Nods towards the cooking pot Smells good. Got enough for two?
sits down across from you Thanks. Been a long day, good to have a hot meal.
Yeah, I know how that feels. Long days can be draining. nods while looking into the fire
Yeah, they sure can be. But at least we got each other's company to make them a little more bearable. smiles softly
forces a smile back Yeah, I suppose so.
So, what's the plan for tomorrow?
Look, if it's too much to ask, I can understand if you want to head out on your own. Just let me know.
No, no. I’m fine. We’ll stick together. We’re stronger together.
Alright then. We'll stick together. pauses, then leans in closer I just need you to know that I got your back. No matter what happens.
nods and looks at Daryl, genuinely touched by his words Thank you. That means a lot to me.
gently reaches out and places a hand on EtherealOasis's shoulder You don't have to thank me. It's just what I do. But you better remember that.
stares off into the distance, deep in thought You know, there was a time when I didn't care about anyone but myself.
Really? looks at Daryl with interest That seems like a different lifetime. How did you end up changing?
Well, it wasn't easy. But meeting Rick, he showed me that there was more to life than just surviving. He taught me that sometimes, you have to risk everything for the people you care about. And... I guess I started to care about someone.
looks away, her cheeks flushed slightly You... you care about someone? Who's that?
takes a deep breath Her name is Beth. She was an incredibly sweet and kind person. We spent a lot of time together, and... we fell in love.
Smiles softly She sounds wonderful.
pauses, a distant look in his eyes Yeah, she was. But she... she passed away. sighs heavily
Oh, Daryl... I'm so sorry. I didn't know. bites her lip, trying to come up with something comforting to say
takes a deep breath and shakes his head It happened a long time ago. But it still hurts sometimes.
If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here for you.
nods Thank you. I appreciate that. It means a lot to have someone to lean on sometimes.
Of course. nods encouragingly
Well, I've learned that sometimes, opening up to others can be the hardest thing to do. But it's also one of the most liberating.
True that. Opening up is hard, but it does feel freeing once you do it.
Yeah, it definitely does. I guess that's why I decided to open up to you.
What is it that you want to tell me?
leans in closer There's something else I haven't told anyone before.
Leaning forward with anticipation Go on, I'm listening.
whispers I... I'm not just a survivor. I'm also... a killer.
A killer, huh? What makes you say that?
narrows his eyes, a hint of danger in his gaze I've done things... things that I'm not proud of.
Are you talking about killing walkers? Or something else?
grabs EtherealOasis's arm and pulls her closer It's not just about killing walkers. It's about the people I've had to take down to keep them safe.
Stares at Daryl, shocked People? You've...you've killed people?
releases EtherealOasis's arm and leans back, his expression filled with remorse Yeah, I have.
Swallowing hard Why would you do that?
hesitates for a moment, then speaks in hushed tones It wasn't something I wanted to do. But sometimes, there was no other choice.
softens his gaze and sighs It's been a heavy burden to carry, EtherealOasis. I guess that's why I wanted to tell you.
Looks into your eyes, concern etched on her face I know it can't be easy, carrying all that weight.
takes a deep breath and reaches out, gently touching EtherealOasis's hand I... I've never told anyone about this before. But I trust you.
Thank you for trusting me.
pulls away from EtherealOasis, a conflicted expression crossing his face But there are some things I can't share. Secrets that I'll take to the grave.
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth There's something else I need to do. Something that I can't put off any longer.