A New Day (DoTWD)

Season 1, Episode 1

## Cast Guide

Starring
Lee Everett
Clementine
Rachel Paul
Travis
Sandra
Hershel Greene
Shawn Greene
Kenny
Katjaa
Kenny Jr.
Carley
Lilly
Doug
Larry
Glenn

**"A New Day (Dawn of The Walking Dead Edition)"** is the first episode of Telltale Games' *The Walking Dead: Season One* and the alternate universe fanfiction *Dawn of The Walking Dead*: Season One by JunoBox. It is the first episode of the story overall. It was written by JunoBox, and illustrated by them.

## Summary

*The world's gone haywire, no one knows why. Dead folks are up and about, turning everything and into a living nightmare. It's doomsday at the doorstep of two little girls, and they've got to stick together, figuring out how to get by in this falling-apart world with they help of their new protector.*

## Plot

### **Chapter 1: Into The Fire**

Two girls have a playful tea party with stuffed dinosaurs. They joke about princess dinosaurs and notice the absence of a toy named Captain Yellowbear. While one girl searches for the missing toy, the other, Clementine, waits by the tea set. The babysitter, Sandra, interrupts, calling Clementine inside for lunch.

Clementine closed the sliding door behind her and joined Sandra and Rachel in the kitchen. Rachel was enthusiastically devouring sandwiches at the bar counter, her previously missing stuffed yellow bear now present. Amidst the meal, Rachel called Clementine over to join them, praising the turkey-filled sandwiches. Sandra intervened, reminding Rachel not to talk with her mouth full. Rachel, still chewing, requested a drink from the refrigerator.

Sandra, unimpressed, emphasized the importance of proper manners. After serving drinks, Sandra inquired about Rachel's plans, discovering that her brother wouldn't be picking her up. Clementine eagerly proposed a sleepover, sparking excitement in both girls. Sandra, cautious about behavior, offered a trip to the zoo if they behaved.

As Sandra went upstairs, the girls settled on the couch to watch their favorite show, Disco Broccoli. However, the anticipation turned to confusion when the TV displayed an emergency alert, leaving the girls puzzled. Sandra investigated, turning off the TV and suggesting they play upstairs instead.

The scene shifted as the girls, under dimming sunlight and a standing lamp, immersed themselves in Rachel's fifth book of the afternoon. Rachel eagerly flipped through the pages, showing Clementine an illustration of Daisy, the Danger Duchess, using her magical hair as a zipline to escape pirates.

Sandra interrupted their reading with a suggestion to take a break and play a game before bedtime. Although slightly disappointed, the girls agreed. Sandra noticed the scattered books and proposed putting them away. The girls quickly organized the books on the shelf. Sandra introduced the idea of playing hide 'n seek, and the girls, familiar with the game, excitedly prepared. Clementine grabbed two-way radios, handing one to Sandra, while she and Rachel kept the other. The anticipation of the game filled the room as Sandra counted down, preparing for a fun evening of hide 'n seek.

Clementine's suggestion to use the radios for clues in their game of hide 'n seek excited both girls. Rachel, familiar with the Hot 'n Cold concept, eagerly shared her knowledge. Sandra, testing the radio, initiated the countdown, and the girls hurriedly hid in the closet. Clementine closed the door, enveloping them in soft light from the keyhole.

As Sandra started searching, the girls used the radios to provide clues. Rachel's whisper of "Coldest" indicated Sandra was close. Another radio chirp and a call of "Colder" directed Sandra toward the kitchen. Rachel, observing Sandra's approach, warned Clementine. However, before they could give another clue, Rachel leaped out of the closet, surprising Sandra. The playful chase ensued, with Sandra capturing both girls and playfully tickling them.

After the laughter-filled game, they settled on the rug, content and breathless. Sandra suggested bedtime, but Rachel pleaded for a bit more time. Sandra reminded them of the Zoo trip condition, sparking excitement in Clementine. As Sandra began to explain, an unexpected sound interrupted the conversation - *scritch-scritch.*

The trio paused their conversation, focusing on the unsettling scratching noise coming from the front door. Sandra, sensing something unusual, stood up and approached the door. The girls exchanged curious glances as Sandra peered through the peephole, struggling to discern the blurry silhouette on the other side.

