle of wine under the counter, Daryl thought it would make for an exciting second date.
 
Ever tried powdered milk?
Connie asked as she caught up with Daryl.
 
“Sounds disgusting,” he stated, wondering if Connie could still read his lips in the dimly lit room.

She shook her head as she placed it in a bag.
It’s terrible
. Daryl read as the sound of thunder rumbled in the distance. Connie felt the vibration in the floor, heading over to a window to see what was going on.
 
“Hell,” Daryl said under his breath so she couldn’t see. The sky was covered with dark clouds, lighting up often with lightning. He grabbed Connie’s notebook from her hand to write:
 
Not safe to travel in storms. We’re staying here.
 
Connie groaned.
This sucks.
 
Won’t be long. We’ll be back on the road in a few hours.
Daryl assured, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
 
The room got even darker as the clouds came closer, casting them in complete darkness. Connie felt robbed of her senses, relying on only Daryl’s hand to guide the way. He finally pulled a flashlight from his backpack. It wasn’t enough to light the room, but at least they could see each other and their surroundings.

More thunder shook the building as Daryl heard the wind whistle. He motioned for them to take a seat.

Branches of trees started to snap and land on the roof, startling Dog every once in awhile. He laid next to Daryl, keeping close.

Connie felt the cold wind start to draft in from holes in the ceiling. Adding onto their list of problems, water stains threatened the already unsteady roof. She urged for them to move. Daryl disagreed, as he specifically picked a spot away from windows and doors.
 
“A little water won’t hurt us,” he said, placing a garbage bin where the water dripped.

Connie stared at the ceiling and frantically made a motion with her hands. When Daryl didn’t understand, she held up another note:
 
This roof is not going to hold.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Previously...“A little water won’t hurt us,” he said, placing a garbage bin where the water dripped.Connie stared at the ceiling and frantically made a motion with her hands. When Daryl didn’t understand, she held up another note: 
This roof is not going to hold.
 xxxxxxxxxxx “It’s gonna hold,” Daryl said, shining the light on the ceiling. Another bright flash entered the room. Dog barked in dismay at the progressive amount of rain that poured in. Soon enough, the bins scattered across the floor were filled, flooding onto the tile. Daryl searched for a place to empty them, but by that time, the rain gathered into the small space. “Storm of the century,” Daryl said, holding the light on his face so Connie could see. “Never seen it rain this hard before.” More holes in the roof opened at the heaviness of water. Without gutters, the rain had nowhere to drain. Connie gave Daryl the “ I told you so” look, making him regret their placement. “There ain’t anywhere to go,” he refuted her expression. Connie searched for the notebook in her pocket. Both of their clothes were drenched from the rain, causing the pages of the paper to rip when she wrote. She gave up writing and stood up, causing Daryl stand too. “Hold on!” He hollered, forgetting she couldn’t see him. Daryl pulled her arm, stopping Connie from moving. “Stay here.” She shook her head, removing her arm from his reach. Daryl wanted to tell her it was for her own safety, but he couldn’t get her to listen. He got fed up when Dog followed her, not listening to the commands Daryl gave him. Given the fact he was outnumbered, Daryl followed them. Connie finally found a door leading to another store, though it was surrounded by windows. She waved them off the other way, trying to find a safer place. But it was no use. As they retreated to their past spot, the roof caved in, sending a tremendous flood of rain to pile up. Now making its way up to their ankles, they looked at each other with concern. “Come ‘ere,” Daryl shouted, yanking Connie along. The shop was filled with antiques, surrounded by wood and glass. Shelves of the store began to fall as the came to a dead end, thunder still shaking the building. Daryl tried slamming into an exit door, but all it did was injure his shoulder. “Dammit!” He yelled, not accepting that they were trapped. Water was rising in the tight space, filling the room with a slippery mess. Dog yapped as his fur started to wet. This way, Connie urged as she pointed. She was not about to give up, despite the limited options.Daryl followed her to another dead end, just as a wooden board shot through the window and broke the glass. He looked down to see bloody rain water. It took him a second to realize it was his blood, he hoped it wasn’t hers too.Streaks of red gushed from Daryl’s arm as the shattered glass hit. He was fortunate it was just his arm and not fatal. Connie became alarmed at the blood soaking Daryl’s shirt. She immediately remembered the fabric she found earlier, ripping it from her pocket and securing a tourniquet.  Are you okay? Connie mouthed through the quick flashes of light they had. Daryl nodded, turning his attention to the blood on her head. Grabbing a strand of fabric from her hand, he held it at the spot by her eye. “Hold it. Can’t have you bleeding,” he said. Even though they were in the dark, she could figure out what he meant. Dog barked by the corner, trying to kept above the water that filled dangerously close to the top of his legs. As Daryl looked for another exit, he focused on the pieces of glass floating around them. “Careful,” he turned to Connie, keeping her close by as he walked. The broken window caused heavy gusts of wind to blow in, knocking objects onto the ground. Thunder shook again, causing Connie to nearly lose her balance. She steadied against the wall, dragging Daryl along with her. He felt fatigued from the blood loss. His vision spotted and he felt his heart beating fast. Shaking the feeling off, he adjusted the fabric to cover the cut on his arm. Connie’s head soaked her cloth too. Tossing the bloody fabric on the ground, Daryl gave her another piece.He heard the faint creaking of the wood from the ceiling. Daryl considered for a moment to break the glass, allowing them a way out. But he didn’t want to further their injuries in any way if the glass shattered more. Dog stopped by a door, barking over to Daryl. “Good dog,” he said over the constant loud storm. Carefully making their way over, Daryl yanked open the door. To his dismay, a walker stumbled out, tackling him to the ground. Daryl tried to fight it off against the pain in his arm. He wrestled it to ensure it couldn’t bite him. Connie eventually stabbed her blade through its skull, covering Daryl in its blood.She held a thumbs up to ask if he was okay. He gave a thumbs up back, bringing himself to his feet and catching his breath.Daryl swung the door back open, revealing a tiny closet. The concrete walls and floor were covered in cobwebs and dust. Taking a look at the ceiling, Daryl concluded it was sturdier than the others. He shoved Connie and Dog inside, following in behind. The closed door made the small space feel claustrophobic. Dog shook his fur coat dry, covering Connie in Daryl in muddy water.Daryl removed another flashlight from his backpack. He placed it in between them, giving each a better look at their injuries.Now that Connie didn’t have her notepad, she hoped communication wasn’t an issue. She was sure she would find another one at some point, but until then, it would be a struggle.Connie pointed to Daryl’s arm, suggesting that she should take a look. He willingly let her bandage it, double layering pieces of her helpful fabric. “Should be fine. Just a scrape,” he assured her worried face. She shook her hand to quiet him, gently wiping up the blood on his arm. Connie hoped he wouldn’t need stitches and that Daryl didn’t have glass remaining in his arm. It was simply too dark for her to tell.Connie nodded her head as she finished up. Daryl took her face in his hands as he examined her head. “The glass did this?” He asked as she read his lips. Connie shrugged her shoulders. It had all happened so fast. “Don’t worry,” Daryl told her. “It doesn’t need stitches.” She nodded, feeling along the side of her eye where the cuts were. “Quit touching,” Daryl said, cleaning the side of her face. “We’ll go when the storms stop. It shouldn’t be long, but you should rest.” Connie shook her head, pointing to Daryl instead. She knew that he lost more blood than she had.He rejected her offer. “One of us has to stay up.”Knowing that she couldn’t fully communicate her thoughts with Daryl, Connie rested her head on his shoulder. Although she was tired, she knew she wouldn’t fall asleep. The adrenaline kept her alert, Daryl too.Dog whimpered, placing his head on Connie’s lap so she would pet it. They hoped the damage outside wasn’t too bad. It would be a long journey back.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Daryl could hear the rain starting to cease. The drops slowed hitting the roof, turning into a light drizzle. Hesitant to leave their safe spot right away, they figured a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt. They could tell by the water seeping in that the lower level of the building had flooded. It might’ve only been a few inches, but even a few inches could do a lot of damage. Connie was thankful they were able to grab supplies before the store was destroyed. Even the fact that they hadn’t encountered the storm on the road was a miracle. There weren’t many things that went their way these days, so when something did, it was a time to celebrate. She supposed that when they were part of a large community, they were easy to track and target. Now swift and hidden away from society, it was as if the burden of mass chaos and death was lifted.Daryl’s flashlight flickered as the light faded out. The batteries were way too old to still be working; It seemed about time for them to go, but not exactly the best time. He needed the light to communicate with Connie. Especially now, as they were close to making their way back to the apartments in the dark.“Let’s go,” Daryl said, talking fast enough to beat the quickly dying batteries. Connie sat up from where she had been resting. She never fell asleep, as she predicted, but tried to put an end to her growing headache. Too tired to disagree, both Connie and Dog followed.A flood of water rushed in as Daryl forced the door open. A few hours had passed since they’d entered the closet and now the water was rising up to their ankles.Pointing to the broken window, Daryl decided to execute his original plan of breaking the glass. He stood a safe distance away, positioning Connie and Dog behind him. Daryl steadied himself as he lifted a chair. Blood started to gush from his wound again, Connie stared in concern. With all the blood he previously lost, he couldn’t afford to lose more. The glass shattered into a million tiny pieces, joining the past shards in the water. Daryl took a broken shelf to bust out the rest of the window, providing them with a way to escape. Taking the weight of Daryl’s backpack, Connie placed the heavy bag on her back. It was stuffed full of food for at least the next two weeks. If they lost the bag in the flood, it would have been a certain sign to go back to Hilltop. However, the fact it was still here meant they were doing something right. Bringing Daryl to a stop as they climbed out the opening, Connie took his arm and wrapped it to restrict the bleeding. She shook her head, communicating that she didn’t approve of his reckless actions. Daryl took advantage of their last bit on daylight, saying in the slowing rain, “See? A shower.”Connie nodded her head sarcastically. Then, making a scribbling sign with her hand and smiling at him, Daryl gave her a puzzled look.“The Notebook?” She nodded, trying to tell Daryl that they needed to search for a new notepad since the other one was ruined. A little disoriented, Daryl looked up at the rainy sky.. “Didn’t think you liked romantic movies,” he replied, serious as he could be.Connie placed her hands on her hips, making an expression that read: What?“The Notebook,” Daryl said. He tried to make himself sound clearer this time. Still confused, Connie re-did her writing motion. Notebook, she mouthed. Proceeding to make the sign for rain.Daryl stood and looked at her in a daze, “Yeah.”Connie gave a slow nod, pointing to Daryl and herself as if to say: We need to look for one.Daryl looked over at Dog, who was watching carefully. “We ain’t The Notebook,” he shook his head.Raising her eyebrows, Connie started to wonder if Daryl lost too much blood. They were simple signs that anyone could understand. “You okay?” He asked her while adjusting his crossbow. Knowing she could read lips, he didn’t know why she couldn’t figure out what he was saying. Connie gave a bemused thumbs up, her expression asking if he was okay too. Daryl, becoming a bit irritated, asked, “What’s your point?”Connie threw her hands down in frustration. Notebook-- it wasn’t hard! Especially given the fact they were having trouble communicating right now.After 10 seconds of silent, blank staring, finally Connie realized they weren’t talking about a notebook, they were talking about The Notebook. It made since, she guessed; The notebook, the rain, the lovers. Almost falling over with a huge smile on her face, Daryl couldn’t figure out what was so funny. The only conclusion that raced through his mind being she was hallucinating from getting hit in the head.Pointing at Daryl with a grin, Connie signed and mouthed: The movie?“That’s what we’re talking about--yeah.” It was becoming harder for her to see him through the progressing rain.Shaking her head no, she walked over to Daryl and kissed him anyway--Just like the movie. It wasn’t romantic, rather filthy actually. Both were covered in blood, torn clothes, very dirty. Walkers snarled and Dog barked, but it was easily the best kiss they’d ever had. Connie tried again with her sign, this time mouthing: notepad. Daryl scoffed in realization, though he didn’t regret the outcome. It was the best mistake he’d ever made.Teasingly, Connie questioned Daryl’s movie choices. She could hardly make it through the unrealistic love story herself. “Never said I watched it--I just know what it is. Couldn’t get people to stop talking about the damn thing,” Daryl smirked. Connie thought his answer was fair enough. Regardless of how she disliked the movie (and Daryl apparently despised it), Connie wished they could watch it again--or any movie for that matter. Maybe if she’d watched it with someone she loved, she would like it more. But the world wasn’t all butterflies and rainbows anymore, and they had accepted that. “We should head back,” Daryl said, shooting a bolt through a walkers skull as it neared. “We made too much noise breaking the glass.”Grabbing Connie’s hand, Daryl started to sprint. They tried their best not to slip on the flooded streets. The now torrential rain mixed with the wind made for a cold and blurry trip home. Hardly able to remember the direction of the apartments, they picked up pace. Connie turned for a split second. Walkers emerged from behind trees, revealing themselves from the woods. Daryl looked after her. There was no time to fight as the flashlight was dying. While some of the dead could stand in the heavy wind and rain, others sprawled on the ground, grabbing at close by legs and ankles. Dog barked in attempt to alert his owners. Instead, he only drew the walkers closer. “Quiet, Dog!” Daryl silenced. As requested, Dog hushed and, at top speed, led them through the stormy conditions. Daryl hoped it was in the right direction. Exhausted, dehydrated, sore--they picked up their pace. Water poured, blocking the ability to breathe. The slick pavement offered no support, among other things. They only stopped when a walker came dangerously close.Dog dashed ahead until eventually out of sight. It wasn’t until Daryl heard a yelp that he worried. Driving his knife into the skulls of walkers, Daryl was able to rescue him from their grasp. He knew that in an instant his furry companion could have become dinner. All of them could have. Inhaling water and trying for air, Daryl and Connie took a moment to regain their energy. Still far from relief, they prepared themselves for the worst. Knowing they needed to find shelter before the thunder and lightning started, they picked back up, gathering all their strength to survive. Daryl pushed himself through the blinding rain and discomfort of his arm. He held onto Connie, following Dog when he didn’t know where he was going. The three would not be separated. Not in this. Trying again for air, Daryl felt like he was drowning. Between the loss of blood and fast attempts for breath, he could feel himself on the verge of passing out. Not now, he told himself. Almost there. Water and blood streamed down Connie’s face. She didn’t remember the wound reopening, concluding that she must have bumped it somehow along the way. The rain water burned as it cleansed her cut. She told herself it was the best form of sanitation, as they had no rubbing alcohol or gauze with them at the moment. Walkers threatened at every turn. Almost like they were overcoming the rain and sensing the smell of blood. Just as Daryl started to accept that they were lost, Dog really did find their way back. Seeing the top of the apartments, he felt relief. Daryl hurried Connie and Dog inside, securing all doors and windows. Most spaces were already boarded up, but in the past, walkers found a way in. He shut all the curtains while Connie raided the area for medical supplies. She found a thick tablecloth to cut as a bandage and vodka, of all things. Though they weren’t going to drink their pain away, she’d read somewhere that some types of alcohol could be used as a disinfectant. Connie took up this bet. She didn’t know exactly how reliable the source was, but supposedly it was better than nothing. Picking up a roll of paper towels, she found that they could be of great use for something else. A substitute...until she found another notebook. Daryl set out lanterns as a source of light. Normally he wouldn’t care about a little darkness, but with the communication barriers they had, it was crucial for survival. “Put these on,” Daryl tossed Connie a dry sweatshirt and pants. The cold, wet clothes clung to them, causing chills to form.Daryl pulled his new shirt on, trying to avoid his bloody gash. Connie reached for his arm, taking off the previous wrap. It was deep, but not too wide. She wasn’t a doctor, but there looked to be no signs of infection or remaining glass. Daryl watched and tried not to flinch as she took the vodka, pouring it all over the wound. Even though he probably needed them, she couldn’t manage to do stitches. Instead, Connie secured the cloth around it, making sure to “Daryl proof” it from opening again. “Good job,” he told her. “Let me see your head.”Daryl took a piece of the paper towel and soaked it in the vodka. He made sure to keep the drenched material away from her eye, but close enough to somewhat disinfect entirely. As he wiped the remaining blood off her face, he took the time to admire how beautiful she was. Daryl thought he’d never been this careful in his entire life. You would make a great doctor. Connie wrote on the makeshift paper towel-notepad.Daryl gave a slight smile at her invention. “Don’t count on it.”Connie shrugged her shoulders. How was your “shower”? She asked jokingly.Taking a second to respond as they both shivered from the temperatures, he responded, “Cold.”“Need to warm up,” Daryl said draping a blanket over her. “It won’t do us any good if we get sick.”Connie nodded in response. Her hands were out of reach from her notepad as she bundled herself for warmth. Daryl saw it as a good thing. She would have certainly teased him some more about The Notebook; Even if it was one of the best moments they’d shared together. Tossing a blanket over Dog and then himself, Daryl took a seat next to Connie. Cuddling into him, she placed another kiss on his face. Now that they were safe, they could finally catch up on some much needed rest.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

