Day 700 something

Post Apocalypse

Daryl. His name on my lips sound foreign. It's a name I haven't thought about much lately. I stay hidden but alert, in the times we are in now you have to always be aware of your surroundings. He looks even more broken than the last time I saw him. I guess living in this world can do that to you. I still want to be pissed at him for choosing the drifter life style over me, but seeing him again; a familiar face, takes all that anger away.

I stay quiet because I know the man can hear me from a mile away. He's like a fucking animal hunting its prey. I probably shouldn't even breathe because he can sense that too. I hear another voice, it's female. She steps out of the brush gun strapped to her back, while Daryl cradles his bow. She whispers something in his ear and he turns in my direction. I panic and hide, but I know I've made too much noise. I hear them whispering to each other as a growl distracts me. I flinch and the dry leaves crinkle under my heavy boots.

I pull my knife and wait till the last minute, they are much slower but still dangerous. It grunts at me loudly. I take the knife by the handle and stab it right into the walkers head. It falls. I breathe a sigh of relief.

I wait a minute to move, I don't hear Daryl or his friend. With my back against the tree I peek around just to check. Aside from his insane tracking skills, I swear he was a ninja in his past life. He stands only a foot away from me. His blue eyes meet mine and my heart sinks into my stomach. It takes him a minute, but I know he knows. We haven't seen each other in years, but it's like we both just know. I step out slowly taking my hands off the tree. The woman has her hands ready to pull her gun. I get it this is a crazy world and she doesn't know me for shit.

Daryl opens his mouth and then closes it again. He wants to say my name, but I think he's in shock. Probably even thinks he's hallucinating. The woman he's with looks from me to him and back again. She puts a hand on his shoulder, I don't think I've ever seen the man so shocked. His mouth opens and I finally hear the voice that haunts my dreams as my name crosses his lips.