NATE
YOU'VE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME! 🙄
Only THE biggest cocknut on the face of this earth would ride around the countryside. On a bike that's making more noise than a thousand lawnmowers combined.
Anyone can hear it from miles away....for crying out loud!
It belongs to one of the group Hershel is with. Can't see the rider properly, he's too far away and obscured by a hatchback.
Wish he were closer....so I can bitch slap some sense into his thick skull.
He?
Well, it stands to reason it's a man? I mean, they're the ones with a dick and a brain. But not enough of a blood supply to run both at the same time.
I watch them go....not stopping them to say hello to Hershel.
Oh don't get me wrong, I still really want to. But I doubt it'll be a good idea for either of us right now. My head simply isn't in a good place for a reunion at the moment.
However, I do follow them for some time until they stop again. Stay well back and out of sight. Knowing they'll never hear the purr of my Jeep....over the cacophony of that monster bike.
Oh well, at least I know I'll be able to find them any time I want. All I have to do is listen for the tell-tale roar of that damned stupid thing.
By the time I park and sneak up on them to observe, they've set up camp. It looks like they're hard off for supplies. A couple of the women seem very skinny indeed 😔
But I can hear some quiet laughter and lively chatter. So they must be quite close-knit as a group? I'm glad they're together, that Hershel is with them. Hopefully, his daughters are too?
Can't see any men other than Hershel and a young boy....teen? The others must've gone off, probably scavenging.
I jog the two miles back to my car.
Plan it on my way back to town....I'm getting really good at that now. I give a happy sigh, as it's the right thing to do. The only thing, without a doubt.
Made a slight detour on the way though. Because there was something else I needed to get first.
Later that night I sat in Hatlins, writing on a notepad. Everything is already packed away safely in and on top of the vehicle.
Just have to wait until full dark....when they'll be asleep.
*
Just after three AM the following morning, I quietly stack the final one in the middle of the road.
I'm about two miles north of Hershel's campsite. Puffing from exertion but happy with what I've achieved. Retrieving the letter I've written, I place it on a specific crate.
Weigh it down with a rock then tuck a spare notepad and pen alongside it.
Now for the trickiest part.
Grabbing the sign, I creep closer to their camp. Being uber-careful and not making a single sound.
Jorge called me his silent assassin....no....little assassin 🥷
My progress is temporarily halted by the memory. I bend over in agony while trying my hardest not to whimper.
It's happening more and more often now. And I know for certain, that soon? It'll consume me whole.
'Just hang in there for a little bit longer....please Nate?' I beg myself.
They're all sound asleep, including a lady with cropped grey hair who's nursing a rifle.
Their lookout?
Hmmmm....not good!
All the rest are huddling around a dying fire, heads tucked under thin blankets to keep them from the chill. As quietly as possible I push a stake into the ground, then hang my sign on it.
Take one last longing look at their group. Then sneak away and head back to town.
And for the first time in months? I actually sleep soundly for a while 😴
**********
Daryl was the first to wake.
Dawn hadn't yet broken when he walked over to Carol to relieve her on watch. Giving a little sigh of annoyance once he realised she was fast asleep.
But what he sees next? Brings forth a loud mouthful of expletives that wake absolutely everyone up.
"WHAT THE FUCK?" He finished in a screech, stopping dead in his tracks.
Rick sprang up from his blanket on the ground and reached his side in seconds. Daryl thumbed at the sign stuck in the ground.
Not ten feet from where they'd all crashed. Cold, exhausted and hungry.
Glenn joined them, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
Hershel Two miles up the road 😊
The trio looked at each other....totally speechless.
"Is this a trap?" T-Dog reached the small group, but no one knew how to answer him.
"Go get Hershel. Tell him to meet me at the truck" Rick ordered Glenn.
"You and T stay here, eyes open. Be safe!"
Ten minutes later, their Cherokee stopped in the middle of the road.
About a hundred feet from what appears to be a dozen or so crates? Carefully stacked and partially covered by a tarpaulin.
Rick and Daryl climbed out. Scanning the area....with weapons at the ready. Hearing no noise Daryl stalked ahead, scouring the ground for tracks.
"One person only" He called back.
"Footprints, small....leadin to and from our camp. Looks like an SUV or somethin parked here, unloaded. Then went off in that direction."
He inched closer to the crates and edged around them carefully. On the lookout for signs of a booby trap.
Finding none, he yanked back the tarp and let out a low whistle.
Giving the Ok to Rick and Hershel they edged closer to him. Daryl held out a note which again....is addressed to Hershel.
He took it in confusion.
"What the....?" Rick began as he poked amongst the crates.
They're stuffed full of tinned and boxed food, fresh fruit and vegetables. Even more hold cooking implements, blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing and medicines.
In addition? Ten gallons of fuel in cans and several rifles, complete with ammunition.
There's a final crate, the one that the note had been placed on. It appears to be stocked with personal items.
Photo albums, a jewellery box and some clothing? A half-full bottle of booze and a large, old leather-bound bible.
Rick turned back to Hershel, watching impatiently as he read his letter. A huge smile filled his face even though his eyes spilled over with tears.
He and Daryl peered at him then each other, in concern.
"Who?" They finally questioned in sync, curiosity trumping their worry for the older man.
"My little bar-buddy" Hershel responded, shaking with emotion.
"The one that you all told me....was just a hallucination from the whisky."
Dearest Hershel,
I hope you remember me.
Birthday girl....talks a lot? Skipped out and left you holding the tab?
Yup!
I had me one hell of a hangover, that's for sure. But I didn't regret it and I never will....not one little bit!
"That makes two of us, sweetheart" Hershel voiced his thoughts out loud.
Sorry for leaving you so abruptly that day without kissing you goodbye. And I'm really sorry again, for not doing this in person right now.
I went to your farm.
I'm so very sad that you had to leave your home. And I truly hope all those with you at the time are safe. It must've been terrifying for everyone?
You know I don't believe in God. But I'm praying that your girls made it out with you too? Everyone needs their family.
Please forgive me for going into your home uninvited and having a sticky beak. The walkers have all left but it's currently being protected by two extremely diligent goats.
Hershel let out a little chuckle before continuing....
I know what it's like to have even a tiny bit of home with you. So I brought some things that look like they're much loved by you and your girls?
I've been collecting supplies for a while now. Something to do I suppose.
But after seeing a few of your travelling companions this afternoon? I know you all need them so much more than me.
Hope what I've left helps you and your family out a little bit?
I have to go now, but I'll keep an eye or rather....an ear out for you. It won't be hard at all. Because I'm sure I'll always be able to hear that stupid bloody motorbike. Even if I move to Alaska.
Keep looking out during your travels. You'll know when you see it 😉
And maybe (but only if you want to, of course) write back to me? Just leave it in the same place as my sign and I'll come check.
Please stay safe, you and all your family.
I'll try and do the same.
Lots of love, hugs and kisses forever....
'N'
"Who is this stupid bitch?" Daryl growled incredulously, once Hershel finished reading the letter to them.
"And who the fuck does she think she is, payin shit out on my bike? Bitch better pray I never get a hold of her ass!"
🤬🤬🤬🤬