-One Week Later-
 
You’re up early.
 
Daryl looked over Connie’s note, responding with a shrug. He was up before the sun, giving Connie some extra time to sleep.

Since the storm, they’d done a lot of work in tidying up the apartments. Finding extra clothes, materials, and even a new notebook.The walkers that followed them were killed at the doorstep. Daryl figured he should probably move the deceased bodies elsewhere.

He dragged them away, one by one. A few limbs detached in the process, and that’s where Dog came in to help. Dog laid each leg and arm at Daryl’s feet, similar to a cat bringing it’s owner a dead mouse.

Connie stood back and watched the process. Grinning whenever Daryl looked at Dog in disgust. The canine was happy to assist, even if it was a walker limb serving as a dog toy.
 
“Good dog,” Daryl said. He patted Dog on the head for his service.
 
“That’s the last of ‘em,” he told Connie.
 
She looked at the stained trail of blood and forming mold. Both offered an unpleasant scent, though it was better now that the walkers were moved.
 
Thinking about a shower yet?
Connie wrote.
 
“Nah,” Daryl shook his head. “Just had one a week ago.”
 
Connie glared.
Again, rain is not a shower.
 
“What else are we supposed to do?”
 
Boil some water. Put it in the tub. Wash up.
She had a confident expression.
 
Daryl scoffed. “We hardly have enough water to drink. Can’t waste it on a stupid bath.”
 
Use water from the river?
 
Boiling water killed bacteria, making most of it satisfactory to use.
 
Staring off into the woods, Daryl turned to meet Connie’s eyes. He knew she wouldn’t let this go. “ ‘ight.” He then continued to mumble something inaudible under his breath so she couldn’t see.
 
Sensing he wasn’t thrilled about the idea, Connie gave him a punch on his unwounded arm. She could tell he made some snarky comment.
 
“Hell’s that for?” Daryl asked.
 
Connie shook her head. Then, just to anger him (and prove her point), wrote:  
What’d you say?
 
She was no stranger to people using her disability against her. Even though she knew he meant no harm, it still frustrated her.

When she first started to learn how to read lips fluently, she didn’t tell many people. That’s how she found out people would talk behind her back. Even though some words would be fuzzy, Connie knew when they talked about her versus when they didn’t. It was painfully obvious, but lucky for her, all she had to do was look away.
 
Bathing does more than make you smell good, you know? It’s crucial for your health. Especially for people like us with open cuts, killing walkers, and covered in dirt.
 
“Sorry. Ain’t trying to piss you off.”
 
Connie exhaled at looked down at her notebook.
You didn’t piss me off.
 
“Well apparently I did

somethin’

wrong.”
 
Meeting his eyes, Connie held up her writing.
 
If you’re going to talk, don’t try to hide it. It’s not fair to anyone. I don’t care if it’s rude or something small, just don’t keep it from me.
 
Daryl nodded in understanding. “You’re cute when your mad, ya’ know?”
 
A smile formed across Connie’s face. She punched him again in the arm playfully for her own pleasure. No one could stay mad at Daryl.
 
After finding buckets for carrying water, Daryl, Connie, and Dog headed out. Daryl could hear the rapids up ahead, hoping they would be clean enough for Connie’s liking. Personally, he’d eaten a worm straight from the ground, cleanliness clearly didn’t matter as much to him as it did to her. Survival means doing whatever it takes to live. To Daryl, washing up still seemed like a luxury.
 
Dog barked at the first sight of a rabbit, chasing it 10 feet before Daryl told him to quit. Dog listened and

did

quit...once he held the creature’s tail in his mouth, of course.

Daryl picked up the rabbit Dog laid at his feet, sitting in obedience and waiting for his reward. Connie looked disgusted, similar to the first squirrel they caught.
 
“Good boy,” Daryl said. He wrapped the plump rabbit in a pillowcase and stuffed it in his backpack. Connie shook her head, signing to herself

gross

.
 
“What?” Daryl pointed to her sign. “You just gave me a lecture on communication and you’re gonna leave me out?”
 
Connie held up a hand to halt him, shaking her head again. It was a stupid argument after all.
 
“What did you say?” Daryl tried to suppress his grin.
 
Connie repeated the sign for

gross

and mouthed it. Then she whipped out her notepad to write:
 
It was
only
one word--Calm down.
 
“You said it didn’t matter how many words.”
 
Taken aback for a second, Connie smiled.
I’m surprised you listened.
 
“Yeah,” Daryl nodded. “Don’t give me a test.”
 
Connie rolled her eyes. She began to write when Daryl heard something...or rather some

one

.

He stopped her from writing and rose his crossbow. She touched the knife in her belt, bumping him lightly to ask what was going on.

Daryl pointed in the direction of the voice and cautiously began to make his way over. Whoever it was, they weren’t making anymore sounds. Moving closer, Daryl could pick up on the sound of soft whimpering, which he followed.
 
A little girl with blond hair, aged 5 to 6, sat next to a man against a tree. She held her small hands over his stomach, which revealed to be bloody. The girl caught Daryl’s gaze and gasped. Although when she saw Dog, began to ease at the possible ally.
 
“Please help him,” her small voice said urgently.
 
Daryl became hesitate to go any closer, looking at Connie for reassurance. If there was one thing they learned,

no one

could be trusted.
 
“Please!” she yelled again, this time tears ran fast down her face.
 
“No, Anna,” the man spoke out between breaths.
 
“Daddy!” The young girl sobbed again, watching his blood spill on her hands.
 
The man looked at his daughter and frowned. He wrapped her in a comforting hug, kissing the top of her head.
 
“Please take care of her. Don’t-don’t hurt her. Just please take--take her,” he stumbled.
 
Daryl looked again, lowering his crossbow. He didn’t know them, they didn’t know what they were capable of.

Connie nudged Daryl, holding her hand out to direct his eyes to the girl and her father.
 
“Were you bit?” Daryl asked.
 
“Ye-Yes,” he said shakily. “Look--I don’t

know

you, but-but we have no-no one. Please-”
 
Connie took hold of the situation, walking over to Anna. She brushed the hair off the little girl’s tear streaked face, rubbing her back as she watched her dad.
 
“An-Anna. Don’t run from them. The-they will

help

you--”
 
“No. I want them to help you!” she interrupted, crying even harder.
 
“I love you so much,” he told her, resting his own cold, bloody hand on top of hers. He then relaxed his head on the tree and shut his eyes.
 
“Daddy?” Anna questioned. When he didn’t respond, she removed her hand from his stomach and looked at Daryl, Connie, and Dog.
 
Connie stood up, hoping she would follow. Daryl looked for the words to speak, but all sounded too harsh.

Taking one last second to hug and kiss her dad, Anna contemplated running. But, something inside her stopped her. Wiping off her tears, Connie reached for the her hand.
 
“I know what happens next,” her tiny voice mumbled. “I can’t do it.” She pointed to her knife.
 
“It’s alright,” Daryl said. He figured she was their responsibility now. “You go with Connie,” he directed.
 
Anna nodded, trying her best to restrain herself from breaking down again.
 
Daryl watched as the young girl disappeared with Connie. He couldn’t help but think of Judith as he did. Both were born into this world, and both had to watch more people die than children should. Judith said it made her stronger. Daryl figured that after awhile she just became numb to it.

He took a step towards the man, not yet turned. Blood soaked his T-shirt and hands. Close by were the walkers he fought. This was the first stranger in a long time that Daryl genuinely grieved over.
 
Xxxxxxx
 
Connie and Anna had continued back to the apartments, giving Daryl and Dog time to collect water and bring it back.

Connie tried to wash the blood off Anna’s hands with drinking water and a cloth, but it didn’t work great as they were still slightly stained.

Taking a break from washing, Connie was reminded of childs clothing Daryl and her found while tidying the apartments. Neither of them thought they would need it at the time, however, there was a change of plans.

Leaving Anna alone for a second, Connie went to gather a clean T-shirt and pants for the child. She returned to find her looking through the pages of the new notepad.
 
“Why do you use paper to talk?” the girl questioned curiously.
 
Connie gently lifted the notepad from Anna, writing:
 
I can’t hear sounds, like voices for example. So I use this to talk.
 
Watching her struggle to read, Connie figured it was going to be hard to communicate with Anna. Instead, Connie pointed to her ears and shook her head

no

. Anna seemed to understand and nodded her head.
 
“How did you know what I was saying?”
 
Pointing to her lips, Connie tried to explain. However, it would be rather useless until she could learn to read.
 
“You hear through lips?” Anna asked confusedly.
 
Connie made the flat-handed motion

kinda

. She gave the little girl the clothing and led her to a bedroom. When she emerged dressed, she had a soft smile on her face, but it was accompanied by puffy, red eyes. Anna played with her long, wavy blonde hair and admired the wide range of rainbow colors on her shirt.
 
“I like the color yellow,” she said wiping a stray tear away. “It’s happy.”

Connie smiled, pointed to herself, and nodded; trying to say she liked the color yellow as well. She followed Anna back into the living room where Daryl came through the door. Surely enough, he set down two buckets of heavy water.

Dog, meanwhile, ran up to Anna, nearly tackling her with kisses.
 
“Dog!” Daryl yelled, trying to stop the persistent animal.
 
Anna giggled as she fixed her hair, which was clearly her favorite thing about herself. “Your dog's name is Dog?”
 
“Yeah,” Daryl nodded. The young girl continued to laugh, which made Connie happy.
 
“I’ve never seen a real dog before. I used to have a stuffed animal one though.”
 
“Dog’s a good boy. He’ll likes to play ball,” Daryl said lowering his backpack.
 
“Really?!” she asked in excitement. Connie nodded at the child.
 
“We’ll play ball later. It’s time for lunch now,” Daryl held the dead rabbit up for them to see.
 
Wide-eyed, Anna stared in dismay. “Gross,” she scoffed.
 
Connie made a face at Daryl that said,

See. I told you it was gross.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“She asleep?” Daryl asked Connie as she entered their bedroom.
 
Connie gave a thumbs up before climbing in bed. She was exhausted and could only imagine Daryl was feeling the same.
 
I didn’t think it was possible to be this tired.
 
Daryl gave a shrug. “We’ll get used to it.”

Connie found that hard to believe.
 
Did you think you would ever be a dad?
She asked.
 
“Nah. Not after my childhood. I would feel bad for whatever kid that ended up with me.”
 
What do you mean? I think Anna’s beginning to really like you.
 
“I think she likes Dog more,” Daryl joked. “We’ve only had her for a day. It’s too early to tell.”
 
Connie laughed quietly.
For the record, you would make a great dad. Just put a little effort into it. Like you said, she’s only been with us for a day.
 
