Chapter 4: Preparing for the Worst

The darkness seemed to press in around them, making the small porch feel like a fragile barrier against the unknown dangers that lurked beyond the community's defenses. Aaliyah shivered, despite the warmth of the summer evening, and Henry wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. As they sat there, they could hear the distant sound of drilling and hammering, the community's residents working tirelessly to prepare for the walker threat. The sound was a reminder that they were not alone, that there were others out there who were fighting to survive, just like them. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, his eyes scanning the porch before locking onto Aaliyah and Henry. It was Daryl, his crossbow slung over his shoulder, and a look of determination etched on his face. "Hey, you two," he said, his voice low and serious. "I need to talk to you about something." Aaliyah and Henry exchanged a glance, their hearts racing with anticipation. "What is it?" Aaliyah asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Daryl hesitated, his eyes scanning the surrounding area before leaning in close. "I've been scouting the perimeter, and I think I've found a weak spot," he said, his voice low and urgent. "There's a section of fence that's not been reinforced, and I think the walkers might try to breach it." Henry's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. "Where is it?" he asked, his voice firm. Daryl pulled out a map, his finger tracing a line along the perimeter. "It's just east of the old windmill," he said, his eyes locked on Aaliyah and Henry. "We need to get some people over there to reinforce the fence, and fast." Aaliyah's heart was racing, her mind racing with the possibilities. She knew that if the walkers breached the fence, they would be in grave danger. But she also knew that they couldn't afford to panic, not now, when they were so close to being prepared. "I'll get some people to help," Henry said, his voice firm. "We'll get the fence reinforced, and make sure we're ready for whatever comes our way." Daryl nodded, a look of relief washing over his face. "I'll help, too," he said. "We'll get it done, and make sure we're safe." As Daryl turned to leave, Aaliyah caught his arm. "Wait," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think they'll come tonight?" Daryl's expression was grim. "I don't know," he said. "But we need to be ready, just in case." As Daryl disappeared into the darkness, Aaliyah and Henry exchanged a glance, their hearts heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. They knew that the night would be long and difficult, but they also knew that they would face it together, as a community. And that gave them the strength to keep going, no matter what dangers lay ahead.