SIXTY SIX. the walking dead

Adeline stood near to Rick, her body feeling like jelly as she settled her eyes on the paper that he held in his grasp. The words of from a friend was written across the page in marker, a thousand thoughts rushing through the doctors mind at the sight. Someone was watching them, which meant somebody knew where they were. She didn't quite know how to process the information, a blur of intoxication from the alcohol she had drank preventing her.

Regret for taking Abraham up on his offer welcomed her in its uncomfortable grasp, an uneasy feeling of chills rushing down her spine at the cool wind that brushed around her body. Adeline folded her arms over her chest, a sigh falling from her lips as she looked to her brother- "What do we do?" She questioned, breaking the tense silence they found themselves consumed by. The thought of finding another group brought a rush of fear and panic to their figures.

And she couldn't stop thinking about who they were standing around with. Carl. Theo. Judith. Family.

Before Rick could answer her anticipated inquiry, the rustle of leaves behind them caused each of their heads to turn. Their hands instinctively fell to their weapons, watching with careful eyes as the figure of Daryl Dixon stepped out onto the highway- relief hastily greeting a worried Adeline. Guards were lowered, but not erased completely due to the situation they remained in as the archers attentive stare moved to the several water bottles and jugs around them.

With a quick step forward, Adeline watched as her brother handed the note to Daryl. He took it in his grasp, moving his eyes to the widow before reluctantly turning to the folded paper. Upon processing the words, he hastily handed the sheet back to Rick before sliding the strap of his crossbow over his head and right into his hold. His eyes scanned the forest around the road, searching for any kind of sign as the doctor decided to break the silence once again.

"I'll ask again... What do we do here?" Adeline spoke, keeping her voice out of harms way as she shifted on her feet. The groups attention focused on the woman, remaining silent until Rick crumbled the paper in his grasp and began to speak. "Not this. We don't know who left it." He stated.

An unplanned huff of aggravation slipped past the widows lips, her eyes rolling slightly with the sound as her brother turned to look at her with furrowed brows of confusion. "Of course we don't know who left it. What are we going to do about it?" Adeline repeated, her voice sharp and full of irritation- immediate regret of her distant sober mind seeping in. That and the infection certainly didn't help.

Daryl glanced over at the sound of her snappy tone, his eyebrows furrowing. They were threaded by the strings of concern and worry, mind racing with an overwhelming amount of new thoughts. Months had passed since he heard Adeline talk to Rick like that, and that was because he had killed the love of her life. Quickly, suspicions of something being wrong were confirmed for him in the blink of an eye.

"If that's a trap, we already happen to be in it." Eugene shattered the tense silence between the siblings, Ricks sharpened stare tearing off Adelines stoic figure to look at the mullet wearing scientist. "But, I, for one, would like to think it is indeed from a friend." He continued, the sister glancing down at the water below them. She couldn't lie to herself, she desperately needed water. Especially now.

Carol looked to the man from where she stood next to Carl, "What if it isn't? And they put something in it?" She asked while holding onto the strap of her rifle. Theo stood on the other side of her, her small arm crossed over her chest. "I know I would like something to drink right now." The girl whispered to herself, her voice reaching Adeline who turned to her with sympathetic eyes. She wished she could help.

Eugene spoke for himself by rushing over to the water bottles, Adeline stepped out of the way as he unscrewed the lid and moved to gulp it down. Instead, his actions were quickly pulled to a halt as Abraham smacked the bottle out of his grasp before the water could touch his lips. The widow hastily flinched back, her body stumbling as she avoided the liquid splashing on her chest. She felt her figure bump into another, the hands of her brother settling on her shoulders.

Rick steadied her as the group fell silent, careful eyes settled on Abraham who stared down a shocked and embarrassed Eugene. "We can't." The leader repeated, his hand falling from Adelines shoulder and back to his side where it rested against the hilt of his pistol. The sister remained quiet, the familiar feeling of guilt running its course through the empty depths of her stomach as the distant sound of thunder rumbling cracked through the sky, chin craning.

Her tawny eyes rose to the countless dark clouds, another crack of thunder breaking through the space before a sudden rainfall was released. The water raced to the ground, landing onto the pale skin of Adeline as she flinched at the feeling- her mind unable to contain the small streak of gratitude and relief that rained down onto her fragile body. The red shirt she wore clung to her skin, water seeking through the sleeves and into the bandages on her arm.

