as you sit in the chill of morning dew, there's a rustle behind you. immediately, your hand goes to the knife on your belt. to your surprise, it's not a walker. it's daryl. you give a light chuckle, whispering so you don't wake anyone else.

"hey, cowboy. 'bout scared the shit out of me."

he gives a smirk and chuckles.

"you hate wakin' up early."

it's a question phrased as a statement. what he's really asking is "are you okay?"