Rick and Shane find refuge behind a police car, seeking safety from an ongoing threat posed by an active shooter.

This is not good.

Rick and Shane, while discreetly hiding from the shooter, engage in conversation, leaning against a police car.

I don't think he is from around here.

I think that's a safe bet. When they opened that prison in grant county I didn't think we'd be getting their run-off!

The assailant in the midst of the incident is wielding a firearm.

I'm ain't goin' back! I'll die first!

Rick and Shane, while discreetly hiding from the shooter, engage in conversation,leaning against a police car.

DAMMIT! Our back-up is probably more than ten miles away! We're sitting ducks behind this car... Cover me.. I'm going to try and make it to that ditch so we can surround him.

Shane, in the act of shielding Rick, has his firearm forcefully disarmed by the shooter's gunfire.

Clutching his wounded hand, Shane witnesses the harrowing scene as the shooter targets Rick, firing a shot directly into his chest.

RICK!!

Rick lies in a hospital bed, just rousing from his slumber.

GASP!

Reclined in the hospital bed, Rick reaches over and carefully removes the oxygen apparatus.

Rick sits upright, swinging his leg over the side of the bed.

Gripping onto the IV pole for support, Rick endeavors to rise to his feet.

Rick attempts to take a step but immediately crumples to the ground.

From the ground, Rick gazes upward, scanning the surroundings in search of the nurse.

NURSE!!

Rick, determined, crawls back to the bed and locates the emergency button, pressing it with urgency.

Rick positions himself on the floor, leaning against the bed with his back for support.

Seated on the floor with his back against the bed, Rick observes a dresser to his right.

Rick opens the dresser to find his belongings neatly arranged, including his clothes, shoes, keys, and his badge.

Rick stands in the doorway of the hospital room 251.

Hello?

Rick strides down the empty hallway.

Hello?! Anybody?!

Rick approaches the information desk in the hospital.

What the hell?! Did everyone just decide to take a break at the same time?!

Rick continues navigating the deserted hospital corridors.

Rick discovers an elevator.

Rick steps into the elevator.

The elevator halts, and Rick waits for the doors to open.

The elevator doors creak open, revealing a zombie that tumbles inside.

AHH!

Rick stands over the zombie, visibly frightened.

Help!!

Rick leaps over the zombie, escaping the elevator.

Somebody Help!!

Rick coninues his journey down the hospital corridor.

Anybody?

Rick proceeds along the hospital halls.

Rick spots a double door blocked with a board.

What the Hell?

Rick removes the wooden board.

What happened here?

Rick opens the door slowly.

Rick opens the door to a room filled with over 20 zombies.

UUNGH.

Rick visibly frightened, moves away from zombie at the door.

Uh. Uh. Uh.

Rick falls to the ground while backing away from the approaching zombie.

UFF!

Rick, on the floor, continues to move away from the zombie.

STOP! Get away from me !

The zombie grabs Rick by the shirt as he attempts to exit the hospital.

Cant you understand?!

The zombie forcefully shoves Rick out of the door, and they tumble to the ground.

PLEASE!

The zombie lands on top of Rick, and together, they descend down the stairs.

The zombies neck snaps during the fall down the stairs.

Rick collapses onto the zombie at the bottom of the stairs.

OOF!

Rick rises and descends the stairs as zombies persue him.

Rick pushes open a door and starts removing his belt.

Rick passes through the door, securing it with his belt.

What the hell was all that?

Rick stands in an almost empty parking structure with only one car.

...

Rick attempts to open the door.

Damn.

Rick walks away from the car.

Rick is outside the hospital, strolling down the sidewalk.

Rick contunies walking down the sidewalk.

Rick comes across a wrecked car with a dead body hanging out of it.

Jesus..

Rick spots a bike in the grass up ahead.

Rick walks up to the bike.

Rick looks horrified by what he sees.

GASP!

A deteriorated zombie lies next to the bike.

GUK...GLAKK.

Rick covers his mouth in disbelief.

The zombie notices Rick and gazes at him.

GUK.

A close-up of Rick's face.

The zombie lies on the ground with its mouth open.

GUH.