He nodded. “I feel bad for her. No kid should have to go through that. Growing up in this…”
 
She’s holding up. It’s going to be hard on her though.
 
“That’s reassuring,” Daryl replied sarcastically.
 
Just take it easy on her. To her, she’s just lost everything. I’m sure it will be a difficult adjustment for all of us.
 
Daryl agreed. “It doesn’t feel right.”
 
What doesn’t?
 
“Any of it. Taking her away if her story checks out. Keeping her here if it doesn’t.”
 
You think it was a lie?
 
“It’s hard to know who to trust. Everyone’s tryin’ to stay alive. They don’t care about who they hurt in the process,” Daryl argued.
 
Yeah. I thought about that too. But I also know not everyone can be a bad person.
 
“I hope so.”
 
Me too :)
 
Connie leaned in for a goodnight kiss from Daryl. It was reassuring for both that they could be good parents. Each overflowed with love towards each other, sharing that love with a child couldn’t be impossible.

I love you.

Daryl signed.

I love you.

Connie signed back.
 
Xxxxxxx
 
Daryl woke again with the sun, hoping he could get started on some breakfast. Instead, when he walked into the living room, he was met with a pair of bright, blue eyes. The young girl sat on the couch in flannel pajamas, petting Dog as he sat next to her.
 
“Sorry, I thought I was quiet.”
 
“No, you’re fine. I was just getting up,” Daryl responded. He walked to the room temperature refrigerator to grab water bottles.
 
Anna nodded, stroking the dog’s ear. “How long have you been here?”
 
He struggled to answer her question. It seemed like much more time had passed than did. “Not long. A couple of days,” Daryl finally said.
 
“Oh,” Anna said, now fidgeting with her hair. “Are you guys going to get married?”
 
Her question took Daryl by surprise. Marriage was something neither of them discussed because it wasn’t necessarily important anymore. Loving each other was enough.

Deciding to give the girl some hope, Daryl replied, “Maybe. Been to any weddings recently?”
 
“No,” Anna said sadly. “But my dad read me a book about one,” her joyful voice raising an octave.
 
“Oh,” Daryl nodded. “You-- do you like books?”
 
“I guess so. I don’t understand them much though.”

“That’s alright. You don’t need to anyway,” Daryl replied.
 
Anna gave a slight shake of her head. Pictures of her father reading to her flooded her mind, making it hard to keep herself from crying. But she held it together. Dog laid his head on her leg wanting to be pet, which cheered her up.
 
Connie emerged from the bed room, watching as Daryl pulled dishes from the cabinets. Like a ninja, she snuck up on him, hugging Daryl from behind. He steadied himself from dropping the plates.
 
“Mornin’,” Daryl said, placing a kiss on her head. Connie kissed him back.
 
Daryl pointed to Dog and Anna. “Someone has found a new best friend.”
 
Connie hit him playfully on the shoulder. She understood Daryl’s jealousy now.

Taking a seat next to Anna, Connie brushed through soft, blonde hair with her fingers. She began to neatly braid the golden strands out of her face. When she was finished, Connie followed Anna to the mirror where she could see. Her face beamed with excitement at her princess-like hair.
 
“I love it, thank you.”
 
Connie made the sign for you’re welcome, and to no one’s surprise, the little girl repeated the sign perfectly. Unlike someone that Connie knew…
 
Daryl set out three glasses of water on the table and one bowl on the ground for Dog. He then placed yesterday's cooked rabbit on each of their plates, hoping the protein would satisfy. Until the crops they planted grew, they were stuck eating the hunted or old, gross food items.
 
“So, uh, it was just you and your dad?” Daryl took a seat and asked Anna.
 
Anna sighed, petting Dog’s head for comfort. “Well, we used to have a community, but we left.”
 
“What do you mean ya’ left?”
 
Anna shrugged, looking down at her plate. “I don’t know. I liked it there though.”
 
Daryl looked at Connie, thinking the comment was strange.
 
“Did something happen?” Daryl questioned.
 
Shaking her head, Anna replied, “No.”
 
How far is it?
Connie wrote.
 
“How far?” Daryl read aloud.
 
“I don’t know,” Anna said again sorrowfully. “Can we talk about something else now please?”
 
Daryl nodded, taking a bite of the rabbit on his plate. He understood it must be hard to talk about her dad--just like it was hard for him when Rick died.
 
“What do you say we go out today?” Daryl asked Connie and Anna.
 
Where?
 
Daryl leaned in to read the note. “Anywhere but here.”
 
After a few seconds, Anna proposed, “Can we go to the bookstore?”
 
“Bookstore?” Daryl said trying to hide the snarkiness in his voice.
 
“Yeah, I remember one. My dad took me there. I’ll show you,” Anna encouraged.
 
Hold on, remember what happened last time?
Connie wrote, not fast enough apparently.
 
“Eh, we’ll be fine,” Daryl assured. “You really know where you’re going?” he asked Anna.
 
“I think so,” she said confidently.
 
Connie shook her head and looked at Daryl.
I’m not sure. Doesn’t seem worth the risk.
 
“You owe me after the water,” Daryl countered with a smirk.
 
Stop it with the water.
Connie grinned.
It was important :)
 
“Nah,” he shook his head, looking at Anna to get her on his side.
 
Connie underlined
It was important.
 
“Whatever. It’s still two against one,” Daryl argued.
 
There’s still Dog.
 
“Dog!” Daryl whistled, “You wanna go, boy?”
 
Dog responded with a bark. “He says he wants to go,” Daryl said, pointing to the excited animal.
 
Connie rolled her eyes.
Well I trust Dog. So I guess we can go.
 
“Yes!” Anna replied, eyes twinkling and jumping from her seat.
 
“You sure you know where you’re going?” Daryl inquired.
 
“Yep,” Anna said again confidently.
 
Connie exchanged looks with Daryl, shaking her head slightly. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to believe the little girl, she just didn’t want to put their lives in danger again.
 
“It’s fine,” Daryl assured Connie with a kiss.
 
I hope you’re right.
 
Xxxxxxxx
 
Anna led through the woods, each step careful and precise. Dog strolled by her side, stopping to catch dinner ever so often.

Daryl listened as she pointed out every tree, identifying them by names her and her father gave them. One was named Fred, after her father’s bird. Anna remembered it from a birds nest that rested on one branch. Another tree was named Fern because it was surrounded by green plants. Though she wasn’t sure if the plants were actually ferns, the name stuck. Anna then pointed out a bush with orange flowers, which was jokingly named Cinderella after the pumpkin carriage. Daryl thought it was a weird name, but didn’t question the young girl.
 
“My dad read me Cinderella once,” Anna stated. “He told me I would’ve liked the movie.”
 
“Probably,” Daryl said as he followed.
 
Anna discussed another plant as Daryl shifted towards Connie. “She named all the plants,” he decided to fill her in. Though he wasn’t annoyed. He was more amused than anything.

Connie laughed quietly.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I did the same thing when I was her age. At least she knows where she’s going.
She wrote.
 
Daryl nodded. He watched as Anna stopped at the road, checking her surroundings.
 
“I think we’re close,” she said.
 
“You

think

?” Daryl asked.
 
“Yeah.”
 
I can’t believe you agreed to bring her to the bookstore.
 
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Daryl asked defensively.
 
You don’t seem like the reading-type.
 
“If it gets her mind off her dad, I guess I am,” he replied.
 
Connie paused.
You’re sweet ♡  
She wrote. Then rising on her tiptoes to kiss him.
 
Daryl never imagined he and Connie would be raising a child, much less bringing her to a bookstore. Despite it all, it felt right. Being here with Connie, Anna, and Dog, it was the family he thought he never needed until now.
 
“There it is,” Anna pointed and cheered.
 
“Huh. You actually found it,” Daryl stared in disbelief. He was prepared for 30 minutes of

we’re almost there

followed by 4 hours of being completely lost.
 
She would make a great tracker.
Connie turned towards Daryl with a smile.
 
He scoffed, “Tell me about it.”
 
Daryl aimed his crossbow down as they entered the store. They walked slowly next to each other, carefully maneuvering around fallen bookshelves and broken items. When no walkers were in sight, Daryl knocked a few books off a shelf to see if any would come. Sure enough one stumbled out of a doorway, but no more followed.
 
“ ‘ight. Be careful,” Daryl said, easing the weapon.
 
Connie directed Anna towards the kids section while Daryl and Dog toured the abandoned building. The once colorful childrens area was coated with dirt and dust. Books were mostly sorted through and thrown on the ground. Connie stood on a small childrens stage, where she supposed kids would put on puppet shows or plays. The stage offered a good view of the store, including a few sleeping bags off to the side.

Connie clapped once to draw Daryl’s attention and pointed towards the area to check it out.

Daryl followed Connie’s directions, ending up in a bookshelf surrounded area with two adult sleeping bags. Both we covered in blood, however two backpacks and a cooler sat beside. Daryl gave a thumbs up to Connie.

Emptying the backpacks onto the ground, he found two sealed jars of peaches and three jars of pickles. He examined the conveniently placed food, neither touched and completely fresh. Proceeding to check the cooler, Daryl found water, though the seals on the bottles were broken. Still, he packed the backpacks full again. Not letting himself believe for one minute that someone was trying to poison them.
 
Anna tapped Connie on the shoulder, holding up a few Disney childrens books. Connie smiled and nodded her head.

Pointing to the book Rapunzel, Anna touched her braided, blonde hair. Connie made the sign for

beautiful

by placing her thumb at her chin and rolling her fingers in to form a closed fist. She then mouthed

beautiful

and pointed at Anna. Anna laughed and repeated the sign back.

Hands full of good reading material, Connie and Anna joined Daryl and Dog.
 
“They had food,” Daryl pointed over to the area with the sleeping bags.
 
What if they’re coming back? We can’t just steal it.
Connie wrote.
 
“They’re not,” he assured, placing Anna’s books in his backpack. Daryl then held up a book in his hand:

The Notebook

by Nicholas Sparks. “Thought you might like it,” he said.
 
Connie grinned, taking the book from Daryl. Perfectly intact like it had never been touched.

Thank you

, she signed. Daryl nodded.
 
“What is it?” Anna asked.
 
“It’s called The Notebook,” Daryl began. “You’re not allowed to read it.”
 
“Alright,” she replied, distracted by a sparkly object.
 
Walking towards a sequenced, pink headband in the toy section, Anna picked it up and put it on.

Beautiful,

she signed. Connie shot Daryl a glare and wrote him a note:
 
See? Even she can learn ASL faster than you :)
 
He scoffed. “Looks good,” Daryl told Anna.
 
“Want one?” she asked. Daryl thought about declining her offer. But when he saw the glimmer of hope in her eyes, he had to agree.
 
“Sure,” he said, bending down so she could put it on him.

Beautiful,

Anna signed again.
 
“What about Connie? She needs one,” Daryl suggested.
 
Anna nearly jumped for joy, picking out another sparkly headband for Connie. “Dog too?”
 
“Why not,” Daryl replied.
 
Now all wearing sparkly headbands, Anna giggled. However, the moment was interrupted when walkers broke through the entrance. Daryl pulled out his knife but Connie was already pulling them away and towards another door. Connie plunged her blade into the skull of a walker outside, opening her eyes against the blinding sun.
 
All stood in silence as they looked in amazement. All around were several plants of all types of fruits and vegetables. Enclosed with four sides of white, stone walls, they stared at the garden.

It was well managed and kept up as if someone tended to it everyday. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, all thrived in the roofless structure.
 
“Woah,” Anna said in shock, picking a tomato off a vine.
 
For a second, Daryl didn’t even believe it was real. It was all simply left behind...just so they could find it. Connie rested her head on Daryl’s shoulder as she took in the sight. The pure joy showed on her face. It wasn’t much, but it was much more than they had.
 
“Okay,” Daryl started, “We take as much as we can. Leave some and come back another time.”

