I Love You So

Part 31

The group had left the small abandoned town, making their way aimlessly down the road. The sun was beating down on them, but they continued on, dragging their feet with each step. Supplies were running low so they pressed on, hoping to find some sort of miracle.

Amanda was carrying Judith in a sling, using a small bonnet to cover her sensitive head from the suns harsh rays. She kept spirits up, being use to the heat, exhausting and walking from her previous deployments in the Army. She hummed softly as she bounced Judith, "One day, when I'm old and senile, I hope you carry me around in a sling like this." Amanda said to Judith. Right by Amanda's side was Maverick, keeping up pace.

In the back of the group was Sasha and Abraham. Sasha held resentment towards Amanda. She was angry that she mutilated Tyreese, leaving him weakened in a world that required you to be strong. She was angry that Tyreese lost his dominant hand, making him a liability to the group. But, on the other hand, she was grateful. She was grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with her brother. She was unsure how to carry her emotions, but her face was angry. Her body felt heavy as she licked her dry lips, walking alongside Abraham. All she could think of was Bob. How he lost his leg before he died, she was angry, but deep down she knew her anger was just a shell for her sadness. But, at the end of the day, it's always easier to lash out than it is to confront your emotions. Or, at least that's what Sasha felt.

Meanwhile, Tyreese was grateful. He was grateful for another day of survival, even if it mean walking through the Georgia heat. He extended his gratitude to the group, but especially to Amanda. He was in the middle of the group, walking besides Eugene and Tara. The group had shunned Eugene due to his reluctance to give Amanda his belt. But, Eugene deflected their emotions but bringing up how Amanda had knocked him unconscious by hitting him with Daryl's crossbow. The majority of the group sided with Amanda in that situation.

"Dad, look!" Carl said as he pointed ahead, noting some cars ahead, "Maybe one of them works!" Carl exclaimed, rushing over, eagerly.

Amanda watched as Rick ran after Carl, scolding him for leaving without the group. Amanda pat Judith's back gently as she made her way over to the pile of cars in the middle of the road. She sat down on a fallen tree, shifting uncomfortably. She reached into her bag, grabbing a small jar of baby food. She opened it up slowly, careful not to spill, "yummy, cinnamon banana and granola flavored." Amanda said as she took out a small spoon and gently began feeding Judith while the rest of the group explored inside the car. Amanda looked up as Tyreese came and sat besides her, "Hi you." Amanda smiled as she offered him a pain pill and a bottle of water

"I'm good, it's not too bad right now. Save that for when we really need it." Tyreese said as he tickled Judith's foot

"What could be more painful than having your arm amputated and cauterized?" Amanda questioned

"A toothache. You ever had a toothache before? That's the worst." Tyreese said

Amanda laughed as she scratched her head, "I suppose." She said

Rick turned around hearing low growls coming from Maverick. He looked at Maverick in confusion as his growls became more aggressive, less of a warning and more of a threat.

Amanda handed Judith to Tyreese as she inched her way over to Maverick, "Hey, what's up?" Amanda asked the dog quietly as she made her way over to the treeline

Maverick quickly turned his head, barking loudly at Amanda. It wasn't to scare her or to harm her, but to get her away from the trees

Rick pulled out his python, pointing it at Maverick, unsure of why he was snapping at Amanda

Amanda backed up, looking at Maverick. Then suddenly she heard it. Low growls coming from the woods. She grabbed her pistol and pointed it, watching as three dogs made their way out. Amanda backed up, "Maverick come." Amanda said, her voice cracking in fear, knowing Maverick wouldn't survive a fight against three
feral dogs, "Maverick please." Amanda begged, watching the dog stay in his place in front of Amanda as the three dogs inched closer