Adeline pulled her eyes from the sky, turning to the group around her only to find them in their own world. Most of them wore a smile, chins craned to the sky as the rain poured down into them. Glenn was bent to his knees, a warm grin wrapping thankfully around his lips, relief curling around the widow at the sight. He ran his hand over his face, attention turning to the solemn figure of Maggie that stood silently in the rain- face void of any emotions.

Sasha and Daryl wore expressions same as hers, the reminder of what the group had lost ringing a heavy tone over them all. Adeline was quiet, her mind pulling her in every direction on how to feel. Happy, sad, grateful. The options drilled into her head, her tired eyes finding herself to be exhausted by the constant chatter in her mind. They closed softly, allowing her body to take the moment in as the rain soaked her clothes- smacking against the pale skin of her freckle covered features, removing the marks of blood.

She just wanted it to be quiet.

Standing next to Noah, Wesley held the smallest hint of a smile to his features at the sight of a brighter one on his brothers. But, the thought of Beth Greene refused to leave his mind. The reminder of what happened in the hospital hallway lingering in his thoughts, his eyes closing under the heavy rainfall as he turned his head to the ground below.

Theo was careful with her reaction, her hands protectively sheltering her bag from the rain by sticking it under the shirt she wore. She was silent, but grateful for the sudden fall of water that they coincidentally needed. But, she felt torn between a decision. If her dad was around, he would already be on the ground collecting the water with bottles- which was the smart thing to do. Especially in her situation.

"I gotta admit guys, this is pretty cool. But, maybe we should start collecting this?" She spoke up, using her left arm to shelter her face from the rain. She hated getting her clothes wet, so she wanted to get away from it pronto.

"Kids right. This is probably the best damn thing we've had happen to us since sliced bread. We sure as shit should take advantage of it." Abraham stated from where he stood by Theo as he moved to pull empty bottles out of his bags.

Rick nodded in agreement, "Everybody. Get the bags. Anything you can find." He instructed- a loud strike of lightning cracking across the sky. Adeline opened her eyes, the rain refreshing her body as she hastily wiped her brow before hurriedly opening the bag that hung from her waist.

The storm grew strong from up above as the group kicked themselves into action, Carl moving to cover Judiths head with his hat as Theo helped unscrew the lids to water bottles. Abraham steadied them and before they knew it, a dozen of water bottles and two plastic bowls were sitting against the asphalt- the rainfall quickly growing harsher as the substance hastily gathered inside of the empty bottles.

Adeline sniffed, wiping her face with her already soaked sleeve as she stood from her bent position to look at the sky above. She squinted her eyes, hastily finding the dark grey clouds that was making its way over to them. A strike of worry hit her, her stomach twisting at the sight. The dark brunette strands of her hair were glued down to her face from the rain, carefully stepping over the water bottles as she moved to stand next to Daryl who looked to the sky.

"We can't stay out here." She announced, making her voice heard over the loud sounds of Judith crying in Carls hold and distant lightning that slowly grew closer.

The archer tore his attention from the storm at the sound of her voice, his stare hurriedly moving to look at her figure that stood beside of him. Daryl could almost automatically spot the signs of worry across her features, his eyes focused on the slight furrow of her brows before moving to her neck. The muscles in her skin claimed their spot, the familiar sight of her scarred collarbone becoming more prominent as she held her breath- confirming his distant speculations.

At the sight of her, everything around the archer seemed to become nothing but background noise. His eyes were glued to her body, the distant cracks of thunder and lightning growing louder in the sky. The storm grew harsher by the second, his heart thumping a mighty beat in his chest as his stare fell to the shirt that sat glued to her arms. And then, his eyes fell to her forearm- hastily noticing the bandages that stuck to her skin underneath the soaking wet material.

"There's a barn." She was hurt, the revelation crossed through Daryl's mind as his voice broke from the barrens of his throat. They were aimed at the distant figure of Rick Grimes that started to approach them, Adeline looking to the archer at the sound of his voice. Her worried eyes fell back to her brother who began to talk- "Where?" He questioned, words shouting over the strikes of lightning.

After reluctantly deciding to take the full waters with them, the group hastily gathered their supplies and left. Daryl led them to the barn he found, Rick and Adeline right on his heels while the rest of the family followed in their steps. Though the rain that undoubtedly grew stronger, they broke free from the forest- eyes peering through the storm and landing on the distant red color of the roof.