They would feast tonight.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

3 months had passed and the weather turned cold. Every night, Daryl read Anna a book. Meanwhile, Connie would sit quietly beside and read The Notebook. By the end of month one, Daryl was sure he knew about every Disney princess, same with Anna. When they finally read all Disney books, they moved on to Magic Treehouse . Anna still enjoyed them, but not as much as the princesses.Her reading had come a long way in three months. She went from understanding a few words to reading kindergarten books with Daryl’s help. Connie also found a book of simple ASL phrases, including: Hello, Goodbye, Morning, Night, Hungry, Water, and their favorite one, I love you. Anna and Daryl still had a lot to learn, but there was no rush.Every week they would make a trip down to the bookstore. Food supply had increased since the apartment seeds started to grow as well. Now that it was winter, they had to find a way to preserve the food. Canning and salting would hopefully help it last until the spring. Daryl, Connie, Anna, and Dog made their last trip to the store before deciding it was too cold to travel. They each collected an extra supply of food, then searched the shelves for any material to entertain. “What’s Candyland?” Anna asked, holding the box up to Daryl. “It’s a game. Never played?” Anna shook her head. “Can we play?” “Why not,” Daryl replied. “Go see what else you can find. It’s gonna be a long winter.” Understanding, she skipped back over to the toy section; which was filled with puzzles and boardgames of every kind. Connie joined Daryl, holding up The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. “You’re already finished with the other one?” Daryl questioned. She gave a thumbs up, flipping through the pages. The Notebook was actually a good book after all. It was unrealistically romantic, and at parts sad, but she found herself loving it in the end. What better time than now to read the sequel? Anna ran back over with a few puzzles, games, and a princess kit in her hands. “This should do,” she said, laying the pile on a table. “How are ya’ gonna carry all of that?” Daryl asked. “With my arms,” the little girl answered, very serious. Connie laughed, giving Anna a high five. “Fair enough,” Daryl agreed, taking a top box to even out the weight. He stared at a puzzle of the solar system with color planets. 1,000 pieces--surely it would keep them busy. We should get going. Connie wrote as she peered out the window at the gray, cloudy sky. Daryl knew she was worried about another storm, especially now that they had Anna. “Yeah,” he whistled at Dog to lead. The wind picked up as they exited the bookstore. The temperature had dropped substantially from the time they arrived. Connie helped Anna carry the games while they walked fast through the woods. Running through her mind was the fear of last time, when Daryl and her were caught in quickly escalating conditions.A large gust of wind made the trees sway, snapping a few branches. They shivered at the cool temperature, wishing they wore thicker clothing. “Storm’s moving through,” Daryl said, adjusting himself so he could see Connie and Anna. “Does that mean snow is coming?” Anna questioned. She’d seen snow before, but never had the time to enjoy it. “Probably,” he answered her. Anna pulled out an extra jacket from her new, yellow backpack. She sat the games on the ground and placed the hood over her head.Daryl watched Connie shiver in her thin, long sleeve shirt. He removed his coat and placed it around her. Connie held up her hand to say no , but Daryl didn’t listen. “Ya’ need to stay warm,” he told her. “You good?” he asked Anna while she picked up the games. “I think so,” she returned. “It’s cold.” “It’s gonna get colder than this. We need get back.” Do you need wood for a fire? Connie wrote. Daryl already started to collect fallen branches. “Yeah.” “Oh no!” Anna gasped all of a sudden. “What?” Daryl asked, drawing his blade. “Fred lost the birds nest!” she said sadly. “What’s going to happen to the birds?” Daryl eased. “They’ll find a new nest.” They will be fine. Connie rubbed Anna’s back and held the note. Anna understood a few words and nodded. Another gust blew through. Dog barked at the whistling wind. “Let’s go,” Daryl urged. Light snowflakes fell but melted when they hit the ground. They safely made their way back, gathering blankets like the time with the storm. Daryl was able to start a fire in the fireplace, hanging a kettle to boil water.The apartments were insulated, but not enough. Cold drafts of air flowed in. Connie and Daryl grabbed towels to stuff the cracks of doors and windows.Anna raced to put on her flannel pajamas before running up to the couch to wrap in blankets. Connie took a seat beside her. Within minutes, Anna had fallen asleep along with Dog. “Want something to eat?” Daryl asked Connie, poking the fire. She nodded as he cooked a squirrel. He brought over to the couch two plates of squirrel, some peaches, and two slightly warmed waters. “Date night,” Daryl said as he leaned in to kiss her. Connie grinned. The fire’s a nice touch. Thank you. “No problem,” he responded. “You missing home at all?” Connie sighed. This is home.  “I like it too.” 
I don’t know what happened. Everything was great, until people started to act like the world owed them something. They all seemed to disappear and forget. You were the only person that stood by me.
 Daryl read the note, smiling slightly at the ending. “I thought I knew what I was doing,” he paused. “I didn’t... I figured that out when a man, Rick, died. He always knew what to do--up to his last second. When he was gone, everything went to hell. I went to hell. Everyone expected me to know what to do, put it back together. But I couldn’t; not for his family or for the people that depended on him. --Disappeared for awhile, thought that if I stopped caring about everyone, it wouldn’t be so hard when I lost them. Then you came along and changed that.” Connie placed her hand on top of Daryl’s. “You didn’t expect the world to be handed to you. You had always worked for it. I guess I liked that.” Daryl and Connie’s lips met, fire glowing on their faces like the first date. 
I guess I liked that about you too :)
 Connie pulled out another piece of paper. 
Everything works out. Somehow, someway. But we were brought together. That must mean something.
 “Yeah. It does,” Daryl concurred. “Now eat the squirrel. It’s gonna get cold.” Connie ate, giving a thumbs up to Daryl. Once they were both done, he brought their plates to the counter. The four of them sat on the couch, cozy and warm in blankets. Xxxxxxx “I win again!” Anna exclaimed as they played Candyland for the third time that day. “ ‘k,” Daryl said, “Time for bed.” “But I’m not tired,” she whined. “Just one more game?” “Nope, I’m tired.” Anna gave the puppy dog eyes, but Daryl didn’t give in. “We’ll play tomorrow.” “Okay,” she said sadly. “Can Dog sleep in my room tonight?” Daryl nodded. The dog hadn’t left her side in weeks. “Come on, Dog,” Anna said as she walked to her bedroom. Goodnight, she signed to Daryl and Connie. Connie leaned into Daryl, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. It had been dark for a few hours. Way past the time any of them usually went to bed. “C’mon. I wanna show ya’ something,” Daryl told Connie. He draped a blanket over her before he guided her out the door. Where? She wrote in sloppy handwriting. They stood outside, the moon shining through clouds as their light. The ground was covered with a thin layer of snow. What is it? Connie questioned Daryl when he stopped. “This. It ain’t much, but it’s beautiful.” It is. She smiled. The more she took in the view, the prettier it was. “You told me you wanted to see the world. It’s why I dragged you here in the first place. Thought you might like this.” Connie looked at Daryl. The amount of love in her eyes was more than could be expressed. No one had ever done anything like this for her before.  I love you. She signed, rising up to kiss him. “Can I asked you something?” Daryl asked after a moment. Connie nodded her head slowly. Daryl took in a cold, quick breath. “Did you ever think you would get married.” She shrugged her shoulders, trying to focus all her attention on him and less on writing. “I didn’t. Never thought I would find someone. Didn’t think it was possible to love anyone like that.” Neither did I. Connie finally wrote. “Then I met you,” Daryl said after a long pause. “And I realized you were that person.” Connie felt tears forming in her eyes. The icy wind colliding with her face made it difficult to see. “It ain’t important in this world, but Anna predicted it from the beginning,” he stopped, gathering his thoughts and emotions. “What if we got married?” Connie didn’t have the power to write in the moment, she just jumped straight into Daryl’s arms. Tears of joy now streamed down her face as she hugged him; never wanting to let go or the moment to end. This is what she wanted for the longest, and she had no doubt. Just the thought of being with him...forever.When she finally stepped back she nodded her head repeatedly. Daryl caressed her face and wiped away her tears. After all the times he was rejected over small things, it seemed impossible for someone to agree to something big. “Wait!” a voice called from the apartments. Daryl quickly turned his head, causing Connie to turn too.It was Anna’s voice. The little girl who had been watching all along ran back into their home. After a few moments she came back, walking over to them. In her tiny hands she held a plastic ring. “I found it in my princess kit. Thought you should have it.” Daryl nodded and took the ring in his hand. Kneeling down on one knee, he had the ability to make it official. He slid the ring onto Connie’s finger and watched the plastic reflect the moonlight. It would work until they found a real one, he thought. “Perfect,” Daryl said, kissing Connie again. Anna bounced up and down, Dog right by her side. “I’m so excited!” Connie laughed, still trying to prevent herself from crying more. “Me too,” Daryl whispered softly.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