A close-up of Rick's face as he begins to cry.

The zombie lies on the ground, looking at Rick.

GAR.

Rick walks down the road with a bike.

Rick collapses to his knees, letting the bike fall.

Oh God...

Rick buries his face in his hands in the middle of the road.

Still weeping, Rick remains on his knees in the middle of the road.

Rick stands up, gazing at the abandoned bike.

...

Rick mounts the bike.

Wiping away his tears, Rick preapres to ride the bike.

Rick begains to pedal the bike forward.

Riding down the empty road, Rick tries to escape his pain.

Rick rides a bike through a desolated neighborhood.

Rick halts in front of a dilapidated house.

Dismounting, Rick approaches the front door of the house.

As he nears the door, Rick mutters,

Son of a bitch.

Rick opens the screen door and grips the doorknob.

Rick enters the house.

Passing by a family picture showing two parents and a son, Rick reminisces.

Rick opens a door and peeks into a bedroom, surveying the silent space.

Moving on, Rick steps into the kitchen, haunted by memories.

Rick steps outside and onto the porch, leaning on the railing.

Rick surveys the surroundings.

Nothing.

Reflecting, Rick walks around the exterior of the house.

Rick's gaze wanders, taking in the desolation that surrounds him.

A shovel swings through the air, catching Rick off guard.

Rick is struck in the back of the head with a shovel.

A young boy stands above Rick, wielding a shovel.

Dad!

Father and son loom over Rick, the shovel-weilding boy explaining his actions.

Jesus, Shit! Son.. What did you do?

He was going to try to eat us, Dad.

The father corrects the misunderstanding, realizing Rick is still alive.

No, son..This man is alive.

Oh.

Grab his feet.. Help me get him inside.

Rick regains consciousness on a couch.

Huh!

The father and son are in the kitchen; Rick, now sitting up, questions them.

Oh, You're awake. We're just getting ready to have dinner. Would you care to join us?

Wait, what the hell is going on here?!

The trio sits at the dining room table, the father explaining the shovel incident.

Oh, sorry about my boy. He hit you over the head with a shovel.

Huh? What are you talking about?

He thought you were one of those things..

Rick is bewildered.

"Things?" You mean those monsters that are at the hospital?! Who are you people? What the hell is going on?

The father attempts to soothe Rick's confusion.

Whoa, whoa.. calm down there buddy. This was all just a misunderstanding. My boy didn't mean nothing.

Rick demands answers.

How did it all happen? What went wrong?

The father is suprised that Rick is unaware of the situation.

What a minute. Hold up. Damn son.. You don't know about any of it?

Rick, the father, and son father in front of a fireplace. The son is drawing on the floor.

I was shot... I woke up in the hospital and was atacked. i came home.. My wife and kid were gone.. The whole damn town was deserted. i didn't know what the hell was going on.

All media shut down after a few weeks. I haven't heard much of anything after that. It they found a way to stop it.. they haven't made it here yet. Those things are everywhere.

You say nobody knows what caused it?

A good blow to the head will take 'em out. That's why the boy whacked you with our shovel. Nothing much else seems to faze them. Anytime one wanders into the yard we take care of it. We try to keep quiet.. They'd come after us if they knew we was here.

The father looks worried.

Before they stopped broadcasting they told us to relocate to the bigger cities. They said they could protect us all there. I figured i'd be better off taking my chances here.

Rick seems relieved.

My in-laws line in Atlanta..That's only a five-hour drive from here. That's probably where my wife went. Thank god.. If they're protecting the cities.. Man, I was so worried.

The father leans back in his chair, appearing suspicious.

Oh, yeah.. I'm sure they're fine.

Rick stands up, holding a key.

Well.. I need a car if im going to Atlanta.. Want to go shopping?

Rick, the father, and son stand in front of the police station.

So, you're a cop, huh?

Yep.

I figured you for a hunter, after you said you got shot and all. You being a cop.. You don't mind my boy and I taking residence in your neighbor's place do you?

Rick looks back at the father while putting the key in the door.