It was better than nothing.

Once they reached the rickety structure, Rick was quick to split them up into two groups; one to search the barn and the other to stay outside and protect the rest. Due to the worry that lingered unspoken in his veins, the brother opted on keeping Adeline in the rain. Something was obviously going on with her, but he was still trying to find the right time to bring it up. He just earned her forgiveness, so there wasn't a doubt in the infected world that Rick was treating the second chance he had received with the utmost respect.

And with a reluctant stare, she agreed to his plan and remained outside. The uneasy chill remained in her bones, her stomach twisting nauseously as she moved to lean against the closed barn door. The other was open, her tired eyes watching as Rick, Daryl, Carol, Abraham, Glenn, and Maggie enter to scout it out for the rest of them. She was quiet, moving her attention to the rifle she held in her arm, trying desperately to ignore the pain that prodded at her.

Theo stood next to Carl, helping him shield Judith from the rain by laying the protective fabric of Adeline's jacket over her. The rain didn't care to lessen, the strength of the fall only increasing by the minute. Shivers attempted to warm the widow from where she stood, her arms wrapping around the body as she moved to lay the rifle against her shoulder. And then finally, after one silenced gunshot later, Rick waved the group inside- the barn becoming their shelter.

Everyone was quick to get settled, the doors pulled shut by the arms of Adeline who was the last to enter. Her hands were curled around the wooden handles, heaving the structure together with one harsh shove before backing away. She sighed softly, wiping her palms against the soaked fabric of her shirt- curling the material in her grasp to ring it from the water. Her eyes watched the liquid drop to the hay covered ground, the yellow sticking to her wet boots.

The storm that remained outside prevented them from doing anything except wait, night hastily falling upon them as the rapid winds from outside slammed up against the wooden structure. Adeline found herself sitting around the fire that she helped Glenn build, every so often throwing in ripped pages of a book to feed the hungry flames. Her eyes were settled upon the sleeping figure of Maggie that resided a few feet away, a lit lantern casting shadows across the southern girls features. The grief wouldn't leave her be.

Adeline wished she could do something, anything, to help her. But she knew better than anyone how short words fell when you were speaking to a person who couldn't hear or see anything but what they had lost. She couldn't make her feel better, she couldn't help. The sense of self worth began fading away from the fragile grasp of Adeline Walsh, her body and mind staying quiet and empty by the solemn.

Rick shifted from where he sat beside of his sister, the blanket that was wrapped around her frame failing to go unnoticed by his stare. His eyes moved to the sleeping figure of Carl and Judith, the infant curled up in her brothers hold. Adeline found herself turning to the sight every so often, keeping up her tendency to make sure everyone that she loved was okay and safe. She made her rounds with each person in the barn, the infection in her arm taunting her.

"He's gonna be okay." Carol broke the silence from her spot next to Michonne, noticing the stare Rick held to his son. "He bounces back more than any of us do." She assured, her eyes switching over to Adeline who remained quiet by the fire. She was indebted to the widow for life, and there were no words to express her gratitude for what she had done.

Rick nodded slowly, a conversation kicking into place for the ones that sat around the fire. Glenn, Carol, Michonne, Rick, Addy, and Daryl. All sitting in that order, forming a small circle around the flames for warmth. "I used to feel sorry for kids that have to grow up now. In this. But I think I got it wrong." He informed- continuing. "Growing up is getting used to the world. This is easier for them." He added.

Michonne shook her head, "This isn't the world. This isn't it." she stated softly. Adeline allowed a sigh to fall from her lips at the statement, resting her sick body against the wooden beam behind her. "I don't see anything changing anytime soon. This is the world. We have to face that." She spoke, her voice weak at the cold sweats that lined her skin.

A silence fell upon them at her words, the eyes of Glenn moving to look at the sleeping figure of his wife before turning back to the group. "It might be." He agreed, twiddling the stick in his hands. Adeline lifted her head to look at him, pulling her stare off of the flames and to his own. "It might." He repeated, that small part of him still trying to give some sort of hope for the family he loved.

"That's giving up." Michonne attempted once again, the look of defeat and exhaustion wavering over the widows features as Glenn caught the sight. "It's reality." He was quick to defend the words of his best-friend, gratitude warming the cold body of Adeline who gave a barely noticeable smile.