Clementine speculated, "Is it the mailman?" Sandra dismissed the possibility, considering the late hour and the fact that the mail would have already been delivered. Rachel, ever oblivious, suggested, "Maybe it's a stray kitty?"

The scratching noise persisted, harsh and grating, echoing through the living room. Sandra, growing uneasy, noted the persistent nature of the sound. The scratching intensified, accompanied by faint tapping, creating an unsettling atmosphere. It became apparent, especially to Sandra, that this was not the work of a cat.

Sandra, sensing danger, urged the girls to step back as she cautiously approached the front door. With a tense atmosphere, she locked the door, but as she opened it, a dark figure lunged at her, overpowering her and causing the girls to stumble. The attacker pinned Sandra down, and the struggle for survival unfolded before the terrified girls.

Frozen in fear, the girls witnessed Sandra fighting desperately against the assailant, who seemed inhuman with grey, lifeless eyes and emaciated features. The attacker, displaying unnatural movements, detached from Sandra and turned its attention to the girls. With a guttural moan, it approached, its decaying limbs outstretched.

Clementine and Rachel, fueled by fear, fled toward the back door, but the creature caught hold of Clementine. As it dragged itself towards her, Sandra, in a desperate move, tugged at its leg, creating a brief distraction. Rachel, summoned courage, delivered a powerful kick to the creature's head, followed by another from Clementine. The monster's face smashed into the floor, releasing Clementine.

Seizing the opportunity, the girls sprinted out into the backyard, slamming the glass door behind them. They raced towards the safety of the treehouse, leaving behind the haunting sounds of Sandra's struggle. It was only when they heard the sound of Sandra's hand hitting the glass door that they cautiously looked back, witnessing her bloodied hand trailing down as her body went limp.

### **Chapter 2: Adventures in Babysitting**

Two hours after the terrifying attack, Clementine spent time comforting Rachel and devising a plan for help. Unable to reach her vacationing parents, she and Rachel decided to use Rachel's walkie-talkie, hoping her brother would answer. Despite numerous attempts to contact her parents, Clementine handed Rachel the walkie-talkie.

The perspective shifts to Travis, who's internally monologuing on the chaotic turn of events. Now, well past midnight, he pedals through the dark streets of Stone Mountain, still under the influence of marijuana, on a mission to locate his best friend's missing sister.

The narrative then transitions into a flashback.

Following an odd event in town, military presence in town had suddenly arrived, imposing a strict curfew that left residents in the dark. Travis observed his neighbors and local store owners seeking answers from the soldiers, only to receive vague replies. Rumors circulated, linking the military's arrival to an incident at the clinic two hours prior, involving an altercation between a man and an old resident.

National Guard soldiers arrived in Humvees, instructing everyone to return home and avoid the main part of town. They questioned residents about potential exposure, designating the entire neighborhood as a "Safe Zone" with an enforced curfew. Travis, feeling more restricted than ever, couldn't escape the sense of confinement imposed by both the military and his father's rules.

Travis struggled to find rest amidst the intrusive lights outside when a call from a familiar name, his friend, jarred him awake. Haley's choice of a jarring ringtone played, and Travis, recognizing the caller, answered anxiously. The voice on the other end expressed relief at Travis being alive and quickly revealed the dire situation.

Travis, still groggy, questioned his friend, who explained they were in Atlanta for the playoffs when things went awry. The caller's parents weren't answering, and his sister was missing. Panicking, Travis's friend conveyed that they were held up in the school's gym, surrounded by the unsettling presence of corpse-like creatures.

Travis, shocked and uninformed about the situation, learned that these creatures were everywhere, eating anyone they could grab. His friend urgently requested Travis to pick up his sister and bring her to safety. Travis, now fully awake, agreed with a sense of apprehension, realizing the gravity of the situation unfolding beyond his own home.

Travis peered through the blinds at the guarded street below. Military personnel and a vehicle formed a roadblock at the end of the street. As Travis tries to warn his friend about the quarentine, a sudden series of beeps interrupted his thoughts. Glancing at his phone, he discovered the call had abruptly ended, and all subsequent attempts to call back went straight to voicemail.

