𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | TWD [Book 1]

XXV. The Losing Game of Love

The group huddles together, their faces etched with worry and determination, attempting to forge a plan to fortify the prison and ensure their collective safety. The onslaught of the attack has jolted Rick back to reality, propelling him into a leadership role as he takes command of the situation. However, the return of Daryl and Merle has ignited simmering tensions within the group.

"We're not leaving," Rick asserts firmly, his gaze sweeping across the assembled faces, seeking solidarity.

"We can't stay here," Hershel counters, his voice laced with concern, drawing the attention of the group towards the escalating debate. Rick paces the room, his mind racing as he weighs their options.

"What if there's another sniper? A wood pallet won't stop one of those rounds," Maggie interjects, her brow furrowed in a mixture of worry and determination. Her suggestion to abandon the prison receives mixed reactions from the group.

"We can't even go outside," Beth chimes in, her voice tinged with unease as she underscores the perilous situation they face within the prison's walls.

Carol nods, "Not in the daylight."

The air crackles with apprehension and disagreement, the urgency of the situation amplifying the friction among the group members. Daryl's return is met with a collective sense of relief, but the presence of his brother, Merle, casts a pall of unease over their already fraught circumstances. The group's unity hangs by a thread as they grapple with conflicting opinions and the pressing need to secure their stronghold in the face of imminent danger.

"Rick says we're not running, we're not running." Madeleine stands her ground, her words laced with conviction, as she faces the scrutiny of Daryl's intense gaze. His silent stare at her speaks volumes, but he remains unable to articulate his thoughts or feelings. Madeleine stands her ground, her words laced with conviction, as she faces the scrutiny of Daryl's intense gaze. His silent stare at her speaks volumes, but he remains unable to articulate his thoughts or feelings.

Merle's disdain for the group is evident in his scoff, his posture exuding a sense of superiority. "No, better to live like rats," he sneers, disregarding the gravity of their situation.

Madeleine, arms crossed in defiance, directs her attention to the older Dixon. "You got a better idea?" she challenges, confronting Merle's derision.

"Yeah, we should have slid out of here last night and lived to fight another day. But we lost that window, didn't we? I'm sure he's got scouts on every road out of this place by now." Merle persists with his alternative plan.

Daryl's glare at his brother intensifies, grappling with the conflicting emotions stirred by Merle's words. "We ain't scared of that prick," he retorts fiercely.

Merle, unyielding, elucidates the peril they face. "Y'all should be. That truck through the fence thing, that's just him ringing the doorbell. We might have some thick walls to hide behind, but he's got the gun and the numbers. And if he takes the high ground around this place, shoot, he could just starve us out if he wanted to."