"Until we see otherwise, this is what we have to live with." Rick informed, his voice causing a silence to wave between the spaces of the group. His sister sat quietly, keeping the shaky breath that left her lips hidden as she pulled the blanket closer to her body. She refused to take the last amoxicillin, but the thought of swallowing the painkiller that remained didn't seem too bad. But Adeline being Adeline, she knew she needed to wait until last minute.

Looking over to her figure, Rick took a careful second before speaking once again. "When we were kids..." He started, the approach being a delicate one as he gestured towards Addy who moved her confused eyes to him. "She dared me to ask our grandpa if he ever killed any Germans in the war." He informed, the sister rummaging through her memories for the story he was about to tell. But only a faint one surfaced.

"He wouldn't answer. He said that was grown-up stuff, so... Adeline asked if the Germans ever tried to kill him." Rick continued, pausing for a second to lift his eyes to the flames. "And he got real quiet... He said he was dead the minute he stepped into enemy territory. Everyday, he woke up and told himself, 'Rest in peace. Now get up and go to war'. And then after a few years of pretending he was dead..."

The silence fell once again, Adelines careful stare settled on her brother. "He made it out alive." Rick informed, instincts kicking in, curling his fists together as he spoke. "That's the trick of it, I think. We do what we need to do and then we get to live. But no matter what we find in DC, I know we'll be okay. Because this is how we survive." He spoke, the fire crackling beneath and intertwining with his voice.

"We tell ourselves... That we are The Walking Dead."

Thunder rumbled and lightning cracked above the wooden roof of the barn, the words her brother spoke causing Adeline to pull her state from the fire- feeling the familiar sting of tears prod at her eyes. How bad had things gotten for her to be completely blind to the fact that Rick was alive because he was pretending that he was dead? An intense an overwhelming amount of guilt swarmed her, her teary eyes watching as Daryl hastily shook his head in disagreement.

"We ain't them." His voice came out as a rasp, his words reaching Adeline. She knew immediately what he was trying to profess, emotions pouring into the blue color of his eyes. They're still alive. They aren't dead. Her voice found itself lost in her throat, watching as Rick reached behind her back to squeezes Daryl's shoulder assuringly. "We're not them." He comforted, a careful look in his features. "Hey,"

The sound of his voice caused the archer to look over, reluctantly pulling his eyes from the flames as Rick kept his attention on him. "We're not." He repeated his words- his hand resting against the leather of Daryl's vest. Looking beside his friend, the Dixon laid his focus on Adeline who had turned her head to the fire. She was quiet, and her once tanned skin lost its color, leaving her pale.

Ember colored shadows of the flames brushed against her figure, warming her body that remained cold and ill. Daryl tore his eyes off her, hastily pulling away from the group and standing to his feet. The sound of his movements caused Addy to turn her head, watching as he moved away from the group and towards the barn door where Abraham sat watch next to the structure. With an exchange of unheard words, she was unable to look away as Daryl exchanged places with the redhead, the archer taking the watch to avoid talking.

Her features softened carefully, allowing the blanket to fall from her shoulders and onto the ground before she stood up. "I'm gonna go talk to him." Adeline informed, Rick looking up to her with grateful eyes as she nodded in subtle confirmation before moving away from the small dying fire.

Spotting the sleeping figure of Theo that rested on the barn floor close to Maggie, noticing the cover had slipped off of the girls body. Adeline spared a second to stop by the eleven year old- crouching down to the hay covered ground. She carefully held onto the blanket, quietly tucking it over Theo before pressing a soft kiss to the side of her head. "Sleep tight, Bunny." She whispered, her arm tensing painfully as she brushed her hand over the dark brown hair of the girl.

Standing to her feet, Adeline felt her muscles ache in her body from the infection that swarmed her veins. The now dry material of Glenn's shirt failed to provide any kind of warmth to her paled skin, her arms tightly crossing over chest as she pushed through the feeling. Her footsteps were muffled by the hay sprawled across the ground, the wind slamming up against the barn doors that were chained shut loosely. Rain poured in from the slightly open space, turning the dirt around the entrance into nothing but a mud puddle.

Near the mud pie sat Daryl, his back pressed up on the half wall of a stall- claiming the area that hadn't been touched by the rain. His crossbow leaned against the wood, his hands intertwined and resting on the space of his knees that were bent to his chest. He kept his eyes trained on his fingers, even when he noticed the approaching figure of Adeline. He just wanted to hear her talk, not his own self.

