Chapter 10

                                    

                                          
Chapter 10
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Daryl and I set out. We move with a silent synchronicity, our footsteps barely making a sound as we navigate through the dense underbrush.
My eyes scan the surroundings, alert for any signs of movement, or prey. Daryl, ever the skilled tracker and hunter, follows my lead. I didn't say anything though, fore I hoped he wouldn't change his mind. I notice his eyes darting and his nostrils flared, his senses attuned to the subtlest of sounds and scents.
The air is crisp and cool, carrying with it the earthy scent of pine and the distant call of wildlife. My heart pounds with anticipation as they close in on their quarry, the thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins. I widen my eyes, ready to take aim. 
Suddenly, we spot our targetâ€"a group of squirrels scouting for acorns peacefully in a nearby clearing. With a silent nod from Daryl, we spring into action, moving with practiced precision to flank the squirrels.
Daryl raises his crossbow, his movements fluid and deliberate as he takes aim. I steady my breath, my bow drawn taut, ready to unleash my arrow with hopefully deadly accuracy.
Time seems to slow as we release our shots simultaneously, the arrows slicing through the air with a whisper of sound. There's a brief moment of suspense before the prey falls, struck down by our combined skill and precision. Possibly luck on my part too. 
With a sense of satisfaction, Daryl and I approach the fallen squirrels, my face lifts into a toothy grin. Daryl's face is still and emotionless. With a slight puff we strap the game to our belts. We wonder some more. The sun slowly reappearing into the dark sky. 
"Is it heavy" Daryl stops and glances my way. I had been pulling up my pants now and again. For the past 30 minutes from the weight of the squirrels. 
"No, my pants might disagree though" I laugh. A smile plastering to my face. He reaches out his hands. 
"No, I will carry these, I might have to use some of our rope for a belt though" I can't help the smile that grows on my face as the image appears in my head. 
"Fine with me, just keep up" He turns again. Heading for the never ending trees. Yes, we were already in the never ending trees  but as I looked forward I couldn't ever see an end. I grabbed the small rope from my bag and tied it around my waist. I pulled it tight, I almost couldn't breath. I looked up to find Daryl missing. I heard growls but no indication of him. I walked and walked, could Daryl climb trees?
It was an honest question. 
Could he? I looked up and scanned the trees. I felt the ground shift and change before I fell. My eyes darting down I saw a crater with none other than Daryl Dixon laying on the ground, seemingly unconscious. I groan. I hit the ground, my mind jostled and giggled. I roll and end up on my back. Mud covering my clothes. 
Yuk. Come on world what the actual fuck man. 
I push myself up and swiftly turn towards the approaching walkers. 2 nasty walkers are stuck with us. One covered in mud and thankfully stuck. The other isâ€" shit coming right at me. I am knocked over and pinned to the ground. The snapping jaws of the walker above me, its breathe making me want to puke. 
I push against the bastard with all my might. I position one of my hands to carry all the weight. As fast as I can I reach down to grab hold of my dagger. My arm gives way. The walker lands on me and I push its face away with my hand.my other hand grabs the hilt and bring it up to strike. 
Pain. 
The walker's decayed teeth sink into her hand, the pressure of its bite crushing bone and tearing flesh, a sickening crunch following, the walker's teeth sinking deeper into my skin, tearing through it and sinew as it savagely rips off my ring finger's outer layers. Blood spurts from the wound, painting the ground in a macabre tableau of crimson and gore. Aching and searing pain races up my hand and down my spine. A shiver runs down my body. A scream from my lips echo across the crater we landed in. Shuffling and the sound of the beast dieing, in only a moment before I am cradling my finger, tears threatening to spill. I hold my tongue and wince. The rough hands of someone pulls me close as I try to gain control of my emotions.