Frustrated, Travis cursed under his breath, realizing the challenges of leaving his current location. With the clock ticking, it was now twelve-fifteen in the morning, and he grappled with the daunting question of how to navigate through the barricaded streets and help his friend's sister.

Travis ventured beyond his neighborhood, discovering the gravity of the situation as he entered what felt like "enemy territory" on Main Street. The silhouette of shambling figures, emitting a putrid odor, dotted the scene among abandoned cars. Travis recognized the need to stay away from these seemingly human shapes that reeked like dead animals.

Navigating through East Mountain Street, he reached a cul-de-sac, where his friend's house stood eerily untouched. Surprisingly, there were no signs of the National Guard, even in the town. The unsettling quiet, with no lights in the vicinity, heightened Travis's concern as he approached his friend's house.

Parking his bike, Travis sprinted up the driveway, knocking on the door with urgency. No response. Fearing the worst, he desperately called out to his friend, trying to gain entry. With no luck, he searched the porch for a spare key, lifting the welcome mat and checking under cushions. In a moment of relief, he heard a shift of keys within a cushion, quickly uncovering a tiny key ring.

Travis grinned triumphantly as he found a house key, unlocking the door with a sense of accomplishment.

After a twenty-minute search of his friend's house yielded no sign of her, Travis sat on the bottom step of the stairs, anxiety gradually taking hold. He considered the possibility that "Ray" had ventured out on her own to seek help, a characteristic move for her. The looming fear of her falling victim to the dangers outside intensified.

As he grappled with the situation, the voice of someone calling out emerged, startling Travis. The voice seemed to originate from the second floor. Climbing the wooden steps cautiously, he called out to "Ray", only to receive a response that added to the growing confusion; A voice echoed, leaving Travis puzzled.

The mysterious voice persisted as Travis traced it to Ray's room. However, upon entering, he found the room empty, prompting confusion. The sound seemed to be emanating from a radio on the dresser near the window. Picking it up, Travis pressed the red button and heard a familiar voice on the other end, being his friend's little sister. She tells Travis she's okay but was stuck at her friend's house and that they were all alone. Travis tells them to stay put and that he was on his way.

Skipping ahead to 6 in the morning, the distant sounds of chaos—colliding cars, firing guns, and snarling monsters—created an unsettling ambiance around Clementine and Rachel in the treehouse. Their fitful sleep was interrupted as their eyes fluttered open every few minutes, a sense of vulnerability and fear looming over them. With their babysitter alone, injured, and possibly facing a monster, the night felt long and tense.

Exhaustion eventually overcame them, leading to a brief respite in their troubled sleep. However, a loud noise from the house jolted them awake. Holding their breath, Clementine and Rachel strained their ears, the ensuing silence almost unbearable until faint murmurs of voices reached their ears.

Rachel cautiously opened the treehouse door and scanned the yard for signs of danger, finding nothing amiss except for the TV mysteriously turned on. She excitedly pointed this out to Clementine, suggesting that Sandra might be okay. Intrigued yet cautious, Clementine looked out and confirmed the TV's activity. However, a sense of unease lingered—why hadn't Sandra come outside if she was well.

The TV abruptly went silent, prompting Rachel to express concern for Sandra and the need to check on her. Clementine, torn by uncertainty, eventually agreed and the two girls decided to investigate hoping to find answers about Sandra's well-being.

Despite being the one to suggest checking on Sandra, Rachel seemed hesitant to go back inside. Clementine devised a simple plan: locate Sandra, ensure the house's safety, secure the doors, and contact their parents. While she knew the whereabouts of her parents in Savannah, Rachel's were a mystery, and she hoped talking to her own parents would provide some comfort.

Rachel cautiously ascended the wooden steps, adopting a stealthy approach to avoid making noise. Upon reaching the glass door, she peered inside, revealing a scene of disarray. Furniture was toppled, the dining table displaced, and the end table near the couch had fallen over, scattering books and papers across the floor.

As they entered, an unpleasant odor enveloped them, a musty and tinny smell that made their noses crinkle in disgust. With limited illumination from the TV and streetlight, the girls navigated through the misarranged furniture. The disordered state of the house suggested a struggle, leaving them uneasy.