"Hey," The soft whisper of her voice he longed to hear flooded into his ears, remaining silent with his attention glued to his hands. Adelines words were spoken delicately, her body lowering down to the semi-dry ground to sit next to the archer. She needed to pretend that she was alright. "You okay?" She inquired, gently bumping into his figure with her own. She needed to seem fine. For him.

His voice was left unspoken, his answer becoming nothing but the movement of his shoulders shrugging. He kept his eyes trained on the skin of his fingers, absentmindedly fiddling with the space of his hands. Daryl Dixon knew for a fact that he didn't want her to leave his side, and he hoped that no one would bother them for the rest of the night. He just wanted to sit with Adeline. That was all he desired.

Nodding in confirmation to the nonexistent use of his voice, she took a deep breath in before exhaling slowly. Tension wavered in the air between them, her muscles aching from the infection that had claimed its hold on her body. "You think we're gonna make it to DC?" Adeline broke the silence with her voice, curling her left arm around her body and carefully resting her right above it. Pain tore through her arm at the feeling, her face scrunching at the sudden rush.

"Mhm." Daryl answered quietly, the dark strands of his hair falling over his eyes as he nodded his head. Adeline could almost immediately since the doubt that soaked in his tone, a small string of worry tugging at her heart. She shifted in her spot, hands clasped together in her lap as she crossed her legs. She hoped they would make it, she just didn't know if she was going to be there when they do.

A wave of nausea rocked her stomach, a muffled sound of discomfort caught between the barrens of her throat. She was freezing, and the constant wind that slammed against the door only aided in the amount of goosebumps that cascaded down her paled skin. Daryl looked to her, eyes falling down to her left arm that was tightened around her stomach. He saw the bandages, and he wasn't stupid.

Reluctance tugged at his body, his thoughts running rapid inside of his mind whereas his mouth stayed shut. Daryl knew exactly what Adeline was doing, she was trying to avoid the pain she was going through by trying to fix him. The lightning flashed behind the doors, thunder cracking through the storm as uneven shadows laid against them. Daryl remembered the promise he made the night before, and a part of him wished she could make the same one.

He wanted her to tell him that she was never gonna leave.

Although Adeline couldn't read his mind, he felt his heart skip beats in his chest to the rhythm of the storm as her trembling hand found its way to his own. She was quiet because she didn't quite know what needed to be said, her actions carefully bringing his arm to rest in the lap of her crossed legs. Addy laid his palm in the inner of her left thigh, tracing the skin of his wrist with her fingers- massaging the warm tension that tightened his hold.

And just like that, she provided the exact type of comfort the Dixon needed. Silent. They remained in the quiet, the storm outside crashing against the wooden structure of the barn. Distant crackles of the small fire accompanied the noise, dark blue shadows resting against the freckle covered features that belonged to Adeline Grimes. Leaning her head back into the wall behind them, her chin craned slightly to look up at the roof as she circled her thumb on his skin.

She saw the burn mark. But she didn't say a word.

Daryl felt his chest tighten, keeping his hand still against her thigh as he shifted in his spot. His heart pounded a mighty rhythm against his ribcage, the muscles in his hand relaxing with every circle that her thumb made on the bone of his wrist. And with one careful gesture, reluctance screamed in his mind as he felt the inseam of the jeans she wore- chill bumps rising on the skin of her arm the moment his fingers began to trace the stitched together fabric of her inner thigh.

A sudden flash of lightning struck from outside, the blue light flooded inside momentarily, giving Adeline the chance to see the overwhelming amount of walkers that shuffled their way to the barn doors. "Oh my god," Adeline gasped, hastily pulling her hand from Daryl- standing to her feet to rush over to the wooden material of the doors. Her body was quick to push against the structures, forcing the doors shut with her weight.

It didn't take but a split second for the archer to notice what was happening, the rotten bodies of the stalkers slamming onto the doors- pushing Adeline away. In the blink of an eye he was up on his feet at the sight, rushing to her side to help her heave the doors shut. The loose chain attached to the handles helped from the walkers piling in, but the mud around the entrance caused their stance to falter, slipping.

