Daryl and his group led her through the forest in silence, weapons ready yet at ease. Dallas walked to her right, the same solemn, sunken face she had always known. Harley walked right behind her, with Craig to her left. Daryl spoke calmly. “You’re group will be welcomed, but we always take precautions. We’ll take your weapons and personal belongings to look through. We won’t take anything that isn’t a threat. They’ll be returned eventually. You’ll likely be strip searched by our doctors. If you’re clear, you’ll be assigned an empty house, and eventually, a job. If you’re infected.. we let you choose which way you’d like to leave.”

Gloria processed this. It was.. fair, at least. “Yes, sir.”

They soon made it to a tall gate. Glenn hollered, and the gate opened. Abraham turned, holding a hand for Gloria, Dallas, Harley, and Craig to wait. Then, a scruffy man walked out of the gate, moving to Gloria first, shaking her hand. “Welcome to Alexandria. I’m Rick.”