I'm not going to arrest you if that's what you mean. Most of the houses on my street had been looted. You seemed to be fixing the place up. The Thompson's will probably thank you when they get back. As long as you don't put up a fight over the place.

Rick and the father, and his son stand in the entry of the police station.

It's not like we're stealing the place.. Your neighborhood just seemed safer. We don't figure that we're hurting anybody by staying there.. and in my book that makes it okay.

You don't have to justify anything to me. You're keeping your son safe. I'm worried sick about mine. I understand.

The father seems happy.

I appreciate that y'know... I don't think I got your name?

Rick and the father shake hands.

Rick.. officer Rick Grimes at your service. And you?

Oh, Morgan Jones.. and this here is little Duane.

Rick and Morgan look around the police station.

You're a good man, Morgan. I really appreciate you driving me over here. you've helped me out a lot.

It's worth it just to get to talk to someone. If it ain't about cartoons or passing gas..My boy don't want to talk about it.

Rick does a half smile and laughs.

Heh.

Rick looks sad.

Rick looks guilty.

Damn. After everything I've seen today... I feel guil;ty for laughing.

Rick is stands with Morgan and Duane in front of a computer desk. Rick is holding a gun.

Hey, man... It's okay. you've seen some crazy shit out there... We all have. You can't let it get to you. You just gotta keep going. you can't stop to think about it.. or you'll go crazy.

Yeah...

What's up with that?

Rick looks at his gun. Morgan and Duane watch him.

Oh, this? I figured I might as well bring a few along... just incase. Speaking of which.. Follow me.

Rick opens a locked door. Morgan and Duane are standing behind him.

I just need to find the right key... here we are.

Rick opens a door to a gun vault. Morgan and Duane walk in.

Wow.

Grab a couple for yourself. if whacking those things over the head with a shovel does them in.. I'm sure those things will work. Should save you some effort.

Rick points out where the ammo is located.

The shells are in the cabinet below the gun rack. Make sure you save some for me. I'll be right back.

Duane observes as his father, Morgan, reaches for a shotgun.

Can I--?

No, dammit. Don't touch anything.

Morgan holds two guns while Duane watches.

But I'm old enough.

Yes, you are.. and I'm gonna teach you how to use one of them tomorrow... but until then they're off limits.

Rick reenters the room, dressed in his cop uniform.

Are there enough shells for both of us in there?

Rick walks towards Morgan.

Well.. that getup certainly suits you.

I keep a spare uniform in my locker. I figured if I was going into a big city, and they've got a ton of people holled up there.. I could get around easier being a cop so I might as well look the part.

Rick smiles, holding a handful of guns and ammo.

Grab what you're getting and follow me out back. i got another suprise for you.

Rick, Morgan, and Duane exit the back of the police station into the parking lot, surrounded by patrol cars.

You take that one of the left. It doesn't run as good as the one I'm taking but btter than that hatchback you're driving. If I'm going to make it all the way to Atlanta I'm going to need the newer one.

Wait... what?

Rick straps his bag filled with guns and ammo on his back.

You'll be safer in one of these things if you need to go anywhere.

But I...

Rick hands Morgan car keys.

Don't sweat it, man. I'm just doing my job. I can't think of a better way to "protect and serve" under the circumstances.

Rick opens the door to his patrol car; Morgan and Duane watch.

When things get back to normal... You'll have to give it back.. So try not to bang it up or put too many miles on it.

Morgan looks grateful.

Thank you, Rick. I can't tell you how much this will help us.

Rick continues to put his stuff in the patrol car.

Look you've already helped--

Rick looks up from the car.

What was that?!

Rick, Morgan and Duane turn to the chain-link fence, where a zombie appears.

UHH! UHH! UHH!

LOOK OUT!

Rick places his hand on his holstered pistol.

The zombie leans on the fence, its face pressed against the chain links.

RUH! RUOALIAGH!

Rick draws his pistol, ready to shoot the zombie. Morgan places his hand on top of the gun.

No.

Rick holsters his gun.

Yeah.. you're right. We better get these cars out of here before it makes its way around to the gate.

Rick and Morgan get into the patrol cars.

I'll see you around?

Of course.. we're neighbors. Keep an eye on my house for me.