As soon as Anna looked out the window she beamed with excitement. The gloomy sky sprinkled fluffy, white snow on the ground. Several inches piled up in the cold weather. Frost coated the roof and windows like crystals.She threw on her heavy coat and boots, proceeding to brush her golden hair and place a gray, knitted hat on top. Anna bent down to kiss Dog’s nose, giggling when he licked her face.Dog was Anna’s protector. He never left her side. Where she was, there were always belly rubs and kisses. He enjoyed having the little human around; playing fetch or chase in the backyard especially. Even some days, after Connie and Daryl went to bed, Anna would bring out her flashlight and practice reading to Dog. He would always listen, regardless if he understood any of it. “Shhh. You gotta be quiet, Dog,” Anna whispered. She emerged from her room to the living and kitchen area, stopping just before the door. Anna didn’t want to wake Daryl or Connie. She figured that she was old enough to out by herself, it was just the backyard after all.Opening the door slowly to prevent it from squeaking, she led Dog ahead of her. The door made minor noise but she braced herself anyway for Daryl to stop her. She deeply exhaled when he didn’t, watching as her breath formed a cloud in front of her. Dog barked as she closed the door. Luckily, the strong wind mostly covered the sound. “Come on,” Anna waved. Where she was from, there was never enough time to play in the snow. The snow crunched beneath her, leaving several boot and Dog prints. Though she didn’t have gloves, Anna picked up a handful of snow and tossed it in the air, watching as it scattered down.She smiled through the chattering of her teeth. A few flurries landed in her hair, making her feel and look like a princess. Dog didn’t like the wet, cold snow on his paws, but he tolerated it because of Anna. She made a snowball in her freezing hands, tossing it for Dog. He chased it, but soon enough there was nothing left to chase as it had crumbled. Anna laughed at the distraught canine. Giving a look towards the apartments, Anna contemplated the idea of going in and warming up. At the same time, she didn’t want to leave the frozen wonderland.So instead, she took a seat, facing the woods. Dog quickly took a seat beside her. She admired the frosty trees and worried for the birds who lost their nest. Most of all, she became saddened over her father who wasn’t there to take in the sight of snow with her. “I miss my dad,” Anna told Dog mournfully. “He would like this.” She drew a heart in the snow with her finger. More snow fell over and began to cover it. “He liked dogs. I think. We never had one,” she announced. “I wonder if he used to have a dog.” Dog stood up and barked from his place on the ground. “Shhh…” Anna hushed again. “You’re going to wake Daryl and Connie.” Dog continued to bark and began to move in front of her. Then Anna saw what Dog saw. Xx Daryl woke to the faint sound of Dog barking. He shook Connie awake from the comfort of the warm bed. He searched the living room while Connie searched Anna’s room. Both of them were missing. Dog barked again, followed by Anna’s shrill scream. “Shit,” Daryl said, throwing open the door. Connie ran after him, neither wearing jackets or protection from the weather. There was only enough time to grab their weapons. Anna backed up from two walkers, Dog drew three others away with his barking. Daryl and Connie trudged through the heavy snow, stumbling as they ran. “Daryl!” Anna yelled as she saw them from the corner of her eye. She slipped backwards, falling onto the harsh blanket of snow. Daryl thrusted his knife into a snowy walkers skull just before it could get to her. Connie took the other out while Daryl moved to the walkers surrounding Dog.Connie wrapped her arms around the child, hugging her as she cried. “What the hell were you thinkin’?” Daryl exclaimed at the shaken girl. “You could’ve died!” “I’m sorry,” Anna whimpered. “I didn’t want to wake you up.” “The snow ain’t stoppin’ any time soon.” Anna cried more into Connie’s shirt. “I’m sorry.” Daryl rubbed his hands over his eyes, apologetic over his outburst. “It’s not safe out here,” he said calmly. “If anything happened--” “I won’t do it again,” Anna interrupted. Daryl nodded. “Damn right you won’t.” Xxxxxxx “Is Daryl made at me?” Anna asked Connie sadly. Connie wrapped another blanket around her. She shook her head. He was worried. Not mad. She wrote, underlining words to make them easier for Anna to read. Anna started to pout some more. “No. He yelled at me.” Connie gave her a reassuring look and started to braid Anna’s hair. “I ain’t mad at you,” Daryl’s solemn voice filled the room. He spoke quickly out of the silence. Anna gasped and took cover under her blanket, trying to avoid Daryl’s strict gaze. “I’m not good at taking care of kids. Or talking to ‘em. Sorry.” Anna peered slightly above the blanket. “It’s okay,” she said quietly. “I’m sorry too.” Daryl shook his head. “Don’t apologize. You’re just a kid.” She held a gentle stare with him before convincing herself it was okay to nod or speak. Connie looked towards the frosty window, smiling slightly when it reminded her of when she was a kid. Playing outside with her sister, ice skating and snowball fights. She knew it wasn’t often enough these days that kids were able to be kids. Relaxing with a book or TV remote, taking vacations, instead of worrying and wondering who was going to die next or if they were going to be able to eat everyday. Let’s go. She scribbled on her notepad. Anna began to sound out each word, but before she could she was already being pulled from her seat. Connie placed a jacket around the child and handed Daryl his coat. “I thought we weren’t supposed to go outside,” Anna stated. “Never said you weren’t allowed outside. Just not alone,” Daryl gave a nod to Connie. They stood in the open field. It was very cold, but moving around seemed to help a lot. The snow fell, adding yet another inch to already large supply.Anna bent down to study the snow closely. Daryl and Connie raised their eyebrows at the intrigued little girl. “Can we make a snowman?” She asked after a moment. Her bright blue eyes stood out from her pale skin. “Yeah. Go for it,” Daryl replied, standing back with Connie. “But I don’t know how to make one. I’ve never do it before,” the girl retorted in an uneasy tone. “Kid’s never made a snowman before?” Daryl muttered to Connie. To which she responded with a shoulder shrug. Children were forced to grow up and shut up, leaving most no time to complain or play. Daryl saddened at the reality. They built the snowman midway between the apartments and the woods. The small amount of sunlight reflected onto it, creating sparkly patches. Twigs were placed in the middle of the three giant snowballs as arms. Then taking a few small rocks Dog could find and using them as eyes and a mouth. “He’s missing a nose,” Anna said concerned. Daryl grunted. “He’ll be fine. It’s cold so finish up.” “Will another branch work?” she asked. Even though they had carrots, and she knew that’s what they were supposed to use, Anna knew they couldn’t waste one on a silly snowman. “Yeah, think ya’ can find one?” Anna nodded, heading into the woods alongside Dog. Most of the branches were already covered with snow, unable to be seen. She decided she would have to break a spare on off a tree.Jumping was no use for her short figure, so she pushed together a firm pile of snow to stand on. Reaching for the perfect piece she sought out, she tossed it to Dog before climbing down. Dog carried the branch in his mouth.Then Anna heard a loud snap in the distance, like someone was watching them. Dog stood in alert and so did she. Frightened, she made a quick sprint back to Daryl and Connie. “I found it,” she stuck the tiny branch into the head. “Let’s go in. I’m cold.” Before Daryl knew it, Anna was already inside with Dog, leaving him and Connie outside as they walked back. “Aren’t you cold?” Daryl gestured to Connie’s sweater. She signed a little bit with her pointer and thumb.Daryl placed his arm around her, pulling her close to him. She placed her left hand with the ring on his chest. It made him grin. Not just because it was a representation of their love, but the plastic ring looked out of place compared to what Daryl thought she should have.He wished they could do more outside the constraints that held the world together. One wrong move and you were dead. If Daryl had it his way, Connie would teach him ASL, he would teach her how to use a crossbow, and hell--maybe they would even watch The Notebook.  Xxxxxxxx Candyland had once again destroyed Daryl with boredom and dread. He wasn’t sure if he could take anymore rainbow squares and dancing candy canes. Yet, everytime he was asked, he agreed to another round. “You wanna play something else?” Daryl finally asked after the sixth game. By then Connie had already given up. Anna searched her imagination for ideas. “What about my princess stuff?” “And Candyland it is,” Daryl stated as he brought the playing cards back out. “Come on, please? You can watch while I give Connie a makeover.” Connie shot Daryl a serious look, making him laugh because she was hardly ever this hesitant. “Sure, let’s do that,” Daryl smiled and nodded at Connie, who was persistently shaking her head. Anna grabbed the opened kit and pulled out the play makeup. It was barely anything to decorate a face, but it was generous with the rainbow eyeshadow and lip balm.She packed on the purple eyeshadow like she had seen done before in picture books. Connie flinched away everytime Anna would come close to her eye, never knowing when to open or close them. Gold glitter was brushed on top to give the finished look.Then moving onto lip balm, Anna picked a hot pink that sparkled with glitter. Daryl smiled as he watched, giving Connie a thumbs up. It was something about the bright pink that made her eyes pop.After precisely placing blush on Connie’s face, Anna signed beautiful.  “She needs her headband,” Daryl told Anna, watching as the eager child jumped from her place and raced to find it. Once they were alone, Daryl admired Connie’s troubled expression and sarcastic grin. Golden flakes from the eyeshadow were slowly making their way down her face or in her eyes; pretty much everywhere it wasn’t intended to be. “She is right. You are beautiful,” Daryl assured. “But just between you and me, I think you’re even prettier without makeup.” Connie laughed, trying to prevent more glitter from reaching her eye. She held his hand with her delicate one. Anna came back with the headband, perfecting off the look. Between the makeup, ring, and headband, Connie really did look like a princess. “All she needs now is a prince,” Anna said, targeting Daryl with her stare. Daryl scoffed. “No problem.” He leaned in to kiss Connie’s painted pink lips. More gold worked its way down her face, making it shine in the dim light. Daryl held one last long kiss before Anna told him he was smudging Connie’s makeup.Now both of them had pink lip gloss and glitter smeared all over them. Daryl cringed as he wiped off the glue-like product. He figured why Connie resented the makeup, it felt disgusting--especially expired. Xxxxx It wasn’t even sunset when Connie had told them she was going to bed. Daryl didn’t question because it had been a tiring day, but he became increasingly worried as he and Anna worked on a puzzle. The temperature had become colder as the day went on. “Why don’t you get ready for bed,” Daryl urged the girl who worked studiously on the puzzle. Anna sighed, “It’s not dark though.” “It ain’t,” he began, “but it’s been a long day.” “Everyday is a long day,” Anna said stubbornly. She fidgeted with two oddly shaped pieces before laying one down. Daryl exhaled deeply. “Well I’m going to bed. Keep Dog with you and don’t leave. You hear?” Anna nodded her head. “Loud and clear.” Grabbing a cold water bottle from the counter, Daryl made his way into the bedroom.It was silent when he entered. The kind of silent that could drive you insane after awhile. Turning on the bedside lantern, he climbed into the bed next to Connie, who was wrapped in three blankets. She looked so peaceful as he placed a goodnight kiss on her forehead. Daryl watched over her, expecting her to open her eyes and kiss back, but instead it was only her shallow breathing.Sitting up in their bed and supporting his weight on the headboard, Daryl found Connie’s copy of The Wedding. He rolled his eyes as he scanned the pages. Sure, it was probably beautiful and poetic, but it wasn’t necessarily what he would call accurate. His attention was broken when Connie began to cough, securing herself tightly in the blankets and squinting her eyes open at Daryl. He returned the book to the counter and veered his eyes over to her. “You alright?” he asked. Connie gave a small nod through her throbbing headache before settling back to sleep. Daryl still watched her, unable to draw his eyes away. He placed his hand on her surprisingly pale skin. “You’re warm,” he said when her eyes opened. She still shivered despite the pile of blankets. Daryl moved closer to her, trying to use his body heat to prevent her from shaking. She didn’t like it at first; she didn’t need a man to help her. Yet within a few seconds, Connie relaxed, laying her head on his chest. Too tired to move or fight against him as he gently rubbed her back.Daryl knew that any sickness could be deadly these days. Even just a cold could take a turn for the worst. He frowned at her state. Most of all he regretted all the time he left her alone and cold. He knew that all the time they spent in the cold weather couldn’t be good for their health. Also knowing that he kissed her only hours before, he too was at risk, along with Anna.He hugged Connie tighter, feeling both the heat from her forehead and the coldness entering the room. Xx Connie had woken Daryl a few hours later with her coughing and sniffling. He reached for the water on the table, struggling in the dark room. The candle from the lantern must have went out, casting them in the shadowy, frigid cold. Daryl fought through the coldness to step out of the warm bed. “I’m gonna get more blankets,” he told Connie. Though she couldn’t see him clearly, she nodded despite her lack of energy. Daryl replaced his hand on her forehead. Still very warm.Stumbling out of the room, Daryl was unpleasantly greeted with a gust of chilled wind. He clenched against it. Distracted by the coldness, he gazed at the source.The door, slightly cracked with a building mound of snow where it was open. Daryl immediately went into panic mode. He cleared the door to peer outside--no one. Slamming it shut and rattling the apartment, he bolted towards Anna’s room. “Anna!” he yelled in attempt to draw her attention. “Dog!” he asked, waiting for the canine to leap out and surprise him. But he didn’t… Daryl checked all the closets and bedrooms. He cursed under his breath. Neither of them responded. Neither of them were there.Double checking outside one more time, he couldn’t see anything through the heavy snow. Daryl slammed his fist into the wall. He couldn’t lose anyone else. He promised himself he wouldn’t.Connie tapped him on the shoulder from behind. Her tired, red eyes drawn to the hole in the wall and blood on Daryl’s hand. He rubbed his face, trying to wake himself from this nightmare.Connie gave him the expression that asked, What’s going on? Avoiding her eyes and shaking his head, he couldn’t bear to say it. “They’re gone.” He knew he shouldn’t have left Anna alone. Now they were who knows where ? Somewhere freezing in the blizzard conditions, and he blamed himself .Connie began to cry at the absence of the young girl and Dog. It’s not true, she assured herself. It can’t be. She didn’t realize her rapid breathing until she was pressed against Daryl’s chest. They both trembled with fear and uncertainty. Connie’s body racking with sobs as Daryl hugged her. “It’s gonna be alright,” he mumbled, more to reassure himself because his lips weren’t visible to her. “We’ll find them.” Connie wiped the tears away from her eyes with haste. She aggressively started packing things into a backpack, disregarding her tiredness and unwell state. Daryl couldn’t watch her fight herself. He placed his bloodied hand on her arm to ease her. “Stop,” he commanded. Connie shot him a glare through her bloodshot eyes and tear streaked face.When she didn’t listen, Daryl yelled, “I said stop dammit!” He realized his harshness immediately, wanting to punch another wall in remorse. Daryl promised himself that he would never snap at Connie. He didn’t think it would be hard; he couldn’t begin to imagine what the perfect angel could do to anger him.She jerked her arm away from him, still packing the backpack to run after Anna and Dog. Daryl touched her face as more tears began to fall. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” Connie turned to Daryl and within seconds found herself back in his arms, fiercely shaking and sobbing. He tried to comfort her, but he found that was hard to do when he was feeling the same way. It was the painful reality that people, and animals, were constantly ripped from them... And they were unable to do anything about it. It was the reason why he isolated himself in the first place; to prevent the same thing from happening again. Daryl had the scars to prove just how deadly the world could be. He felt like he failed; himself, Connie, Anna, and Dog.   We have to go find them. Connie finally managed to write. Though the thought written out didn’t make the situation any easier. “Not now. We can’t. It’s cold and you’re sick. I’m not going to risk losing you too.” No. We’re not going to stop because of me. There’s a little girl and dog out there, probably lost and freezing. Her lip trembled as she held the note out to Daryl. Daryl shook his head. He was torn between the argument of going or staying. Both sides made for an impossible decision. “Do you know what will happen if I lose you? If I lose that little girl or Dog?” he exclaimed roughly. “I won’t be able to live with myself. I can’t.” 
You won’t. I’ll always be there. Until the very end when you and I are married and old. Watching Anna grow up and Dog too. But that can’t happen if they’re not here.
 Daryl imagined a world where that reality came true. It took him a few moments to respond, looking at her reddened, weary eyes. “We do this together.” 
Together ‘til the day we die :)
 Daryl kissed her, not giving any thought to the possibility of catching her cold. Then following her motions, he packed his backpack and changed into layers of warm clothes for the near impossible journey. Xxxxxxx 
Bonus: The Disappearance 
 After Daryl went to bed, Anna finished connecting a few more puzzle pieces before becoming uninterested. She sighed at her progressing boredom, looking at Dog to communicate her thoughts to him.Dog strutted over, laying his head on her leg. Anna smiled and pet his head. As the animal began to whine, she asked, “What’s wrong, Dog?” Dog continued to whimper as he moved towards the door. “I know you need to go out. But Daryl said no. Sorry.” Dog barked. “Shhh,” she scolded, “They’re sleeping.” Dog barked again, not leaving his spot from the door. Anna exhaled before getting up from her spot at the table. “Fine. But make it quick. I don’t want them to get angry with us.” She swiftly put on her coat and boots. Then adjusting her sparkly headband and ponytail so her blonde hair wouldn’t become messy in the wind. Anna opened the door for Dog, leaving it slightly opened so Daryl wouldn’t hear the door creak back open. “Daryl’s not going to like this…” she mumbled to Dog. Standing outside in the cold, Anna patiently waited for Dog. Her teeth chattered as the wind sent chills down her spine. Snow continued to fall in the pitch black sky. Even though it was beautiful, Anna wished it would stop so they could go back to the bookstore. She wouldn’t tell Daryl, but she was getting tired of Candyland. Dog had managed to disappear into the dark night. Anna had seen him run off into the woods, but she was distracted and lost sight of him. “Dog?” she called out. No response. “Dog!?” she asked again, wandering closer to the woods. Then she started to hear angry barks. It scared her because Dog was never angry. Anna saw the animal running speedily towards her. “Slow do-” Just like that, she was screaming as someone carried her from her place on the snow. Dog too. Anna kicked and yelled, but nothing worked. She couldn’t figure out who, but it definitely wasn’t Connie or Daryl...

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The were vulnerable out in the snow. There was no warmth, no shelter, no assurance. Walking felt like climbing Everest. It went on for miles, even if had just been minutes.

Daryl and Connie walked directly beside each other, footsteps synchronizing. Two heavy blankets were layered on top and supported by their backpacks. The blankets contrasted in color; one was hues of orange and red while the other was gray and yellow.

When Connie glanced at the yellow accents, it reminded her even more of who they lost. Anna loved the color yellow. The color of sunshine. They didn’t have that either. The sky was an awful mixture of darkness and gray clouds. No stars.
 
As he began to lose feeling in his legs, Daryl thought it would be smart to turn around and start back early the next morning. They had no idea where they were going and yelling for Anna became harder and harder. He sucked in breaths that felt like they might freeze his lungs. Cold and short which made his vision dark and blurry.

Connie stumbled through a heap of snow. Emotionally and physically exhausted, she questioned her decision too. She quickly shook the thought off. Though every time they had to climb a hill or cross an area with walkers she was reminded of her poor judgement. She watched the blood from Daryl’s knuckles begin to drip onto the white ground. The cuts reopened every time he adjusted his crossbow or backpack.
 
From the corner of her eye, Connie saw a wooden structure. She turned for a clearer look and Daryl tracked her eyes. It was small, frozen from the crystal ice, gaping holes in the roof and walls, but it was a cabin. Daryl nodded slightly and placed his hand on Connie’s shoulder as gesture to go.
 
By the looks of it, the wood cabin would certainly inhabit many walkers and possibly even people. Yes, it was not the ideal place to live at the moment, but their options were thin and their time exposed to the elements was limited. Surely Daryl could build a fire despite the wintery wood and harsh wind. Maybe there would even be a bed or couch to rest on. The hunger in their stomachs was suppressed due to adrenaline, but if they were to continue in the morning, they would need energy.
 
Daryl held his crossbow up to the front door, loudly tapping on a piece of metal. The sound would attract any walkers, making them easier to fight off. No walkers came out but faint snarls could still be heard from inside. Daryl tapped again on the metal, making the house rattle and icicles fall. He motioned indoors and told Connie to follow close behind.

A walker was sprawled on the floor, legs half torn off as it waited for people to come into reach. Connie took the honor of putting her blade through its skull and Daryl proceeded to drag it outside. No other walkers were visible in the small complex, but there

were

a few chairs, couches, an ugly rug, and as requested, a fireplace.

Daryl was relieved at the pre-stocked firewood and lighter fluid. Both were conveniently placed and gave some much needed hope. Another gust of wind blew through broad openings in the windows and wood.
 
“We need to find something to cover that,” Daryl pointed to a slightly larger hole in the wall. It wouldn’t be possible to start a fire, as it would quickly blow out.

