Daisy | The Walking Dead

4. Guts

~Day sixty~

With a wide grin stretching across her face, Daisy felt an unfamiliar sense of purpose that had been absent from her life for what seemed like an eternity. Her small heart swelled with unbridled joy, and her eyes gleamed with excitement. It was a rare sight to see the usually overly-reserved 7-year-old so animated. 

It was as though the weight of the world had been lifted from her delicate shoulders, replaced instead by a sense of self-assurance and determination. 

A pair of rusted scissors nestled snugly in her back pocket while a makeshift cloth holder carefully crafted by Officer Shane was securely fastened to her denim shorts with a sturdy carabiner - inside of which was one of her inhalers, a couple Band-Aids and an extra hair tie. All neatly organized, and always within reach. 

In her hand was an aged red bucket with a thin crack on it's side, and on her back hung her trusty bookbag. She tried to always keep it with her - Glenn had taught her to. Even though it was unlikely, there was no promise that she wouldn't be seperated from everyone else. 

The thought was scary, but necessary. 

Her battered pink Chuck Taylors were a testament to resilience. They had been found at the thrift shop. The soles were worn and the fabric was frayed, but they were hers, and she wore them with pride. 

Just like her bookbag, just like the other few possessions she owned - they were given a second chance at life, just as she was.

As they walked, both girls knew to be cautious. They weren't far from the safety of the camp, but danger could lurk around the most unexpected corners. Daisy was grateful for the opportunity to explore the unknown, but she was also aware of the risks. She knew that in this new world, anything could happen. 

It was a rare interruption to Daisy's solitary reading time, but when Dale suggested she go on a hunt for food with Amy, her curiosity was piqued. Despite her initial hesitation, the thought of exploring the woods and encountering wildlife thrilled her. The idea of spotting a deer or fox, or even her favorite animal, a snake, made her excited.

As they wandered through the woods, Daisy couldn't help but feel a growing sense of camaraderie with Amy. The older girl was playful and kind, making the foraging feel more like an adventure than a mundane chore. 

Above, the morning light filtered through the dense trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Birds tweeted, and frogs croaked while insects buzzed around. 

Daisy's bucket was already filling up with a small but impressive haul of mushrooms and berries, and she he imagined herself as a brave explorer, charting new territories and discovering hidden treasures. 

Her eyes darted back and forth, searching for any signs of life that she could find.

"Behold!" Amy exclaimed playfully, gesturing towards Daisy with a warm smile. "There are lots over here, Daisy!"

With a sudden burst of energy, Daisy rushed towards Amy, her steps light and graceful as if she was a woodland nymph. 

The clearing they stumbled upon was tiny, but lush with life. Dainty, colorful flowers and mushrooms grew in circle-like formations, beckoning to her. She could almost hear them whispering, begging "Take us with you! C'mon, Lady Linette!"

Daisy couldn't contain her excitement and eagerly hopped towards the new bounty. In her mind, she imagined Glenn and T doing the same, but instead of foraging for food, they were looting lots of important supplies - medicine, canned food, water.  

Daisy's eyes widened with sudden recognition as she gazed at the circles of foliage, her lips parting in a gasp of surprise. "Fairy rings," she blurted out, her voice sounding louder than intended, surprising not only Amy, but herself.