Will do.

Rick opens the gate, allowing Morgan and Duane to exit. Morgan drives out of the gate.

Rick takes the wheel, driving the patrol car out of the gate.

Rick steps out of the car and secures the gate behind him.

A zombie watches as Rick drives off.

UHH.

Rick maneuvers through the empty town in his patrol car.

Rick reaches the highway in his patrol car.

Rick stops the patrol car and steps out onto the road.

Rick walks over to the side of the road.

The zombie that Rick encountered by the bicycle remains in the same spot.

GAK!

Rick draws his pistol and fires, putting down the zombie.

Rick gazes down at the lifeless zombie.

The zombie lies motionless, a bullet to the head.

Rick is overcome with emotion, tears welling up.

Rick wipes away his tears, colleting himself.

Rick walks back to the patrol car.

Rick enters the patrol car.

Rick drives away into the night.

Rick continues to navigate the dark highway in his patrol car.

Rick passes a "Welcome to Georgia" sign along the way.

Rick stops for gas, only to find it empty.

God dammit!! Not again!

Back in his patrol car, Rick notices a zombie in a car adjacent to him.

...

Rick continues driving down the desolate highway.

Rick runs out of gas, and the car comes to a halt. He steps out.

Damn it!

Rick retrieves his gear from the patrol car.

Rick starts walking, leaving his car behind.

Rick moves further into the distance, leaving his car behind.

Rick spots a farmhouse in the distance.

Rick gazes at the farmhouse.

Huh..

Rick jumps over the fence, heading towards the farmhouse.

Rick stands in front of the house.

Rick knocks on the door.

Rick calls out to see if anyone is home.

Anybody home?!

Rick turns the door knob to enter the house.

I'm coming in...

Rick opens the door and steps in.

I'm not here to hurt or rob you.. I just need some gasoline...

Rick walks further into the house.

Sniff.. Sniff

Rick is terrified.

GAH!

Rick holds is hand to his mouth looking into a living room filled with a dead, rotting family.

Rick runs for the door, holding his mouth.

Rick makes it to the door and throws up.

Rick wipes his face.

Rick walks towards a locked barn.

Rick unlocked the barn and goes inside.

Rick sees a horse in the barn.

Hello...

Rick walks up to the horse and pets her.

Hey, girl. they leave you in here all alone?

Rick grabs a saddle to put on the horse.

I sure could use your help... if you're interested. I'm trying to get to Atlanta. To see my wife and son.

Rick puts the saddle on the horse.

You ever been to Atlanta? It's not really that far away...

Rick sees an axe.

You mind if I take this? I think it might come in handy...

Rick gets on the horse.

Your ready, girl?

Rick leaves the barn on the horse.

Let's go!

Rick rides the horse through a field.

Slow down, girl! I know you've been in that barn for a while, but you're going to wear yourself out.

Rick and the horse jump over a fence.

With a pull on the reins, Rick steers the horse, guiding it skillfully.

Whoa!!

Rick and the horse discover a road, providing a welcome respite.

That's better... I don't want you passing out before we get there.

Rick confidently rides the horse down the open road, seeking solace in conversation.

So... you got a name?

Rick rides the horse and shares a moment of solace, recounting the happiest day of his life.

Y'know... That's a good idea. Talking about the happiest day of my life will surely get my mind off all the messed up shit I've seen recently...

Rick reflects on the past while riding, recalling the morning he received a life-changing call at the station.

i had just gone into work that morning. I was sitting at the station drinking my second cup of coffee for the day. Gilroy was telling me about the drunk they brought in the night before... then the call came.

Rick, still conversing with the horse, shares the story of rushing home when Lori went into labor.

It was my wife Lori, her water had broken not ten minutes after I left. I grabbed my coat and ran home to get her. Got Gilory to call Doc Stevens so he could meet us at the hospital.

Rick talks to the horse, recalling the intense moments at the hospital, where complications arose but everything turned out okay.

I got her to the hospital without a hitch. One of the only times I got to use the sirens on my car... It was a small town we lived in. I held her hand the whole time. there were some complications... and she had to get a cesarean. I was really worried... but everything went okay.

