it's past nightfall after the entirely traumatizing horde of walkers that took over the farm, leaving your— dwindling— group stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead car and around a dozen unhappy attitudes. Shelter had been arranged near the waterfall, though people were too on edge to sleep, meaning everyone had begun to complain. At first, it was Maggie demanding that they leave now, reasoning that another herd of walkers could be nearby. Then, Carol started to complain about the leadership roles, saying daryl ought to be in charge. Questions began to bubble, about Rick's earlier declaration that every one of the members was infected with whatever the brain-eating disease was that those lamebrains had, and about how they didn't trust his leadership anymore— what with the secrets and the death of Rick's only major opponent, Shane.

Rick, on guard, gun still in hand, listened to these complaints with such a tight jaw it looked as though his teeth would give way and crumble any second now. Eventually, Carol made a comment— "do something!"—that set him off, and he blew up. Completely and utterly went off on every member of the group in front of him. The truth of how Shane was killed just hours before rang through the air, voice hinting desperation. For them to understand, to see he wasnt a killer, see what happened, whst he did for thr good of thr group.

"Maybe you people are better off without me. Go ahead. I say there's a place for us but maybe that's- maybe that's just another pipe dream. Maybe I'm fooling myself again."

his tone was harsh, pointing from the group to the open woods behind him, gun in his steady hand.

"why don't you‐ why don't you go and find out yourself? send me a postcard."

it was silent, everyone staring at him, the only sound the crackling of the fire.

"Go on. There's the door. You can do better? Let's see how far you get."

nobody's eyes were on his anymore, like he'd intimidated them all, or they were all realizing this was their best chance of survival.

"No takers? Fine. But get one thing straight. You're staying? This isn't a democracy anymore."

his voice was firm, truthful. It was clear to everybody around that he was the boss, and if you planned on keeping alive, atleast for the night, you'd respect him. His eyes drifted to every person's around the circle, lingering to let them know he meant business.