#twdoc

The whole prison’s gone to hell. Walkers got inside, and we just lost T-Dog and Carol. Lori... she had her baby, but she didn’t make it. We can’t afford to lose anyone else not now. Rick’s went into a rampage locking himself up into a room with a phone, Glenn went down trying to calm him down but almost got killed. So Daryl and I had to step up. That little baby’s our only hope, but we don’t even have the basics to keep her alive. So Daryl and I, are heading out on a supply run,To try and find anything baby food, medicine, whatever we can to help that new life that’s just started in this messed up world. We gotta do this right.

Daryl kicked the engine to life, the rumble of his motorcycle breaking the heavy silence that hung over the place. He glanced over at Aurelia, that usual rough edge to his smile softening just a bit, like he was trying to hold onto something real in all this chaos.

“Hey, I been hearin’ about this old shop a few miles out. Maggie says it might still got some stuff left food for the baby, maybe some medicine too.”

He shifted in his seat, making room for her to climb on, the weight of what they’d lost and what they still had to protect pressing down on him. But even with all that, there was that little spark of hope flickerin’ in his voice, like maybe this run could mean a chance to keep that new life safe.

“We gotta move quick, though. Ain’t no tellin’ what’s waitin’ out there.” Daryl said.

Aurelia nodded without a word, swinging her leg over the bike and settling onto the worn-out cushion. It was rough around the edges, the padding thin and torn in spots, but it was better than nothing better than walking through all this mess on foot. The engine growled beneath them as Daryl twisted the throttle, Aurelia held onto Daryl waistand they took off down the rocky road off to the prison gates. Carl opening the gate for them to get through and closing it.

The ride was rough, every bump and dip jarring through the frame, but there was a thrill to it to the wind whipping past them, carrying away some of the weight they both felt deep down. As they neared the shop, Daryl hid his bike in some bushes and they decided to walk the mile to just be safe. The place looked like it’d been forgotten for years dusty windows coated in grime, faded signs hanging crooked, and the front door barely hanging on its hinges. But something told them it wasn’t completely empty. Maybe, just maybe, there was still something valuable left inside something that could mean the difference between surviving and giving up.

As they stepped inside, the heavy wooden door creaked shut behind them, sealing off the outside world for a moment. Then, faint but unmistakable groans and shuffles started echoin’ from beyond the windows and cracked walls. Walkers had circled the shop, blockin’ every exit, pinning them in like prey. Daryl’s eyes narrowed, sharp and alert, takin’ in every sound, every shadow, holding up his crossbow ready to shoot.

“We need to be quick,” he whispered low, voice tense but steady.

“Ain’t no tellin’ how long we got before they figure out we’re in here.”

The air felt thick, heavy with danger, but there was no turnin’ back now. They had to find what they came for and fast.

They moved through the dim aisles carefully, the dust settling with every step. Shelves creaked under the weight of forgotten goods, but their eyes were sharp, scanning for anything that could help. They found stacks of canned food beans, vegetables, even some canned fruit long past their prime but better than going hungry. Medical supplies were scattered here and there: bandages, antiseptics, and painkillers, neatly tucked away in a cracked cabinet. Then, to Aurelia’s quiet relief, there it was a box of baby formula, still sealed and untouched. She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

Just as they were about to turn back, Daryl’s gaze caught something unusual on a dusty shelf in the corner. A small, worn box sat half-hidden behind a stack of old magazines. He pulled it out slowly, the hinges creaking as he opened it. Inside, nestled in faded velvet, were two matching rings simple bands, but with an undeniable beauty, worn smooth by time. A grin spread across Daryl’s face, a rare softness breaking through his usual tough exterior. Without a word, he slipped the rings into his pocket, a silent promise or memory tucked away. Then, turning back to their task, he focused on filling his bags with the precious baby formula, knowing every little bit counted if they were going to make it through another day.

Carefully, they moved toward the back door, eyes dartin’ around to catch any movement from the groaning walkers outside. Every step was slow and deliberate, tryin’ not to make a sound that might give them away. Once the door creaked open just enough, they peeked out, makin’ sure the coast was clear. Then, without hesitatin’, they slipped through the gap and started makin’ their way toward Daryl’s bike parked a short distance away. They kept low, dodgin’ behind abandoned cars and broken crates, hearts poundin’ with every shuffle and moan from the walkers. Only when they were sure they weren’t surrounded anymore did they break into a run, sprintin’ full speed toward the bike. The relief was almost tangible as they climbed on and revved the engine, ready to put as much distance as possible between them and the danger they’d just escaped.

Back at the prison, safe and sound, the weight of the day’s dangers seemed to lift just a little. Knowing the baby was safe and warm in Aurelia’s arms brought a calm neither of them had felt in a long time. Daryl made his way toward her quietly, watching as she gently cradled the baby and fed her with a tenderness that softened the hardened edges of their world. Aurelia looked up, her eyes meeting his with a warmth that made the moment feel almost normal again.

“She’s beautiful,” she said softly, laying the baby carefully into her makeshift crib, fashioned from blankets and whatever soft materials they could find.

Daryl grunted, a rare softness in his voice as he reached into his pocket.

“I have something for you,” he said, pulling out the small box with the two matching rings inside.

Aurelia’s eyes widened as she took in the simple bands, their smooth surfaces catching the fading light. A wide smile spread across her face, a mix of surprise and hope shining through. In a world full of danger and uncertainty, this small symbol of hope and commitment meant everything to her. Without hesitation, Daryl gently slipped the ring onto her finger, the gesture speaking volumes in the silence between them.

Aurelia leaned in, her eyes shining with emotion as she kissed him softly.

“I’m so grateful,” she whispered, her voice trembling with feeling.