Rick continues sharing memories with the horse, fondly remembering the first time he laid eyes on little Carl.

The first time I laid eyes on little Carl.

Rick gazes into the distance, struggling to hold back tears as he rides the horse.

I --

Rick, overcome with emotion, holds back tears while riding the horse.

...

Rick rides the horse down the road, reconsidering the impact of reminiscing about the good times.

Y'know... on second thought... thinking about the good times makes all this seem so much worse.

Rick and the horse reach Atlanta.

Here we are...

Rick rides the horse into the city.

Rick passes by an alley.

A zombie, laying against a building, notices Rick.

RUH?

Rick continues riding the horse into the city, surrounded by zombies.

Zombies on the street start noticing Rick and the horse.

Rick finds himself surrounded by zombies.

Shit.

Rick and the horse are surrounded by zombies.

C'mon, girl...let's get the hell out of here!

Rick realizes there is no way out.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

The zombies close in on Rick and the horse, making the horse buck Rick off.

AAAHH!

Rick falls to the ground with zombies surrounding him.

UFF!

The zombies attack the horse.

GUH.

The horse is being eaten by zombies.

REEEARHHH!

Rick watches in horror as the zombies devour the horse, and then notices one of the zombies locking eyes with him.

Ruh?

Oh, God.

A zombie seizes Rick while he's on the ground, clutching his axe..

Shit!

Rick swings the axe into the zombie's head.

The zombie falls to the side of Rick.

UGH.

Rick stands up, retrieves his axe from the zombie's head.

Rick finds himself surrounded by hundreds of zombies.

Son of a bitch...

The zombies are tearing a person apart.

Rick is outraged.

Bastards!! What the hell is wrong with you?!

Rick starts shooting the zombies.

Rick shots a zombie in the head.

Rick shoots another zombie in the head.

Rick shoots another zombie in the head.

Rick takes his axe and decapitates a zombie.

Rick finds an alley and makes a run for it.

Someone grabs Rick's shoulder.

AAUGH!

A man holds Rick to the side.

I can get you out of here. Follow me.

The man runs ahead of Rick down an alley.

And stop using that gun! You'll have the whole city on us!

Rick and the man look behind them and see zombies are following.

Don't worry about them. We'll be long gone before they get down here. Stay there.

The man pulls down an escape ladder.

The man is skillfully lowering the ladder while Rick watches the zombies closing in.

Got it on the first try...

The man starts climbing the ladder, urging Rick to follow.

C'mon man. I'm trying to save your life here! What're you waiting on?!

Rick and the man begin climbing up the ladder.

Sorry... ... It's just ... I've never seen so many of them.

The man successfully climbs onto the roof.

Then you're a lucky man... That's nothing down there... had you gotten fifty more feet into the city before they attacked.. you would not be here right now.

The man helps Rick off the ladder and onto the roof.

What?

The man starts to run, but Rick hesitates.

C'mon we must hurry!

Rick holds his hand out.

Wait!

The man jumps to the next building.

Rick looks over the side of the building, fear evident in his expression.

No. No way in hell.

Rick and the man exchange glances atop the buildings.

You're going to have to. Listen.. It's easy... I do it all the time. When we climb down this building those things will still be waiting for us at the bottom of that building. And there's no way out of that one. All these buildings are filled with zombies. Trust me.

Rick gets ready to jump.

God damn it.

Rick jumps to the other building.

Rick lands short and grabs the side of the building.

OOF!

The man grabs Rick and helps him onto the building.

Jesus man! You should have thrown the duffle bag over first!

Rick adjusts his hat.

Now you tell me.

Rick follows the man across the rooftop.

We've got to hurry before they spread out again. When we climb down this building, be ready to run. Don't worry, we don't have far to go.

The man starts to climb down the ladder.

We're not in the clear yet... but this building is close to the woods at the edge of the city. We've got to run about a block before we get to them... and there's liable to be a few of those things on the way. As long as we keep moving, though... they shouldn't be able to surround us.

Rick follows the man down the ladder.

those things are slow as hell, so you should be able to maneuver around them. Don't use your gun.. and don't let them touch you. One bite and it's all over for you.

