Endure and Survive (Sequel to How We Live Now)

Chapter 28

There was a chair set up in front of a window where Daryl stood behind with his arms crossed.

"I can't understand why the hell Dr. S won't let me in. Ain't like I ain't been exposed or whatever," Daryl said when I sat down.

"You come in here and there's a chance that you can get sick," I said.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm okay," I said, trying to sound as convincing as I could.

"You bullshitting me?" he asked.

"No," I said.

I looked up at him and he looked at me for a few seconds.

"You are bullshitting me. That's it. I'm coming in," he said.

"No! Daryl. Please," I begged.

He stopped and looked at me.

"It ain't fair that you're in there. That y'all are in there," he said.

"It's just how it is. Nothing can change that. So, Glenn told me that there's a group going to the college," I said, wanting to change the subject.

"Yeah. I uh, I ain't all that sure if I should go," he said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Cause of you," he said.

"Daryl. You should go. I know you wouldn't be able to handle it if anything happened on the road that you weren't there to stop," I said.

"And if something happens to you while I'm gone?" he asked.

"Nothing's gonna happen," I said.

"How can you be so sure?" he asked.

"Cause I got you to look forward to when all this is over," I said.

"I don't know," he said.

"Go. Bring back those meds to help us all," I said.

There was then the sound of someone coughing that came from Daryl's side of the window.

"Daryl get away from the door," I ordered.

I stood up, doing my best not to show how weak I was feeling and went to open the door. Sasha was leaning against the wall.

"Sasha. I got you," I said.

I went over and took her hand.

"It just...it just started out of nowhere," she said.

"I know. Let's get you in here. Daryl, please. Just stay where you are," I said, noticing him coming closer.

He sighed heavily and crossed his arms. I got her inside and closed the door.

"Glenn is here. Go find him and he should help you get settled," I said.

"Thanks, Kari," she said, giving my arm a squeeze before she headed further in.

I went back to the window and looked at Daryl.

"Go and be the hero you always are," I said.

"I ain't no hero," he retorted.

"Maybe. But that's how I see you," I said.

I then turned away to cough a few times.

"You gonna be here when I get back?" he asked.

I cleared my throat.

"Of course. Where else would I be?" I asked.

"Just promise you won't give up," he said.

"I promise," I said.