A grunt fell from Adeline's lips, her body pressed into the wooden doors- pain scorching the wound on her forearm. The sounds of the chain smacking against the doors and the walkers snarling was quick to grab the attention of the group, worry striking their fragile souls as Maggie was the first to wake from her sleep. She hastily rushed over, pushing her body against the doors that were halfway shut, taking the open space next to Addy who stood in the middle.

The stalkers were tirelessly fought back against their efforts, mud picking up at their feet as one by one the group began to notice what was happening. A cry of pain left Adelines lips as she felt the stitches tear from her skin- never for a second loosening her tight hold on the door, even when the crimson began to seep through the bandages and down her elbow. The bodies of her family gathered around her, filling up the spaces of the entrance to force the rickety doors shut.

The rings on Maggie's hand came into her right, the bodies around the fire racing over, Rick pushing up against his sister to keep the doors steady. The storm raged outside, thunder crashing in the distance- the doors begging to be opened by the wind and the walkers. Theo awoke from her slumber on the floor over the sound of rushed footsteps, eyes falling to the family that had formed around the doors.

When she joined them, she knew she would never leave.

When morning rose, the last thing Adeline expected was for Maggie Rhee to be the one to wake her from her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open at the feeling of her body being carefully shaken from where she laid by the door; choosing to stay awake almost half of the night after the walkers stopped in order to make sure it wouldn't happen again. The agony on her arm had subsided slightly, but that was only because of the last pain pill she took an hour ago.

"Hey," Maggie greeted softly, her hand resting against the shoulder of the doctor. "Come on." She spoke, gesturing towards the figure of Sasha that stood behind her. Adeline was quick to feel confusion tear at her, eyebrows furrowing slightly as Maggie carefully helped her to her feet. She held onto her right arm, hoisting her up with one gentle tug- the widows eyes landing on the distant frame of Daryl Dixon.

He sat alone in the back of the barn, his eyes trained on the newly placed bandages on her arm that was revealed by the rolled up sleeve of her shirt. Adeline hastily fixed the fabric, a distant ache lingering in her body as she looked around at the bodies that laid asleep around her. They were the only ones awake, the realization hit her- the wooden doors creaking quietly as Maggie pulled them open with the help of Sasha, Adeline reluctantly following in their steps.

Morning light flooded into the open entrance of the barn, their eyes landing upon the destruction the storm had sewed. Everything but them was left in ruins, discarded bodies of the walkers that were trying to get to them lingering around the dirt. Dozens of trees were knocked over, fallen logs and branches scattering across the ground. The remaining stalkers were pinned down by the wooden objects, twigs and evergreen accompanying the sight.

But the only thing untouched was the barn.

"How did we make it?" Adeline whispered, stepping over the countless logs- sweeping underneath low hanging branches that piled up against each other. Sasha eyed the same area as her, her sniper rifle resting in her arms. "It should have torn us apart." She added onto the woman's words, disbelief scattered across her features as Adeline glanced back at her.

Maggie ducked underneath a broken tree, the two figures behind her copying her. "But it didn't." She spoke, holding a music box in her grasp. Adeline recognized it as the one Carl had found while out scouting a few days ago, and she realized he must've finally given it to her like he planned to. The ballerina inside was blonde, resembling the lost soul of Beth Greene that they missed now more than ever.

Trapped walkers snarled at their passing bodies, not caring enough to pay them any kind as they followed Maggie who led them through the forest. Adeline didn't know what was going in, and she didn't know why she was being included with the two people that had lost the most in the past two months. A part of her felt like she didn't deserve to share the same walk, dead leaves crunching underneath her boots.

It wasn't until they reached a field when they stopped, the sun rising across the wide perimeter- a fallen log placed right at the break of the clearing. The sky was mixed with violet, a golden light of the morning sun resting tiredly against their scarred skin. Adeline fell quiet at the sight, her eyes softened in gratitude at the scenery; the space taunting her with the morning she shared with Tyresse at the grove.

Maggie was the first to sit against the log, looking back at the standing figure of Addy behind her as Sasha rested against the wooden structure. "Sit." The farmers daughter spoke, gently reaching out for her hand. She carefully pulled her in the direction of the log, but stopped as a sigh fell from Adelines rosy lips, face tightening in reluctance- "Why?"

She was tired. Anyone could see that.

"Because you need to." Maggie assured, softly squeezing the skin of Adelines hand- waiting with a hopeful look, she watched as the widows eyes fell to the rings on her hand.

