AN: This was written spur of the moment and without going back through to re-read or edit, which is something I never do! I'm like OCD about it... but, I wanted to get this posted tonight and I won't have time for that.

Also, I feel the need to state that I am not a medical professional, not even close- so I will do my best in those regards and please just chalk up medical blunders on my part as creative license.

One more note, I'd like to apologize for the brevity. This is still a WIP, and I'm not sure how many chapters will be in it, but I don't intend for the rest to be near so short.

Enjoy! :)

It was supposed to be a simple run. Should have been. But in an instant it went to absolute shit. They should have seen it coming. But, really, how could they? There was no way they could have known. It's not as though you expect these things to happen. Sure, you keep your guard up, you know the shit's gonna hit the fan sooner or later; but when it does, you're never quite ready for it. And now, whether it could have been anticipated or not was beside the point. Because the fact of the matter was, Rick had missed it. And now, Daryl may very well pay the price for that.

A bowl of grisly squirrel meat floating listlessly in a thin broth, dollops of fat and bits of chopped onions swirling about to complete the unattractive medley, was presented to him for breakfast. Mmmm, mmmm good.

"Thanks Carol." Rick offered sincerely as he accepted his share of the mornings slop, eyeing it dubiously. It may not be gourmet cuisine, or even fast-food level fare, but he was grateful for all the meals Carol seemed to magic into existence. She was becoming increasingly adept at stretching their meager reserves and keeping them all eating as best as possible under the circumstances, doing what she could to include variety- both for health purposes and a change in the menu.

Carol's lips turned up into that matronly smile of hers. "Well, it may not be much," she stated modestly, "but Daryl managed to bring back a string of squirrels last night. At least it's not peaches and onions." She chuckled a bit.

Rick raised his bowl in salute accompanied by a small smile, "Now I'm extra grateful."

He headed off toward the tables quietly taking a seat with Daryl and Hershel, bidding them good morning; the greeting was met with a return in kind from Hershel and a grunt from Daryl.

They sat in amiable silence, not exactly enjoying their meals, but not exactly not enjoying them either. Rick took to people watching as he ate. It'd been two weeks now, since they'd taken in the people from Woodbury; everyone seemed to be adjusting well, settling into a routine of sorts. Everyone was willing and able to contribute in any way they could. He found that any doubts he'd harbored about bringing these people into the fold lessened each day.

Of course there were still issues to address, kinks to iron out, and much work to be done. Such as continuing to fortify the prison as well as cleaning out new areas, creating some kind of routine for the kids, maybe putting some form of schooling into place - the prison had a library - maybe they could have the kids read for a while each day or something. Then of course there was the large issue of resupplying. Which was currently Rick's main concern. They were beginning to run dangerously low on everything, most especially food.

"So, Daryl. You up for a run later?"