The man and Rick make it to the end of the ladder.

This way.

The man and Rick start running down the alley.

Rick and the man slip through a wooden fence.

From this point on is where we need to be careful.

Gotcha.

Rick slips through the wooden panels, and the man is standing infront of a warehouse.

It's not far, now.

Rick and the man run between the warehouses.

While running, they pass by a zombie leaning on the wall.

Heads up!

Rick and the man continue running.

I didn't even see it!

You're going to have to keep your eyes open, man. Where've you been for the past month?

Coma.

Rick and the man are running through the woods.

Seriously?

Rick is running.

Yeah... I woke up in the hospital yesterday.. I...

Rick puts his hand on the man's shoulder.

Can we stop here? Is it safe?

For a minute.

Rick looks at the man.

What you said about the city earlier.. How dangerous it is. Where are all the people that were there?

The man looks concerned.

That... That was them trying to eat us back there. You can't go into the cities anymore.. Everyone that was there is dead. The government tried to herd everyone into the cities so we'd be easier to protect. All that did was put all the food in one place. Every time one of those things kills one of us we become one of them. It took a week for just about everyone in the city to be killed. After that... We don't know. Nobody can get in or out. Did you have family in there?

Rick collapses to his knees.

My wife... my son...

The man attempts to console Rick.

I'm sorry, man.. I hate for you to have to hear it this way.

Rick breaks down in tears, wiping them away.

We... we're from Kentucky... but when I was told people were ordered to larger cities I figured my wife would have taken my son to her parents place.. here in Atlanta. They may not have come.. but I don't know where else they'd be.

The man extends a hand to help Rick up.

Don't give up hope, man... I've seen all kinds of people that have survived some crazy shit. We've got a guy at the camp that actually made it out of Atlanta..

Rick composes himself.

Did you say... camp?

Rick and the man start walking.

Yeah... That's where we're headed. They're more people there.

Rick and the man stand in a vast field.

We're almost there, c'mon.

Rick and the man continue walking.

We're mostly latecomers, people that tried to get into Atlanta too late.. like you. We couldn't get in, so we set up camp here.

Rick walks alongside the man.

So you're just camping out here? Is that safe?

The man responds to Rick's question.

Yeah... we've got some cars for shelter.. and we all take turns keeping watch at night. We figure if we stick close to the city they'll be able to find us when the government sorts all this mess out.

Rick and the man approach the camp.

Here we are.

Rick looks astonished.

Holy shit.

Lori, Rick's wife, runs towards Rick, extremely excited.

RICK!

Carl, Rick's son, rushes towards Rick, overjoyed.

DAD!

Rick, Lori, and Carl embrace each other.

Oh, Thank God.

Rick embraces his wife and son, while Shane observes in the background.

I--I was so worried about you.

Shane approaches Rick, placing a hand on his shoulder.

It's good to see you man.

Rick is surpised to see Shane.

Oh my god shane!

Lori wipes away her tears.

Shane helped us get here.. we wouldn't have made it without him.

Rick grabs Shane's shoulders to express gratitude, while Lori and Carl watch.

I guess I owe you more than I'll ever be able to repay.

Rick, please. It was nothing. I had to make up for letting you get shot like that...

Man that wasn't your fault. Besides, I'm fine now.

Fair enough. Let me show you around.

One of the camp members kneels down with the man who saved Rick.

What'd you get this time, Glenn?

I got some candy bars for the kids, some soap, detergent.. A couple rolls of toilet paper.

Great!

Shane introduces Rick to Allen and Glenn.

You've met Glenn, that's Allen hounding him for supplies. Allen's wife, Donna is around here somewhere. They've got twins, Billy and Ben... They're hellions.

Shane introduces Rick to Dale, Jim, Carol, and Sophia.

That's Dale up there keeping watch. That's his camper. Jim is over there eating. That's Carol and her daughter Sophia sitting on the back of the car.

Shane introduces Rick to Amy and Andrea.

This is Amy and Andrea... they're sisters.

You guys seen Donna an the twins?

Donna and the twins exit the RV.

