The Woman at The End of The World. (Daryl Dixon)

seventyseven.

My obsidian combat boots crush the grass along the ground as I approach the logs that are being laid out. Jerry grins at the sight of me while he tosses more wood into the pile. I traded in my leather pants for black cargo pants. The onyx colored crop tank top has a deep cleavage; with skeleton hands gripping my chest. The bottom of it has the ripped look. Carol found it during one of her trips, deciding it would be perfect surprise for me. I fell in love the second she presented it to me. The heat is sweltering; couple that with taking logs back to the bridge a couple times a day, I felt it necessary to stay comfortable and cool under these circumstances. My fingerless gloves cover the skin along my hands as I got tired of the tiny cuts from the wood slicing into my flesh. My hair is thrown into a messy bun that sits atop my head. Abraham's dog tags still dangle around my neck while Daryl's bandanna covers the bottom half of my face. My swords are in their homes my back, and the knives are secure in my belt dance across my waist. A single gun holster with a pistol is bound along my leg. I don't go anywhere without some sort of arsenal of weapons.

I reach down, beginning to pick the wood up to take back the group working along the bridge. I've been at this for days now. Some of the women of Oceanside have been assisting in this same job I've been assigned to. The faster we get this done, the sooner I can return to Caroline and Kellin.

It's only for a few days, I keep reminding myself, but soul yearns to reunite with my children.

"Hey Vanessa!" I let out a sigh, peering over my shoulder, watching Rosita, Eugene, and Rick advancing towards me. I drop the logs, straightening up while I turn to face the three. I wipe my gloved hands along my pants, curiosity dancing along my flesh. "When you're done, I need you to go to the meeting point to keep an eye on the herd," I nod, crossing my arms, surveying Rick.

"What else?" I cock my head, wiping sweat droplets pouring off of my forehead, realizing Rick's not quite done with the order. My hand finds my hip, waiting for Rick to finish his thoughts. I glance between him, Eugene, and Rosita. I narrow my eyes, observing Eugene stealing glances at the beautiful Latina woman at his side. I smirk, someones got it bad. Good for him.

"Siddiq is returning to Alexandria." My gaze returns to officer friendly. "There's a sickness breaking out back there. Enid is staying here. She's worried about taking on the infirmary herself since she's still learning."

I wave my hand, "I'll help her if she needs it. Tell her she's welcome to find me if she finds herself in a bind."

"Thank you." Rick grins. His light blue eyes travel my face, "I'll see if we can find some sun block. You look like a lobster." Ah, yes, my curse. My fair skins burn easily in the sun. We are mortal enemies. I couldn't tan if my live depended on it. I observe as they continue their trek through the camp. I smirk, shaking my head. I return to gathering logs for now until I have to take over herd watch. From my understanding there's three separated groups ambling around us. It would be devastating if they were to break in to our campsite; one would be deadly but all three would totally wipe us off the map.

Barely ten minutes later, I break through the tree line. A smile paints my face when I spot Aaron and Daryl working hard on nailing some wood into the bridge, talking amongst one another. But it's quickly snuffed out. My mouth falls open, watching in horror as Justin shoves little Henry to the ground. I drop the logs, not flinching when one lands on my foot. Justin takes the orange jug of water from the boy, pouring it into his mouth like a rabid animal. I tense when Henry stands, shoving his stick between the Saviors legs, forcing the raven haired man to fall onto his back. Upon realizing what he did, Henry takes off. I grab him, pushing him behind me. Justin stands, eyes seeking out the younger Kingdom native. I observe as he locates him, though, he stops his advance towards him when he takes in my face twisting in a quiet rage while Henry grabs the side of my pants. Daryl stalks up the Justin, pulling him back from us.