Connie nodded, being sure to keep her blanket wrapped securely around her. She opened closets and cabinets, only a few pillowcases sparking her interest. Reaching up to cover the opening, Daryl ran to her side.
 
“Let me help,” he said at the violent wind passing through. She shook her head defiantly, but he still insisted. Together, they closed up the gap with duct tape and ragged pillowcases.

Daryl poked at the fire with a stick, which gladly warmed his hands. Connie sat next to him, staring at the flame. Daryl admired the glow on her face, stunned as the fire gave color to her paleness. Still feverish, she relaxed close enough to stop her chills. Connie caught Daryl’s gaze and reached for the notebook in her pocket.
 
What’s wrong?
She asked.
 
“Nothing's wrong,” he shook his head. “You’re just beautiful.”
 
Connie faintly blushed. She knew that he didn’t believe in fairytale romances, so whenever he made a point to say something romantic, it held special importance.

Daryl brushed her soft curls out of her face and managed to sneak a kiss. Like their first date--new place, warm fire, two beaten down lovers. This circumstance was much harder than the first, but nevertheless, it was just as special.
 
Let me see your hand.
 
Daryl looked down at the dried blood on his knuckles.
 
“It’s fine. Just a scrape.”
 
Connie reached for it anyway, pouring her water over and creating a puddle of liquid.
 
“Easy on the water,” he motioned, but she didn’t listen. Proceeding to cleanly bandage the cuts with gauze and the same useful duct tape they used earlier.
 
You can’t go around punching walls ya’ know.
She wrote when she finished.
Could get infected one day or you could break something.
 
“Lucky for you, punching walls ain’t a hobby of mine,” Daryl retorted.
 
Daryl Dixon, you know what I mean.
Connie smiled.
 
He examined her handy work on his hand. “If I knew every time you would be my doctor, I would punch a hundred walls.”
 
She shook her head.
Please don’t.
 
“Can’t make any promises.”
 
Connie rolled her eyes and signed

promise.

It means promise.
She wrote.
 
Daryl teased, “I can’t remember how to lock the front door. Definitely not gonna remember how to sign

promise

.”
 
She saddened at his comment.
It’s not your fault she’s missing. I know you blame yourself, but anything could’ve happened.
 
Daryl looked down for a moment. All his guilt rushed back to him. “I left her alone. Told her not to go outside. She wouldn’t be gone if I was there.”
 
Connie shook her head, seeing the remorse in his eyes.
 
“Back when this whole thing started... I knew a little girl, Sophia. She wandered off one day because she got scared. I looked for her--every damn day. Told her mother it was gonna be alright. Few weeks later we were clearing a barn of walkers--she was the last to step out.” Daryl swallowed hard. “Sophia is dead ‘cause I couldn’t bring her back when everyone trusted me to. Couldn’t track her when that was all I was being kept around for anyway. And when I first met Anna, I knew I wouldn’t let that happen again. Not to you. Not to me. Not to her. But Anna’s out there and she’s scared. Until we find her--if we find her…”
 
Connie stopped him. It was unfair for him to continue criticizing himself.
 
“We’ve only known her for a few months. But she’s like a daughter to us.”
 
Acknowledging him, Connie began to write.
 
My old community was overrun. I watched my friends die, all while people were trying to make sure I was okay.
Daryl watched her breathe deeply and distract herself from his stare.
They put all the children in a house and told me to watch them. Just me and four little kids. The rest of the adults went back to find more survivors. I didn’t listen the first time the oldest, a six year old little boy, told me he could hear something. Then the second time, I took a newborn baby with me to look around the corner and made the six year old watch the other two. I couldn’t hear them screaming to come back, so when I returned a minute later, the dead had already surrounded them. It was my only job, and I failed at it. Parents lost their children because of me.
 
Daryl couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. He wanted to tell her it wasn’t her fault, but he knew that would only make him a hypocrite. Instead, he placed his hand on top of hers and kissed her forehead. She looked away, obviously not wanting Daryl to see the sadness in her eyes. It haunted her all the time. She understood why Daryl was so hard on Anna, because to him, her safety was more important than being friends.
 
If you blame yourself for Sophia, you also blame me for those three little kids. Anna is our responsibility together. Promise you won’t blame yourself for her?
She asked, trying to regain her composure.
 
Looking at the fire that burned bright and then at Connie, he signed

promise

.
 
Xxxxxx
 
Daryl was awake most of the night. The wind howled outside and trees snapped. He continuously thought he heard footsteps, but everytime he got up from the uncomfortable couch to check, he concluded it was just his mind playing tricks on him.
 
All together, he was hardly asleep for three hours. The rest he spent watching over Connie or thinking about all the worst case scenarios. Though he told Connie he wouldn’t blame himself for Anna, he had to. No, it wasn’t her fault that the children in her old community died, but it

was

his fault that he wasn’t there with Anna. The months that they spent together went by slow and memorable. Each day felt like a year. They were family now.

Daryl looked at a tree branch striking the window repeatedly. How bad he wanted to go out and snap it, but if he did he would wake Connie. She slept so peaceful beside him. Breathing in raspy breaths and shivering until she could settle closer to Daryl.

He gave himself a moment to think of something nice, which didn’t happen often. Thinking of what it would be like to have a wedding or take a beach vacation. One day Daryl would make Connie’s dream of seeing the world come true. So far it hadn’t gone as planned. They spent their days inside a small apartment or being cold out in the elements. He remembered people saying to “dream big,” but dreaming big would get you nowhere these days. It would only get you killed.

So much for positive thinking.

Connie turned to see Daryl studying the window. She understood. Even in her dreaming she saw their lives in danger.

She moved to have a clearer view of Daryl. The fire was surprisingly still burning, which despite her optimistic side reminding her that it kept them warm, her pessimistic side screamed fire hazard.  
 
You’re up.
Connie drew.
 
“Too much on my mind,” Daryl returned.
 
Me too.
 
“You still need to get some sleep.”
 
For someone who doesn’t like to take advice, you sure do like to give it.
Connie joked.
 
“I could say the same to you.”
 
Connie gave him the classic

whatever

look.
 
I think the snow has mostly stopped. The worst of it should be over.
 
Daryl gave a nod. “We’ll go in the morning.”
 
Why not now? We’re already up.
 
“Because sleep”
 
Connie smirked.
Daryl, I swear…
 
“I don’t see a problem with me looking after you,” he defended.
 
Well I do. It’s sweet and all, but I can take care of myself. You need to look after yourself. Learn your personal limits. If you really take advice, you’ll listen.
 
Daryl scoffed then quieted. It was her sincerity that he admired.
 
I know that I can’t fix everything. I also know what happened--I can’t change it.
 
“But we can change from what happened,” Daryl slowly responded in understanding.
 
Exactly. That’s how we learn. Now can we go?
 
Daryl hesitated. Somehow she always ended up winning. He knew that every second they waited, they wasted time.
 
“Yeah.”
 
Xx
 
As the night faded, the morning sun heated the ground. Snow still fell lightly, but the ferocious wind had mostly ceased. It offered a nice change and a definite clearer view. Before, they could have been walking in circles and not know it. Now, Daryl recognized Fred, the tree with the lost birds nest, and possibly Fern, the mostly frozen and dead

fern

.
 
You think she came this way?
Connie wrote.
 
“Hard to know. It’s a good starting place though.”
 
Connie nodded.
How’d you learn how to track so well?
 
Daryl shrugged, “Practice. My brother use to beat me at everything. Tracking was the one thing that I did better.”
 
Smiling, Connie replied,
Yeah, I understand. Didn’t know you had a brother.
 
“I don’t talk about him much anymore. He was kind of an ass. You probably wouldn’t like him.”
 
Connie nudged him to read her next note.
Someone’s jealous :)
 
“Nah. He’s dead and I’m still alive,” Daryl said sarcastically. “Plus, I have you.”
 
How do you think he would react to us getting married?
 
Daryl grumbled. “He’d probably make a shitty joke and I would beat his ass for it later.”
 
He was really that bad, huh?
 
“He’s my brother. We had each others back. It wasn’t his fault he turned out the way he did.”
 
But you turned out good.
 
Daryl shrugged. “I was no better than him.”
 
I find that hard to believe.
 
“You’ll have to take my word for it.”
 
Daryl halted their conversation at a familiar sound. Connie questioned his stare, following it with her eyes.
 
“Dog?” he called out, certain he heard distant barking.
 
A few seconds passed with no response, so Daryl called again.
 
What is it?
Connie tapped him on the shoulder.
 
“Nothin’,” he responded, waving her to come along. Probably just the wind.
 
Connie, still suspicious, examined their surroundings. Tree branches scattered the snowy ground and for a split second she thought she saw something.

She pulled Daryl’s arm to stop him. He turned around confused.

Holding a steady gaze with the snow, a sparkly, pink object barely poked from the ground. Connie immediately walked over to it--and pulled out Anna’s headband. Perfectly intact, which was a good sign, she showed it to Daryl. The first gleam of hope in several hours filled her eyes.
 
Then, emerging from the snow, raced Dog. Frantically jumping on Daryl and nearly knocking him into a nearby tree. He constantly barked and snatched the headband from Connie’s grasp. Connie searched the area for Anna and Daryl even called for her, but there was no one. Only Dog’s whining and pulling.
 
“Where is she, Dog?” Daryl asked.
 
Dog barked in response. Persistant of a certain direction.
 
South?
Connie hurried to write and turned the note so Daryl could read.
 
Daryl nodded. “Yeah.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Dog stopped to sniff the area around. Unfortunately, the snow made it hard to track Anna’s distinct scent. After awhile, Daryl didn’t know if they were following the animal to Anna or somewhere Dog assumed was the right direction. Every time Dog halted, Daryl would yell for her. And when no response followed, they would continue trudging through the mountain of white.

Connie grasped Anna’s headband in her hands. Her grip was firm, thinking that if she could hold it tight enough, it would feel like the little girl was with them. Daryl would turn every so often and give her a nod or kiss her forehead to reassure her. Connie would smile, but that smile would quickly fade with the increasing anxiety.

Tired and worn, they decided it was time for a break and some breakfast. Daryl took a seat on the cold ground and whipped out some of their canned food and bottled water. Dog was extremely grateful. Daryl could hardly open anything without the canine sticking his face right into it. Connie grinned at the battle. Almost like a little dance of back and forth “No” and

bark

.
 
You think we’re going the right way?
Connie handed her notepad to Daryl once they all were settled with food and drink.
 
“I trust Dog. Seems right enough,” he replied with an uneasy expression.
 
Connie took in a quick breath. Again, she had an incredible understanding of the human face. Daryl’s expression was nothing short of fear and uncertainty.
 
She reached for the notepad.
Talk to me. You’ve been distant.

Daryl huffed. “I ain’t being distant.”
 
What’s wrong? I know something’s up.
 
“It’s cold.”
 
That’s it? You’re cold?
 
“Yeah. Freezing my ass off,” Daryl smirked.
 
Connie nodded with a smile.
K, don’t tell me then.
 
“Tell you what?”
 
That he was scared. Worried for their safety. Hoping that this wouldn’t have the same result as when he and Michonne went out for Judith. It was like Connie saw right through him. Daryl didn’t blame her either. Sight was what she learned to rely on. It made sense that she would use it to her advantage when she could.
 
“ ‘While back, Michonne, the woman that let you into Alexandria, lost Judith, the girl who found you. She trusted the people that took ‘er at one point. It didn’t end well for any of us. Can’t let that happen again. Especially to you.”
 
Let what happen?
 
Daryl shook his head. “They were bad people. Kids, actually.”
 
Kids?
Connie confirmed. What damage could a few kids do?
 
“Yeah,” Daryl’s voice saddened.
 
What did they do?
She wrote. She was hesitate to ask, but part of her needed to know.
 
Daryl cleared his throat and avoided her gaze, but her eyes tracked his movement and he couldn’t tell her

no

. He’d refrained from showing her the scars for too long. It was something personal, something tragic. He didn’t want to drag her into his mess.

Connie, on the other hand, felt a wave of guilt pass over her. Curiosity killed the cat afterall. It sickened her to see Daryl uncomfortable.
 
It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.
Her eyes locked with his. But with a shake of his head and a lift of his shirt, she realized what he hid.
 
Connie gulped and struggled to blink away the tears that so desperately clung to her eyelashes. Kids did

that

? She couldn’t comprehend who would even think to do that to Daryl or Michonne. Old memories resurfaced as she remembered the bad people that were out there. It made her nauseated to think that bad people could have Anna.
 
“It’s ‘ight. Happened a long time ago. You should see the other guys,” Daryl tried to brush the uneasy, silent situation off. Connie still wasn’t having it. Not a smile. Not a glance.
 
In an instant, she threw herself into him, tightening her grasp around the leather of his jacket. The hug wasn’t enough to vanish his memory of the scars, but Connie hoped it would at least tell him that it was all ok. She didn’t mind the scars of others, physical or mental. It was the feeling of helplessness that she minded. The feeling that she couldn’t fix it or make it better with a bandaid and kiss.
 
I’m glad you’re all okay.
She wrote. She tried to think of more words but all were hazy at the moment.
 
Daryl smiled to assure her it was alright. When she didn’t respond, he kissed her. Only then did she smile back.
 
I have to admit, that’s a pretty sexy scar :)
 
He scoffed and replied sarcastically, “I’m sure.”
 
Within a few minutes they were back on the road. Road was said lightly, as it was covered with a thick layer of snow that crunched when they walked.

Connie and Daryl recovered themselves with the ugly, knitted blankets. Only flurries sprinkled now and they had mostly adjusted to the usual cold temperature. It wasn’t the best thing for their health, especially with a cold and fever, but they walked on.

Dog barked at a walker, drawing it closer. Daryl shot a bolt through its skull, watching as it slumped its frozen body into the snow.
 