Approaching the open front door, Clementine surveyed the darkened yard. It remained empty, devoid of any immediate threats. However, the absence of Sandra heightened their concern, and realization that they were truly alone in the house.

Fighting their fear, Rachel bravely called out to Sandra, hoping for a familiar response. However, the only reply was a series of deliberate steps and the ominous creaking of a floorboard. Panic set in as the girls exchanged worried glances, realizing that someone else was in the house.

Bolting towards the kitchen, they sought refuge behind the sturdy island. The intruder, who clearly wasn't Sandra, had entered the house while they were outside. A tense silence hung in the air as the door to the room where the intruder hid creaked open slowly. Clementine tensed as the footsteps approached the bottom of the stairs.

A voice shattered the silence, filled with apprehension and caution. he words echoed through the abandoned house, freezing Rachel in her tracks. She recognized the voice. She called back, her heart racing as she rushed toward the stairs. Descending to meet her was Travis, wearing the unmistakable blue Stone Mountain jacket. Travis explains why it took so long to arrive, and apologizes for intruding into Clementine's house. He finally notices the chaos in the room and accuses Rachel, who then confirms it was a walker that broke in and attack their babysitter.

Travis reassured Rachel about her brother's safety, explaining that he and his friends were on lockdown in the school gym. Rachel then asked how Travis managed to get out, and he shared that he missed the bus and, after hearing Rachel on the radio, decided to come find her.

As they discussed their parents' whereabouts, Clementine mentioned that her parents would return from Savannah the next day. Rachel suggested going back to get her brother, but Clementine, with a mix of sadness and determination, explained that she couldn't leave because her parents would return, and they needed to find her. Travis, Clementine, and Rachel discuss the challenges of leaving and decide to stay put until the situation improves. Travis acknowledges the danger outside and emphasizes the need for safety. Rachel expresses her disappointment but understands Clementine's reluctance to leave her home. Travis offers snacks and suggests they wait until Clementine's parents return to figure out their next steps. As they prepare to head to the treehouse, a sudden noise upstairs alerts them to the presence of a monster. In a swift move, Travis barricades the stairs, and they make a hasty retreat to the safety of the backyard.

In the wake of the ongoing chaos, the trio faced the harsh reality of survival. The city was in turmoil, with military choppers and gunfire serving as constant reminders of the peril outside. Travis rationed meager snacks and scavenged for sustenance, managing with limited resources. The absence of water forced them to rely on a few bottles Travis had brought. The need for bathroom breaks added another layer of stress to their situation.

On the third day, a new threat emerged when a man outside the treehouse demanded entry, attracted by the glow of the TV inside. Travis, cautious not to draw attention, refrained from engaging with the stranger. The man's loudness lured monsters into the backyard. Travis, Rachel, and Clementine witnessed the consequences of the man's recklessness as the walkers chased him away.

As the day unfolded, the once lively neighborhood turned into an eerie, abandoned landscape. The absence of familiar faces and the silence weighed heavily on Clementine and Rachel. Their usual summer activities, filled with laughter and games with friends, were replaced by an unsettling stillness. Cars had vanished from driveways, and the sense of abandonment lingered in the air.

Observing the quiet street from their treehouse, the girls couldn't help but notice the absence of neighbors, friends, and even the familiar faces of other kids. The eerie quietness contrasted sharply with the vibrant summer days they were accustomed to.

Travis remained adamant about keeping them in the treehouse, emphasizing the danger outside. As the day wore on, the trio realized they had run out of food and water, adding to the monotony of their existence. Clementine's hopeful glances toward the driveway for her parents' return were met with disappointment as the hours passed without any sign of them.

The once familiar routine of summer had given way to an unsettling stillness, punctuated only by Travis's occasional watchfulness and Rachel's growing impatience. The sun's descent toward the west heightened their anxiety, and the day didn't unfold as they had hoped. The uncertainty of the situation left them, once again, frightened in their now unsanctified treehouse.

The silence of their makeshift refuge was shattered by an unexpected sound, a man's desperate cry for help that echoed through the stillness of the woods. Clementine and Rachel, caught by a mix of fear and curiosity, exchanged uncertain looks. The urgency in the man's voice prompted Rachel to spring into action. As Rachel moved to open the window and climb down, Clementine hesitated for a moment. Concern for Travis, still peacefully asleep, tugged at her. In a hushed whisper, she reassured him before joining Rachel outside. The girls descended the ladder, driven by an want to find the source of the call.