We're right here, what-- Oh.. new arrival?

Shane talks to Donna.

This is Lori's husband.

Rick, Shane, Donna, Lori, and Jim stand in a circle.

My word... that's the best news I've heard all month. Shane, darling... come with me... those two have got some catching up to o.

Yeah.

Rick and Lori hug while Donna and Shane give them space.

Rick sits alone by the camp fire surrounded by tents.

Lori pops her head out of the tent to talk to Rick.

I'm so glad you saved this for me. I felt naked without it. Is he asleep?

Yeah..finally.

Lori gets out of the tent and joins Rick by the fire.

He can't sleep anymore unless he knows I'm right next to him. Never really had to slip away from him like that... I usually just lie there and look at him... he's...

You've been through a lot.

Yeah.. I'm sorry we left you Rick.

Rick holds Lori closer to comfort her.

Lori, please. i understand the circumstances. you thought Atlanta would be safer for Carl. I would've done the same thing.

They said people were going to sty at the hospital when they evacuated us. From what you told me... They must have abandoned the hospital less than a week after we left.

Rick gazes at Lori.

You did what's right for little Carl. I'm just glad Shane was around to help you get here.

Lori speaks to Rick.

I don't even think I would've found the way down here without him. Let alone survived after we got here.

Your hand !

Rick examines his hand as Lori watches.

That's just from the IV. It's not a big deal..

Oh.

Rick points out the lone watchman to Lori.

Is he enough up there?

So far that's all we've needed. Luckily those things haven't come at us in any numer. Most we've had at one time is three.

Lori sits in front of the tent, talking to Rick.

This is... none of us really sleep anymore. Soon as we hear one of the shots, we're up ready to defend this place.

Lori is talking with Rick.

We've only got two guns. Shane's pistol and Dale's rifle.... but we've got shovels around the camp that we can hit them with... it's worked so far.. They don't come very often...

Rick and Lori embrace each other while staring at the fire.

Lori turns to Rick.

Rick.. you're shaking.

A close up of Rick's face and he looks scared.

The past two days... I've been so worried about finding you and Carl... and getting here in one piece... I haven't had time to be scared.

Rick, Lori and Carl peacefully rest inside the tent.

Rick quietly inches closer to Carl within the confines of the tent.

Rick's eyes open.

Rick sits up in bed, surveying his sleeping family.

....

Rick extends his hand, tenderly placing it on Lori's face.

Rick opens the tent door as Lori rubs her eyes, waking up.

Shane greets Rick, who is stretching outside the tent.

Morning, partner.

Rick looks at Shane.

Hey, man... I thought you'd still be asleep. You kept watch most of the night, didn't you?

Shane gives Rick a thumbs up.

Glenn took over about half way through.. but I don't sleep much anyway. You want to take a shower? The one in Dale's camper still works. It's pond water... but it's better than nothing.

Rick rubs his head.

Man, I'd love a shower... I had already kissed that luxury goodbye.

Shane responds to Rick.

Don't linger too long... you and I are going hunting today.

Rick enters the camper, finding dale inside.

Rick looks suprised.

Oh, Hey!

Dale and Rick engage in conversation.

I didn't see you there, man... you almost scared me to death.

So you're Lori's husband huh?

Yeah.

Dale shares his thoughts with Rick.

I don't want to stir nothing up... and you gotta understand this has nothing to do with your wife. She did nothing but talk about you while you were gone... she worried about you. She felt bad about leaving you. But that Shane... he's a good man... he helps out a lot around here... he took care of your wife.. but he's not glad you're back. he's had his eye on Lori for as long as I've known them.

Rick places a reassuring hand on Dale's shoulder.

I appreciate the advice, but Shane is my friend. he was just keeping her safe. I don't have anything to worry about.

Rick turns to leave the RV, and as he exits, Dale offers a cautionary remark.

I woulnd't trust him around my wife...

I'll keep that in mind.

Rick exits the RV carrying clothes.

Lori and Shane share a lighthearted moment, laughing together.

Rick reflects on the situation.

Crazy old man...

Shane interrupts his conversation with Lori and turns to Rick.