“We gettin’ close, Dog?” Daryl asked rhetorically. When Dog didn’t respond, he replied, “Good to know.”
 
His shoes now had visible holes that froze his toes with each step. He mumbled inaudibly, cursing the wind gusts that flew by.

Daryl pulled Connie closer to him. Flurries connected to her pulled back hair, a few sprinkling atop Daryl’s head too. Just as they were becoming distracted and comfortable, Dog set off in a dead sprint. The scent of the little human caught his nose and he was not about to let it go.

What is it?

Connie signed as they followed.
 
“Don’t know. Could be Anna.”
 
Not about to get her hopes up, Connie grasped Daryl’s hand tightly. If it was her, there still remained the question of if she was okay. If it wasn’t her, it either meant they had to continue searching or they had company. Or both.
 
Dog stilled at an opening in the woods. Fork in the path, he searched for her forgotten smell. He whimpered in distress when he couldn’t catch it.
 
“Give ‘em the headband,” Daryl pointed. Anna would be easier to find when the scent was refreshed.
 
Connie held out the sparkly object, hopeful for a reaction. Dog sniffed aggressively, taking in every last whiff. Holding their breaths unintentionally, they eased when the animal took off.
 
Left. Then Right. Another Right. Straight for awhile. Left again. The directions repeated in the wild goose chase. Dog halted for another sniff, then pulled Daryl and Connie right back along.

Tall, metal gates, similar to Alexandria, surrounded a community. The buildings inside reminded Daryl of Terminus. Old, dingy, incredibly filthy.

Connie swallowed hard, shooting Daryl a much needed look. Dog whined from their place in the woods. This was where Anna was. He was sure of it.
 
Cautiously stepping towards the community, Daryl raised his crossbow, even though he was positive they would take it. He held Connie’s hand tightly, turning her chin towards him and mouthing, “It’s gonna be okay. Just stay with me.”
 
She nodded. Her heart pounded viciously inside her chest.
 
“Weapons down!” a voice sounded from the watchtower. Daryl gently laid his crossbow and bolts into the fluffy, white snow. He could make out the snipers. Two men with tense expressions.
 
“We just wanna talk,” Daryl assured. He found himself raising his hands and motioning Connie to do the same.
 
“Check ‘em,” one man exclaimed to a person beneath.
 
The rusty gates squealed open. A few more men emerged, others pointed guns. Connie and Daryl slammed against the metal and were searched for spare knives and handguns. Their backpacks and blankets were also taken away, leaving them vulnerable in the chilled air.
 
A townsperson smirked at Dog and made a angered, sarcastic expression. “How have they not cooked you, little fella? Anyone else and you would be a dead dog.”
 
“He doesn’t understand, Mark. It’s a damn dog,” a woman sounded from behind.
 
Mark clenched his fists and roughly moved his mouth. “I didn’t ask for your input!”
 
The woman quieted and walked away. It wasn’t until Mark gestured to Connie that Daryl cringed. He gave her a smug look that made Daryl want to punch him.
 
“Get in,” two guards pressed guns against their backs. Similar to the outside, the inside was dull and expressionless.
 
Daryl bit his tongue, keeping his eyes down as he synchronized steps with Connie. Her eyes flicked between the men surrounding her and women ahead giving concerned looks. What scared her the most was seeing Daryl so quiet and reserved.
 
They entered a room that felt similar to a dungeon. Colorless, empty walls and a few plastic chairs.
 
“Sit,” a woman said more aggressive than necessary. Her cold eyes pierced their confidence like swords.
 
Now with Dog taken from them, Daryl and Connie sat alone in the windowless room. Though not before guards could handcuff both of them to their chair.
 
“What do you want?” a heavy voice emerged.
 
An older man with thick facial hair appeared. Wearing a torn gray T-shirt with black jeans and a calm expression that quickly turned mean, he studied them.
 
Daryl stumbled on his words. “The little girl.”
 
“She’s not yours,” he said, lifting the corners of his mouth ever so slightly.
 
“She ain’t yours either,” Daryl announced.
 
Antagonistically, the man asked, “What’s your name?”
 
“Hell's it matter?”
 
Pulling his gun from his pocket and aiming it at Connie’s head, he asked again. “Name. Or she dies.”

“Daryl,” he spat.
 
“Well,

Daryl

. You see, that

little girl

belonged to us before you took her. We’ve been searching for her since her father took her away. Supposedly, one of my men snatched her while she was outside last night. Alone,” he paused, “So

no

. You can leave now.”
 
“We ain’t leavin’. She ain’t a piece of property that you can take.”
 
The man shook his head. “I make the rules. Which means I can also kill either one of you at any time,” he pressed the gun farther into Connie’s temple. “Leave.”
 
“Nah--There’s a reason why her father took her away from you people. She doesn’t want to be with you.”
 
“You’re stubborn, I’ll give you that. Hope that doesn’t get you killed.”
 
Daryl quieted and relaxed back into the chair. The handcuffs pressed tightly against the skin on his wrists.
 
“What’s your name?”
 
“What gives you the right to know?”
 
“Asshole.”
 
The man chuckled, “Jim. And I don’t know what you’re trying to do here Daryl, but I don’t appreciate it.”
 
“Give us Anna,” Daryl spoke, “Then we’ll leave and you’ll never see us again.”
 
The man bounced his head around, giving ridiculous looks. Then he aimed his Colt beside Connie’s ear and shot it without hesitation. The sudden movement made her jolt, causing distress with the cuffs that restrained her.
 
“If I haven’t made myself clear, Anna is ours. End of discussion,” Jim reiterated.
 
“No.”
 
“What did you say?”
 
“I said

no.”

Angrily, Jim exclaimed, “You think you’re all high and mighty when the shit you’re not! This is

my

community.

I

make the

damn

rules! This is not a joke. You wanna play games, fine. I’ll kill that mutt and feed it to you for dinner. After that, I’ll make

you

kill your little girlfriend and the precious little girl you convinced yourself was your child. Maybe even let a few of my guys have some fun too. I don’t play around, Daryl. But if that’s how it’s gotta be, that’s how it’s gonna be!”
 
“Go to hell,” Daryl mumbled.
 
Jim picked one of the chairs off the ground, not giving a second thought before he threw it on top of Daryl.

Connie stomped her foot expressively. Hot tears now poured down her face as she watched the blood drip from Daryl’s head.
 
“I...will...kill..you,” Daryl spat fresh blood. His head ached and his vision blurred, but Jim was right. He was stubborn.
 
Jim pressed his blade to Connie’s neck, drawing blood. “I don’t see how that’s possible--given the fact you’re on the floor in handcuffs and I’m

literally

an

inch

away from killing your girl.”
 
“Don’t touch her,” Daryl choked out.
 
“It’s not your call anymore.”
 
“We’ll leave,” Daryl shuddered against the pain radiating from his head. A definite concussion.
 
“You think I’m going to let you go after you just threatened to kill me? No, you already had your chance.”
 
Jim then called for four guards. Each guided Daryl and Connie with forceful arms. Connie struggled against their grip, concluding that they enjoyed her effort.
 
Daryl closed his eyes and swore he could hear Anna yell his name. When his eyes blinked open he caught a glimpse of her blonde hair, quickly being pulled away by a familiar looking woman.
 
Like Alexandria and Hilltop, the community had a jail. Hideously coated in mold, dirt, and blood, it was a basement beneath the main building.

Daryl was tossed into a cell alongside Connie. The removal of handcuffs revealed their raw, damaged skin. They felt fortunate enough for now to have each other.
 
“Let’s see,” Jim pulled up a chair on the opposite side of the metal bars. “Because

I

make the rules, we’ll change things up a bit. Y’all will spend 3 days here. One, being today, I’ll give you a break. No poor treatment. Two, tomorrow, you’ll spend your last day doing whatever is asked of you. W

hatever

is asked. On day three, execution. I’ll allow you to choose how. I’m telling you this so you’ll have it to anticipate--Since you like to play games.”
 
He walked up the stairs, casting them in the dim lighting when he closed the door.
 
Connie rushed over to Daryl, wiping the blood on his head with the sleeve of her shirt.
 
“I’m sorry,” he pressed his forehead against hers. He felt her tears drip onto his face, wishing he could take it all away. All the pain, all the suffering.
 
“It’s my fault I dragged you into this.”
 
Connie shook her head. Thankfully, her notebook and pen were still tucked away secretly inside her pocket.
 
You said you wouldn’t blame yourself. You promised. We’re in this together.
 
“ ‘k,” Daryl said before relaxing his head against the cold, stone wall. Exhaustion and blood loss had taken over.
 
Connie wrapped her arms securely around him, sobbing silently. Even if it made her a hypocrite, she felt like it was her fault. She urged them to go despite the consequences. Now they were here.
 
Daryl’s eyes opened at the creaking of the upstairs door. Jim pushed another prisoner into a cell across from theirs. He listened close to the faint voices echo. Once Jim locked the door and left the room, Daryl turned his face to see who waited on the other side.
 
A man. Shaggy hair and unshaven beard. Boots and button down shirt.
    
Daryl’s voice erupted. “Rick?”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Connie followed Daryl’s gaze to the prisoner across from them. Making contact with the man's eyes, she concluded either 1) Daryl had a head injury and lost too much blood. Thus, was hallucinating knowing this man with the thick beard, or 2) They recognized each other somehow. Connie went with the latter.

She nudged Daryl lightly, but his eyes were still glued. He moved so he sat as close as he could to the metal bars.
 
“Daryl?” Rick mumbled in disbelief. His voice was soft and a bit weak, but still packed with every emotion he’d ever felt since losing his family. Rick repeated himself. This time he spoke fainter and more relieved.
 
“But you’re...no,” Daryl continued, voice quivering. “You-you died at the bridge.”
 
Rick gave a tearful chuckle and shook his head, still unable to believe his eyes. He stuttered on his words, but before he could manage, Daryl had already interrupted.
 
“We looked everyday, ya’ know… and your family… ”
 
“My family… they-they’re alive? Safe?” Rick’s hands shook, ready to bust through the metal bars.
 
His heart was now beating out of control, awaiting Daryl’s response seemed to take years, though in reality it only took a few seconds. It

had

been years, actually. Every day he’d been in this place, rotting to death more or less, passed slower than the last. He lost hope, but told himself he would never stop looking if he ever had the right chance to escape. Who knew that chance could now be only a few feet away?
 
“Yeah. They’re alive. Michonne, Judith,” Daryl paused, “RJ.”
 
“RJ?” his heart skipped a beat, but he felt himself begin to ease.
 
Daryl fidgeted with his hands. “Your son.”
 
“My…,” tears began to overflow from Rick’s eyes. “My

son

?” He ran his fingers through his hair and beard.
 
“They’re a lot like you. Judith especially. Thinks she’s in charge now.”
 
Rick grinned, wiping the tears streaking his face. “And Michonne? She’s alright?”
 
Daryl nodded. “Yeah, she’s good.”
 
He couldn’t bear to tell Rick everything that had happened since he was gone. The people they lost, the attacks, the splitting of communities. How Judith wouldn’t come out of her room when she found out her dad was never coming home. Daryl couldn’t tell Rick any of it, especially when there was a possibility they weren’t going home. Daryl wasn’t one to give up easily, though he knew Rick wasn’t either. Rick had tried, clearly. They were outnumbered, weak...they anticipated death. But at the same time, a part of Daryl gave the reminder,

What was there to lose if they were going to lose their lives anyway? Why not try?

Connie nudged Daryl again, completely in the dark, figuratively and literally, to what was happening.

Daryl reached for Connie’s notebook, flipping through the pages until he could find a blank one.
 
Rick
 
Connie gave Daryl a puzzled look. Rick was dead, to the best of her knowledge at least. She made the sign for

dead

in confusion.
 
Daryl shook his head, attaching a grin at the end.
 
“This is Connie, by the way.”
 
“Nice to meet you,” Rick raised his hand to say hello.
 
Daryl interpreted and Connie signed

nice to meet you

back.
 
“Y’all left Alexandria?”
 
“Nah,” Daryl replied with a pang of guilt. “Just takin’ a break.”
 
Rick quickly turned the conversation over to, “How’d you get here?”
 
“Tryin’ to find a little girl who was taken.”
 
“Oh,” Rick’s mind immediately went to Judith and how hard it was when he lost her back at the Prison.
 
“What led you

here

?”
 
“My dog,” Daryl replied.
 
“You have a dog?”
 
“Yeah. Name’s Dog”
 
Rick laughed. “It fits.”
 
“How ‘bout you? How’d you end up in this dump?” Daryl asked.
 
Rick grinned, giving Daryl and Connie an expression that read

you wouldn’t believe it

.
 
“Anne found me after the bridge. Woke up in a helicopter. They brought me here.”
 
“Why?”
 
“Don’t know.”
 
Rick paused, ordering his thoughts.
 
“At first they took blood samples. My first thought was some sort of experimentation or research, but it’s been six years and still nothing has changed. They made me do some manual labor, told me not to try anything. I asked Anne when I could go back, she never could give me an answer. I assumed the answer was never.”
 
“Ya’ tried to escape?
 
“Why do you think I’m here?” Rick teased. “Several times. Few exits, a lot of guards. And even if you make it past them, you can expect to be stopped at the border.”
 
Daryl loosely signed

No exits.

H
e pretty much made up the

exit

sign. Connie nodded, seemingly understanding the gist of what Daryl was trying to say.
 
“What did they tell you when you arrived?” Rick asked.
 
“3 days.”
 
Rick stood up, eyeing over every inch of the jail and the stairs that led to ground level. 
 
“‘k , listen to me,” Rick whispered just audible enough for Daryl to hear. “Don’t give ‘em grief tomorrow ‘cause we might have a shot as long as they don’t suspect anything. Don’t let them know we know each other, don’t even check for possible exits.”
 
“You have a way out?”
 
“Maybe. But even if we make it out there’s still a chance…,” Rick’s voice carried away.
 