With a careful thought of consideration, she found herself stepping over the log. The Grimes sister lowered herself down to the space next Maggie, Sasha claiming the other side where she rested her sniper against the fallen wood. They faced the sunrise, pink and purple intertwining their colors amongst the white clouds- fog settling on the grass.

"Why are we here?" Sasha was the next to question, shifting slightly in her spot to look at the calming sight before them.

"For this." Maggie informed, the three women filled with untamed grief keeping their eyes on the sunset. And as a breath fell from her mouth, it hit Adeline like a bag of bricks. The loss. The one thing she had been pushing away since the moment it happened, when Tyresse died in her arms. His blood still stained her uncut fingernails, attention falling to her hands in her lap to see the crimson color.

Tears stung her eyes, her head shaking slightly as she kept her eyes trained on her lap. You don't get to cry, Sasha lost her brother and the man she loved, Maggie lost her father and sister. You do not get to cry.

The former sighed, "I see it." Sasha informed, Adeline raising her head to spot the tears that welled in the girls eyes. Sympathy and guilt struck her at the sight, watching as the sniper shook her head. "Noah, that kid... He said he didn't know if he can make it." She informed, sniffing. "That's how I feel." Sasha admitted, her voice trembling.

Maggie huffed sympathetically, tears stinging at her eyes. "You're gonna make it. All three of us, we will. That's the hard part." She assured, head turning to the music box in her lap. Picking it up, she looked over to Addy- "Daryl fixed it." She informed while opening the wooden yellow top.

Inside sat the same blonde ballerina, a small mirror resting behind her. Maggie twisted the mechanical gear at the back of the box, winding it up as much as she could until she released her hold on the metal. Silence. They kept their eyes glued on the item, a sudden click! followed by nothing but quiet causing exasperated laughs to slip from their bodies.

Adeline couldn't help the smile that curled around her lips, the warm tears sliding down her cheeks as Maggie shook her head. "You gotta be kiddin' me." She laughed, her southern tone lacing around each word. Sasha shared the moment with the two, eyes crinkled at the short feeling of happiness.

"Marking the music box off of Daryl's list of skills." Addy added, her words causing laughs to topple from their lips.

The unnoticeable snap of a twig somehow managed to reach the attentive ears of the widow, causing her to hastily turn around. Her eyes landing upon the approaching figure of a stranger, smile dropping from her lips as fear hammered at her chest. "Hey, hi." The words fell from the man that approached them, and in a split second, Adeline jerked the pistol out of the holster on her thigh and stood to her feet.

Maggie and Sasha were quick to copy her actions, raising their pistols as the widow stepped in front of them. "Put your hands up." Adeline repeated, her attention taking in every detail of his figure. He was clean, he wore a backpack that seemed to be filled to the brim- his eyes widening slightly at the sight of three guns aimed to his features.

"I didn't mean to interrupt. Good morning." He continued, wearing a plaid button down that was covered by a blue windbreaker jacket. He raised his hands, complying to the order that sharply slipped from Adelines lips. "My name is Aaron." He introduced, keeping his arms up as he slowly grew closer to the three women- hearing the click of their guns at his movements. "I know, stranger danger."

"Don't even think about taking another step." Adeline snapped, a twig snapping underneath her boots as she stepped closer to Aaron. He nodded in confirmation, slowing his footfall and eventually stopping just a few feet away from the woman. "I get it. But... I'm a friend." He informed, his words burning tracks in her mind.

From a friend.

Adeline shook her head, it was him. He left the water. "I don't give a shit who you are." She stated, tightening her hold on the handle of her sleek black pistol. Aaron nodded, trying to keep the fuse from being lit. "I'd like to talk to the person in charge. Rick, right?" He inquired, confusion slamming into the sister of the name he had spoken.

"How do you know-" Maggie started, only to be cut of by Sashas curious, "Why?" as Adeline kept her eyes carefully trained on the man before her. He knew her brothers name.

Aaron smiled, "I have good news."

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WORD COUNT 6464

HEIDJFJFJF y'all i cannot believe i started writing at season one and im FINALLY HERE?!??!!!! this is so crazy first and foremost THANK YOU for sticking around this long! i know it's been a very crazy journey of republishing and taking this book down every once in a while, but i hope you guys know i do intend on finishing adeline's story <3 i think her ass means too much for me to abandon her

QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER !!

what are your guys predictions for adeline's
alexandria era? what do you thinks gonna happen??