You ready? We should get going if we're going to find anything.

I'm ready when you are.

Rick hands Lori his clothes.

I'll take those hon.

Scrub 'em really good... they're a bit funky.

Shane hands Rick a shotgun.

Uh-huh... Don't you have some animals to try and shoot?

That's the plan..love you.

Rick puts on his cowboy hat and turns to leave with Shane.

I lov eyou too. Be careful.

Lori observes Rick and Shane departing.

Lori spots Carl with a bucket.

CARL! Where are you going?

Carl, holding a small shovel, points behind him.

Over by Sophia's car... we're going to play in the dirt.

Lori grabs Carl by the chin.

Alright, i'm going to go wash our clothes with Donna and Carol. you make sure you and Sophia keep an eye on Allen. if he tells you to get in the RV, you do it!

Okay, momma.

Donna and Carol converse with lori, while Amy and Andrea stand with the twins in the background.

Don't worry. Amy and Andrea are going to watch the kids.

Anything to get out of laundry duty.

You're damn right!

Donna turns to Amy in anger.

Not in front of the kids.

Oh, bite me.

Amy and Andrea watch Lori and Donna leave to wash the clothes.

Stay safe.

Always.

Donna, Carol and Lori depart from the camp.

I can't wait to see how these things smell with the new detergent Glenn got from the city!

That stuff Dale had in the RV just wasn't working. It made the clothes smell better.. but not by much.

Donna carries a laundry bag on her back.

Jesus christ, will you listen to yourselves?! You're excited about trying out a new detergent?! This is such bullshit.

Lori looks at Donna.

Damn, Donna. We're not throwing a party. i'm just looking forward to the possibility of clean smelling clothes. that'd be a welcome change at this point.

Donna expresses frustration while talking to Lori.

I just don't understand why we're the ones doing laundry while they go off and hunt. when things get back to normal I wonder if we'll still be allowed to vote.

Are you serious?

Lori responds to Donna.

I don't know about you but I can't shoot a gun... I've never even tried. To be honest... I wouldn't trust any of those guys to wash my clothes. Rick couldn't do it with a washing machine.. he'd be lost out here.

Lori, Donna and Carol reach the creek.

This isn't about women's rights..

Whatever.

It' about being realistic and doing what needs to be done.

Sophia and Carl play in the dirt while Amy and Andrea watch them.

You think my daddy will come back too?

Carl gathers dirt into a bucket.

Ain't your daddy dead?

Sophia crafts a castle in the dirt.

Yeah, but so was your daddy and he came back.

Carl looks up at Sophia.

My dady was just sick. we had to leave him in the hospital back home so he could get better. He wasn't dead.

Carl and Sophia continue their imaginative play.

oh... I miss my daddy.

Shane and Rick embark on a hunting expedition in the woods.

I thought I'd take Lori and Carl down here to her parents and come back. I thought this thing would be over in a week. I didn't want to explain stolen guns to the captain when I got back.

Well.. if you had seen the place the way I did.. you wouldn't have been so worried about the rules. I don't think it'll ever be the same again.

Don't say that man.. this won't last.

Rick glances back at Shane.

i don't know, man... it looked bad.

Well... I'm glad you brought these guns.

Rick and Shane scan the surroundings for animals.

We just had Dale's rifle and my side arm. Someone had to keep watch with the rifle at all times.. and it's hard as hell to hunt with a pistol. Just about all we've had to eat was canned goods Glenn brought back from the city.

Rick looks back at Shane.

Man... what's up with that guy? Risking his life every day to get toilet paper and candy bars? I mean... it's a great help, and he did save my life, but damn...

Shane and Rick contine their conversation.

I have no idea... he seems to know how to get in and get out before they gang up on him. It's--

Shane signals Rick to be quiet.

A zombie is feasting on a deer.

GUH.

Shane and Rick exchange surprised glances upon seeing the zombie.

Shane and Rick watch the zombie eat the deer.

It doesn't even know we're here...,

Shane gazes at the deer.

Do you think we should get the deer away from it?

Shane and Rick continue observing the zombie devouring the deer.

Do you think it's be safe to eat?