Awakening

                                    

                                          
FLOORBOARDS COVERED with dried crumbling leaves that had blown in through open windows and doors creaked under the pressure of Daryl's boots. Slowly placing one foot in front of the other he crept through the house, carefully checking every turn for any walkers that could get the jump on him. Peering into the dining room he saw overturned chairs and broken glasses scattered around the room. He made his way into the kitchen; Not to his surprise, all of the cupboard doors were wide open and the drawers barely hung from their places, revealing the emptiness inside. 
                          
This was the first house they had come across on their journey south. It was a farmhouse, not very different from the Greene's, but it had clearly fallen quite early during the outbreak. The others were just outside searching for any gas and supplies that they could scrounge up, while Daryl cleared the house. So far there had been no sign of walkers, but he didn't count them lucky yet. Still holding his crossbow up, he climbed the stairs occasionally checking over his shoulder. When he reached the top he saw that there were a total of four rooms, not including a couple closets. The first door was slightly opened. Kicking the door gently with his foot, he opened it the rest of the way — a bathroom. The shower curtain had been partially ripped from its hooks, and the rugs showed signs of a struggle. 
                          
The second and third rooms were kid's rooms. From the looks of it, they were young kids at that, a boy and a girl. Pausing with his hand on the next door's handle, Daryl took a deep breath before swinging it open. Nothing. This room looked to be untouched, a guest room maybe. The queen-sized bed was still neatly made and covered in extremely frilly sheets. Making a face of disgust, Daryl turned and went for the last door at the end of the hall. Again, nothing. Just the master bedroom. 
                          
As he was turning to leave, something caught his eye, making him return his gaze to look at something shining from atop the dresser across the room. Lowering his crossbow, he stepped over to get a closer look. Taking the object into his hand he slid it into his back pocket, knowing exactly who he wanted to give it to.

                          
The sunlight hit Daryl as he stepped out onto the porch, making him have to shield his eyes with his forearm. Although the sun had him partially blinded, he could make out the approaching figures of Rick and Hershel. "All clear."
                          
"No walkers?" Rick met his gaze.
                          
Daryl shook his head. "None at all. Can't say it'll stay that way for long though. Not with them hearin' that gunshot. Drivin' may have given us some distance on them, but not much."
                          
Hershel spoke, "Is there somewhere we can lay Skye?"
                          
"Bedrooms upstairs. Take your pick."
                          
Hershel nodded, and the three men headed over to the SUV. "One of you two, carry her. I'll follow with the water."
                          
Without hesitation, Daryl swung his crossbow to his back opened the back. Skye lied covered with a light blanket, her black bra strap the only part visible. Careful to keep it that way, Daryl slid an arm under her legs and one under her back as he gently lifted her from the vehicle. Walking towards the house, Daryl peered down at her hoping to catch a glimpse of her bright blue eyes shining up at him. Instead, her head rested softly against his chest, eyes closed. 
                          
They got her situated upstairs and Hershel placed the back of his hand against her forehead. "She's still quite warm, but it has gone down significantly."
                          
"Think she'll be awake soon?" Rick asked. 
                          
"Hard tellin'. Her body has to heal, rest. We've all been through so much we're all exhausted. Then you throw dehydration, heat, and fightin' for your life on top of that... well, who knows how much rest she'll be needin'."
                          
Not wanting to hear any more, Daryl said, "I'm gonna go out for a hunt. We could all use some food."
                          
"Want some help?"