𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝔽𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 | Daryl Dixon

12 | FARMLAND

"Shot?! What do you mean, shot?" Dale questioned in shock.

The sun was barely beginning to set as the group returned to the highway, climbing over the railing, out of breath after jogging back. The air was humid as the last of the sunlight cast an orange and pink glow onto the ground, only to bounce off the asphalt.

There was still a lot of confusion over what had happened out in the woods. Carl being shot was the priority, but with little knowledge of the details, there were a lot of questions.

"I don't know, Dale," Glenn exhaled worriedly. "We weren't there. All I know is this chick rode out of nowhere like Zorro on a horse and took Lori."

Dale looked at Daryl accusingly. "And you let her?"

"Climb down out of my ass, old man," Daryl shot back bitterly. "Rick sent her. She knew Lori's name and Carl's."

Andrea hadn't said a word as she walked right passed Dale, not looking at him as he asked, "I heard screams... Was that you?"

"She got attacked by a walker," Glenn told him quietly. "It was a close call."

"Andrea?" Dale called as she opened the door to the RV. "Are you alright?"

She glanced over her shoulder at him, scoffing as she shook her head. Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears as she climbed into the RV and slammed the door closed. When she returned moments later in a clean shirt – as her other one had gotten covered with mud and walker blood – she still avoided so much as glancing in Dale's direction.

Tori perched herself on the hood of her truck, sitting cross-legged as she drank from her half empty water bottle. She was split between the options of what they could do. Carl had been shot, which meant they needed to go to the farm the girl had mentioned.

When this option was brought up though, Carol did not agree. "I won't do it," she said, folding her arms. "We can't just leave."

"Carol, the group is split," Dale explained softly. "We're scattered and weak."

"What if she comes back and we're not here?" Carol asked meekly. "It could happen."

"If Sophia found her way back and we were gone, that would be awful," Andrea agreed.

"Maybe some of us stay, a couple of us go?" Tori suggested. "I got my truck; I can go on ahead. I know splitting up isn't ideal, but it seems like the only real option."

Surprisingly, it was Daryl that agreed with her first. "She's right. But we gotta plan for this," he said with a nod, taking authority. "I say tomorrow morning is soon enough to pull up stakes. Give us a chance to rig a big sign, leave her some supplies. I'll hold tight here tonight, stay with the RV."

"If the RV is staying, I am too," Dale quickly added.

"Thank you," Carol nodded gratefully. "Thank you both."

"I'm in," Andrea volunteered, and Carol gave her a small smile.

"Well, if you're all staying, then-" Glenn started to say, but was cut off.

"Not you, Glenn," Dale stated. "You're going with Tori."

"Why is it always me?" Glenn frowned.

Tori furrowed her eyebrows. "Charming," she mumbled under her breath. Glenn heard and patted her shoulder in a silent apology. She wasn't really offended – in fact, she understood Glenn's worries. She too was nervous about the group splitting up more than they already were.

"You have to find this farm," Dale explained. "Reconnect with our people and see what's going on. It's better if you both go, so nobody gets lost out there on their own."