Daryl nodded, being mindful of the word that stood out most from Rick’s sentence:

We

. All three of them. A possibility that Rick could reunite with his family.
 
Daryl passed Connie another note, this one reading:
 
Might be a way out.
 
Connie gazed at the note, concerned. Daryl scribbled over it until he was sure no one could make any of the words out. Just in case someone were to find it.
 
Exhausted, Connie relaxed into her spot on the dirty, dusty ground.

Could be worse,

she reminded herself, but it still didn’t make matters any better. Daryl watched her carefully, whispering a concluding, "Good to see you again, brother,"

to Rick and kissing Connie on the forehead.
 "You too, brother," Rick added. 
Rick watched the rest of the scene unfold: Daryl grasping Connie’s hand and stroking his thumb over it gently. Connie gingerly wiping away some of the blood on Daryl’s forehead. 
 
If it were even possible, it made Rick miss Michonne

even more

.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Up and at ‘em!” Quite possibly the most horrendous voice echoed through the room.
 
Daryl lightly shook Connie awake, who was still peacefully resting in his arms. Five hours of sleep was hardly enough to compensate for all they'd been through the past days.
 
“Time to go, lovebirds. The girl comes with me. C’mon darling,” Jim sneered as he unlocked the cell before leaning over and yanking Connie off the floor and into his beastly arms.
 
The overly rough approach caused Daryl to clench his fists, ready to punch the living daylights out of the man. But he stopped himself because he knew Jim would make her pay for it just to hurt him.
 
Still weary, Connie felt herself being jerked up the stairs. She longed to be safe next to Daryl, not having to think about today or the dreaded tomorrow.

Outside, Connie caught her first glimpse of Anna. The young girl with golden hair looked distraught, and as if she wanted to wave

hello

, but couldn’t. And then there was the other confused look she gave, like she couldn’t believe they actually came for her. That they cared enough and genuinely wanted her back.

Anna looked away, likely because someone called for her. Connie hoped she was alright, but a part of her still believed Anna’s father took her away from this place for a reason. 
 
Connie felt her body jolt at Jim’s tight grasp on her wrist. She felt her stomach turn as her anxiety spiked higher and higher by the second. Exhausted and still a bit under the weather, she was running on pure adrenaline now. Relieved to be out of the cold, s
he soon found herself standing in a pink and white striped room with three other women. They wore aprons and, from what Connie could tell, they were not allowed to speak about or question anything Jim said. Some sexist bullshit that was. They responded only with nods and rarely did they open their mouths to even mumble, “Yes, sir”. All three of them were gazing at Jim like they couldn’t believe he was talking to them. Almost as if he was their god and they were only there to serve him. His slaves. 
 
When Jim left, Connie felt a huge weight lift off of her shoulders. Though unclear on what Jim’s instructions were for here, she had the basic premise based on the setting: a small kitchen, around the size of her childhood bedroom. It smelt of some kind of meat, probably ham or bacon, and every once in a while there was a sweet scent, like fruit. 
 
One woman with short black hair handed a stack of six plates to Connie and pointed towards the door. Another woman came alongside her with six more plates, while the other held the swinging door open. 
It led to a large open eating space. Each row had several wooden seating areas with beige place mats. The walls were a very clean white and held no form of decoration to make the area feel homey, almost like a hospital.  
 
Connie followed the actions of the three women and began to set out the plates and silverware. Each table was set with 12 plates in blue and white, an unnecessary detail she noticed.

The three ladies brought out metal cooking pots and trays of food as Connie stood back and watched. Still unsure of her place here, she

really

didn’t want to screw anything up. 
Soon after everything was set, small children poured in, aged preschool, maybe kindergarten, to fifth grade-ish. They were a talkative bunch, chatting up a storm until they grabbed their food and began to eat. It operated like a school cafeteria, and even had the unforgettable, nauseating smell from the mix of foods too. 
 
As the children ate, Connie stood aside with the three women, who didn’t say a word to each other the whole breakfast. From the other corner of the large room, Jim stepped in, observing the kids in a way that made Connie uneasy. Or maybe he was observing her specifically to see if she was fulfilling her,

still unknown

, tasks. She swallowed hard, trying not to look or think about him too much. She assumed the teenagers and adults would come in next, so she waited patiently for the kids to finish up so the four of them could clean up. Connie realized that this was likely the sad reality of the three women. Wake up early, cook food that people may or may not eat, clean up several messes, and repeat at least three times a day. Meanwhile, Jim and the other advisers would stroll around making people miserable. Kicking their feet up every night like the world revolved around them.

Connie waited for an entire table to clear out before walking around to tidy dishes. She picked up four abandoned plates and a few cups, catching the sight of Anna at the third table. She sat with a couple of other girls her age. One placed a bunny rabbit stuffed animal on the table, which was quickly removed by Jim. Connie was convinced he was one of those people not so good with kids, picturing them as grimy, loud, needy, whiny monsters who are useless until working age.
 
Not paying close enough attention to her task, a stampede of boys ran past her, knocking the plates and glasses out of Connie’s hands and onto the floor where they shattered. She quickly bent down to pick up the biggest pieces of the sharp dishes, but before she had a chance, Jim already grabbed her, throwing her against the table where she slammed her head.

Everything hurt. Surprised she wasn’t unconscious, Connie noticed several scared faces around the room. One little boy, around the age of four, started to whimper in fear across from her.

Dizzy and very disoriented, Connie felt a heavy boot collide with her left ribs. The sharp contact made her slump over, finding it increasingly difficult to breathe. Pain radiated from her throbbing, broken ribs. She looked up at Jim, whose hand struck her face instantly. His face was burning red from screaming out of frustration. Jim grabbed the back of Connie’s neck, fingers tangled in her hair as he practically dragged her out of the white room.

Her eyes closed and her legs started to buckle as Jim continued to keep her upright in his hold. For a moment she thought he might just kill her, letting the pain of never getting to say a proper goodbye to Daryl be her final punishment. Then again, he couldn’t let her off the hook that easy. He would make her pay first.

Connie was led into another windowless confinement. It was barely lit with a single yellow, flickering light. The ground was hard with a thin layer of dark green carpeting, similar to the cheap material used in a classroom or office building.

The sudden impact of her body collapsing was just enough to give her carpet burn and some new bruising. She began to hope that she would pass out soon, so she would be unaware of the pain.

With tears flowing down her face, Jim took out his knife, pressing it up to her throat as he told her of her worthlessness and how she couldn’t do anything right without screwing it up. He told Connie no one cared about her, and Daryl only tried because he felt bad that she had no one. It was a pity that Connie actually believed him for a moment after all she'd been through in the past. That empty, valueless feeling damaged her worse than the actual physical pain she had endured.

Just as Connie thought Jim would slice her throat from pushing the blade so hard, he released it. As she sat helpless on the floor, Connie realized that Jim really had the upper hand and no one would magically appear to protect her.
 
“You can read my lips?” He spoke into the dimly lit room.
 
Connie stared for a moment before nodding.
 
“Good,” he smirked. “Your buddy, Daryl, he’s stubborn. Won’t talk for nothin’. Except you, ‘cause he blames himself for everything that happens to you.” 
 
Connie flinched at Jim’s words and direct eye contact.
 
“Now...

you

could tell me why y’all were hanging around our community and your intentions with that little girl and I won’t have to hurt you or him. There’s more to the story than what he’s letting on. So, sweetheart, here’s your chance to tell me what really happened.”
 
Connie shook her head and Jim snarled. He reached for his back pocket and threw her notebook and pen beside her. As she reached for the notebook to write, she realized it was nearly impossible to move without wincing.
 
We had nothing to do with this. She found us and led us back to you.
 
“No. I don’t believe you.”
 
Waiting for a response he never received, Jim stroked the left side of Connie’s face, where a bruise began to form. She turned away.
 
“Her father was a fool. Took her away from someplace good, where she was safe. When you two and that dog showed up she told us about how you killed her father and took her. Didn’t feed her, locked her in a room, didn’t allow her to talk and hurt her if she did. She didn’t know why you followed her back, but she was terrified.”
 
That’s not true. Your people took her when she was out in the snow.
 
“She said you locked her outside in the cold. She was freezing when we found her.”
 
Connie shook her achy head in disbelief at the lying man.
 
“Now, I don’t know you or your intentions, but I choose to believe the crying child over you two.”
 
That’s not true.
Your people took her when she was out in the snow.
Connie underlined.
 
“Okay,” Jim replied. “Suit yourself.”
 
---
 
Daryl watched one of the walls of his cell, fantasizing it fading away the longer he stared. Usually he didn’t get lonely, he’d been alone for most of his life. But now that he actually had the chance to experience what it was like to not be, he so desperately wanted Connie and Rick back.

Jim had left, as did Rick. Daryl was scared for Connie more now than before, as he understood Jim would interrogate her next about Anna.

Whether these people made up that awful story about Anna or Anna made up the lie herself, he didn’t know. He pondered how both sides would've played out, along with how Rick was going to get them out of here. All this made the idea seem impossible. 
 
Daryl heard the rattling of keys and footsteps down the cement stairs. He noticed the demon had blood on his knuckles.
 
“What did you do to her?” Daryl asked, becoming increasingly agitated and impatient.
 
Jim didn’t say. He just gave a devious smile and said, “Time to go.”
 
Daryl grunted, wishing he could yell and spit in the man's face. He had to restrain himself from strangling Jim to death.
 
“She’s not a concern to you. Neither is that little girl.”
 
The way he continuously referred to Anna as “little girl” was clearly meant to show his superiority over her. It reminded Daryl of his father, who always referred to him as "boy". 
 
“You don’t even know ‘er name. Do 'ya? You’re just lookin' for a fight? You don’t care about her. Never have.”
 
Jim remained quiet, putting Daryl into handcuffs and leading him up the stairs.
 
“Screw you,” Daryl spat.
 
The contrast of the bright day was a rude awakening compared to the freezing dungeon of the jail. Daryl eyed the children and adults he passed by, they all looked at him like he was some criminal. He might as well have been in their eyes.

A bark drew Daryl’s attention to the still kicking canine. Though tied with a rope to a lamppost, Daryl was just glad that they didn’t cook the animal and fed it to him.

Jim shoved Daryl to the ground next to a few other laborers, including Rick. The garden he kneeled next to was large, around the size of Alexandria’s, if not bigger, and sprinkled with snow. 
 
“Get to it,” Jim ordered without further instruction.
 
“Take off the cuffs.”
 
Jim deeply exhaled.
 
“I ain’t goin’ anywhere,” Daryl mumbled under his breath.
 
Jim was irate. Drawing a small key from his jean pocket, the cuffs were removed with much hesitation.
 
“Now work.”
 
Daryl peered over at Rick, who watched their interaction carefully. 
 
“You just gonna stand there?” Daryl directed towards Jim.
 
“What? You think because I let you out of your cage you're off the hook? Not on my land. We don’t let heathens roam free.”
 
“Where is she?”
 
“I told you that didn’t concern you,” Jim raised his voice.
 
Daryl grumbled and stood up, swinging his fist as Jim’s face, a repeat of what he did to Negan right before he killed Glenn. A mistake he told himself not to make again because of the consequences.
 
“

Daryl

,” Rick shouted, yanking Daryl away from the man.
 
Jim clenched his jaw. His cheek was now bright red.
 
He gave a light chuckle, getting in Daryl’s face. “I told you to

work

. Did I make myself

clear

?” He emphasized every word.
 
“And you,” Jim fixed his gaze on Rick, “You’ve met Daryl.”
 
Rick gave a faint nod.
 
“Huh...” Jim nodded. “Ever met before?”
 
“No,” Rick said hastily with a shake of his head.
 
“You sure? ‘Cause, some might say otherwise,” Jim gestured towards the townspeople. 
 
Rick stayed silent. He knew he meant Anne. She probably told him everything.
 
“You don’t have to answer, I get it. Keep him out of trouble.”
 
Rick nodded.
 
Daryl started to take boxes given to him by the other workers to the kitchen. He pretty much had a babysitter with him at all times, standing off 4 to 5 feet away.

In between trips, Daryl looked for Connie. So far he had no luck spotting her. He’d only seen Anna a handful of times. She tended to keep close to Daryl, as if she wanted him by her for protection if something went awry.

It had been a long time since Daryl had eaten. If he were to take a wild guess, they probably wouldn’t feed him. They just stuck him next to the food to taunt him. To remind him of what he couldn’t have.

Daryl worked the rest of the day with no breaks, doing useless jobs like scrubbing the walls where children had drawn with markers, removing walker remains from inside the walls, and finally digging up the ground where he and Connie would be buried. He’d only run into one mishap, when Jim, without hesitation, swung his hand across Daryl’s face. 
 
Near dusk, Daryl took one last box of food to the kitchen. The sun would set soon. This would be the last time he saw it set, he realized. Unless Rick found them a way out, which was looking more and more unlikely.

As he entered the kitchen for the final time, he made eye contact with Connie. She was tense and shaky as she worked, with bruises covering her face and arms. It destroyed Daryl. He figured maybe Jim sent him here on purpose. Just to get one last crack out of him. How badly he wanted to march over to her and give her a hug. But Connie didn’t give her usual smile as Daryl approached. In fact, the closer Daryl got, the more she looked like she wanted to cry.
 
“You okay?” Daryl mouthed to her.
 
Connie turned her face away, leaving his question unanswered.
 
Screw it, Daryl thought. He set the box on the counter and walked over to her. Connie sniffled, a single tear running down her face. Daryl ran his thumb over her cheek to wipe it away.

Go,

she signed. Pointing towards the door. She didn’t want Daryl to be punished for staying with her. 
 
“We’re gonna get out of here. Soon. Just hang tight, ‘ight?”
 
Connie nodded, urging Daryl to leave.

Be safe,

she signed.

Love you.