Hidden Danger

"Rick, you have to stay here," I insisted, my voice laced with urgency. Rick sat in a chair, his complexion resembling that of a ghost, drained of color.

"Lori needs to know," Rick responded, his eyes locked on me.

"She will know, but right now, you can't leave Carl's side."

At long last, the door to Carl's room creaked open, and Hershel emerged, his hands stained with blood.

The bullet that had struck Carl had fragmented into six pieces, and Hershel needed to perform surgery.

But for that, he required specific medical supplies.

"I'll handle it. Just sketch me a map to the high school, and I'll take care of the rest," I offered, my determination clear as I looked at Hershel.

"No need for a map; I'll take you there," Otis chimed in.

I disagreed, firmly stating, "No, Fatso, I can manage this without you slowing me down. Just give me the map and list of supplies."

Otis frowned, his double chin seemingly multiplying. "You even know what any of the supplies look like?" he asked condescendingly.

"As a matter of fact, I do," I affirmed.

"Fine. You can go alone," Otis conceded before walking off.

A few minutes later, Maggie, Hershel's daughter, left to fetch Lori, who needed to be with Carl.

Meanwhile, I departed in Hershel's truck, knowing that everyone should be at the farm by the time I returned from the supply run.

The journey was going well until the truck couldn't proceed any further, forcing me to continue on foot.

By nightfall, I had reached the high school and spotted the small building housing the crucial supplies.

To my dismay, the building was surrounded by walkers.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a police car, which typically carried flares. Quietly and cautiously, I approached the vehicle and retrieved the flares.

With a flick of my wrist, I hurled two flares away from the supply building, diverting the walkers' attention and creating a clear path for myself. In haste, I ventured inside, murmuring, "Damn, this high school seems to have more medicine than most hospitals in my previous life."

I swiftly gathered all the supplies I needed, packing them into two duffle bags.

The knowledge from my past life about medical supplies and surgery proved invaluable.

Peering out of the building's door, I observed the extinguished flares and the encroaching walkers.

I had anticipated this, so I had taken four flares.

I ignited the remaining two and tossed them in the opposite direction, sealing my escape route.

After two tense minutes, I cautiously rechecked outside—it was clear.

With determination, I made a break for it, dashing towards the direction of the truck, determined to get back in time to save Carl's life.

Carrying two twenty-five-pound bags began to take its toll, slowing my pace. Yet, I was determined to reach the truck, no matter the burden. Fortunately, the body I now inhabited was in good shape, helping me endure the strain.

Finally I managed to make it to the truck and take a breath.

It wasn't that walkers were really scary or anything, it's just that they can swarm you so easily which is what you have to be careful of.

Finally he made it back to the farm in one piece with all the supplies and then some.

"Shane! Thank god!" Lori ran outside with Rick following behind.

"Everything go okay?" Rick walked up and made sure I was okay.

"Just peachy. Got the supplies here." I patted the two duffle bags and carried them to Carls bedside.

Seeing Carl's pale lifeless face made me frown.

Things can change in an instant. It was something he knew well.

"Hershel will be starting the surgery." Rick said while rubbing Carl's head.

I walked out of the house to give Hershel his space and went over to the piece of land where we set camp up.

Everyone who had been on the highway was back and they had set up camp on a small hill near Hershel's house.

"Shane!"

He saw Amy run toward him and jump into his arms.

"I was scared you wouldn't make it back." She whispered while I rubbed her head.

"I'm sorry but I had to help Carl."

"I understand." Amy said, making me smile.

"Come on. Let's go to bed."

"Okay."

Shane said goodnight to Amy and the others before he went to his tent and fell asleep.

The next morning everyone got good news as they heard Carl's surgery went fine and that he should wake up within a day or two.

I spent the morning with everyone and we all ate breakfast and laughed.

Carol was happy as she now had Sophia back and it seemed Daryl was a little happier as well.

Finally Daryl, T-Dog and I decided to check around our camp to make sure everything was safe.

Just because Hershel helped Carl didn't mean they were good people.

For all we knew Hershel and his family could be psychopaths.

And low and behold it turns out they were keeping something hidden after all.

"Why the hell are they keeping these things locked up in here!" T-dog rubbed his head while Daryl frowned.

During the perimeter check around the camp we heard something in the barn and found out walkers were in there.

"I'm going to tell Rick. Tell the others that I have it under control and to sit tight."

"Understood." T-Dog said while Daryl just nodded.

I walked back to the farm house and spotted Rick resting in a chair with Lori at his side while they were watching Carl sleep.

"Rick, something's up." I said, causing Rick to look at me.

"What's up?" He asked worriedly.

"Hershel has a barn full of walkers by are camp."

Rick frowned while looking surprised after all who would have a barn full of walkers anyway.

"Let me talk to Hershel about it."

"Alright. But in 3 hours I'm clearing out those walkers and I don't care whether Hershel agrees or not. Walkers aren't pets and I won't allow a danger to be this close to us." I walked away without waiting for Rick's answer.