The afternoon passed quietly on the farm.
The children explored the fields.
Adults spoke with Hershel about staying temporarily.
Carl and Sophia walked near the edge of the forest.
"Your mom said not to go far," Sophia reminded him.
Carl shrugged.
"We're still close."
Birds flew through the trees above them.
The forest seemed calm.
Peaceful.
But deeper inside the woods, a man raised his rifle.
Otis was hunting deer.
He moved slowly through the brush.
Then suddenly—
Movement between the trees.
He raised the rifle quickly.
A shape moved through the leaves.
Otis fired.
The gunshot echoed across the fields.
Carl screamed.
Back at the farm Rick instantly turned toward the forest.
"Carl!"
Ghost was already moving.
He sprinted toward the trees faster than anyone else.
Within seconds he reached the clearing.
Carl lay on the ground clutching his stomach.
Blood spread across his shirt.
Sophia stood frozen nearby.
Otis emerged from the trees in horror.
"Oh God… I didn't see him!"
Rick arrived moments later.
"Carl!"
Ghost dropped to his knees beside the boy.
The wound was bad.
Very bad.
Carl's breathing became weak.
Rick looked up in panic.
"Help him!"
Ghost pressed both hands against the wound.
"Pressure."
Otis stammered.
"There's a doctor at the farm! Hershel!"
Rick lifted Carl carefully.
"Move!"
They ran back toward the farmhouse.
Hershel met them halfway.
He saw the wound immediately.
"We need to operate."
Rick's voice shook.
"Do whatever you have to."
Hershel nodded.
"But I need medical supplies."
Otis stepped forward.
"There's a high school nearby. Emergency station."
Shane grabbed his shotgun.
"I'll go."
Ghost stood up.
"I'm coming."
Shane glanced at him.
"You sure?"
Ghost picked up his rifle.
"Yes."
Rick looked at both of them.
"Bring back whatever Hershel needs."
Then he looked down at Carl as Hershel carried him inside.
"Please… hurry."