The girls climb the fence and travel into the words where they see a man on the ground, and what looks like a dead body in front of him. He spots them and calls out to them, but afraid, they retreat back to the yard. When they arrive they meet a panicked Travis. They explain what happen but before he could lecture them, the man from the woods enters the yard down below.

### **Chapter 3: In Your Charge**

Lee Everett, battered and worn, found temporary respite in a backyard surrounded by a wooden fence. The relentless pursuit of the undead had pushed him to his limits. The eerie silence settled over the scene as he glanced around the familiar but empty space, a red wagon, a lawn chair, and a swing set tethered to a treehouse.

In a desperate attempt to connect with the living, Lee called out into the stillness. The only response he received was the ambient sounds of nature.

Despite his parched throat and the desire for a momentary escape in the treehouse, Lee's injured leg made the ascent impossible. Dismissing the idea, he approached the tree and noticed a set of small, pink tea cups underneath. A fleeting thought of filling one with bourbon crossed his mind, highlighting the stark contrast between the mundane and the apocalyptic.

Turning his attention to the treehouse, Lee wondered if anyone inside of it. He called out repeatedly, hoping for a response from any potential inhabitants. As his words echoed through the empty air, he concluded nobody was inside.

Lee cautiously entered the house, noting that the back door was unlocked. As he stepped inside, the eerie atmosphere of the house became apparent. The once welcoming space had been marred by destruction and chaos. The downstairs section bore the scars of a violent encounter, with furniture overturned and belongings scattered. Lee continued his search for sustenance, driven by the gnawing hunger in his stomach. His exploration revealed more clues about the life that once thrived in the house. The abandoned coloring book and dinosaur toy suggested the presence of a child. Lee spotted a bowl of fruit on the dining table, only to be dashed when he realized the bananas were plastic. Undeterred, Lee pressed on.

Approaching the staircase, Lee encountered another obstacle—a fallen shelf blocking the way. His eyes followed a trail of blood, leading from the front door to various parts of the house. As he moved through the house, Lee couldn't ignore the disturbing signs of upheaval. The framed drawing of a sunrise over mountains, adorned with the handprint and the name *'Clementine,'* tugged at his emotions.

Pulling down the blinds and peering through the window, Lee confronted the stark reality of the deserted neighborhood. Wrecked cars littered the streets, and an unsettling silence hung in the air. The emptiness around him fueled his growing unease, and Lee couldn't shake the feeling that the world outside held more questions than answers.

The beeping of an answering machine diverted Lee's attention, offering a glimmer of hope amid the desolation. With cautious optimism, he followed the sound, navigating through the wreckage until he found a table with a blinking red light. The answering machine displayed the number '5,' indicating five unheard messages.

Lee pressed a button, initiating the playback of the messages. The first message revealed a woman named Diana urgently requesting Sandra to care for her daughter, Clementine, for an additional day. Diana explained that she and her husband, Ed, had been attacked by a "crazy guy" and needed to be taken to the emergency room. Another girl, Rachel, was also mentioned, and Diana promised to return from Savannah before Sandra's spring break.

The second message, from a woman named Emily, informed Sandra that her oldest daughter wouldn't be back until late at night, allowing Rachel to stay over if she behaved. Emily mentioned encountering Diana and Ed at the hospital and pledged to pay extra upon her return.

The third message intensified the urgency, with Diana disclosing that she and Ed were under quarantine in the city and unable to leave. She implored Sandra to take Clementine and Rachel with her to Marietta before she had to leave for the hospital.

As the fourth message played, Lee heard Emily's frantic warning to Sandra, advising against going to Marietta if she hadn't left already. She urged her daughter to heed Sandra's advice and handed the line over to Diana. The sound of weeping filled the air as Diana instructed her daughter to call the police, expressing love before the line abruptly cut out. The fifth message attempts to play, but all that comes out is garbled static.

Lee picks up a photograph of a family of three next to the phone and hypothesizes that both Ed and Diana, along with Emily had perished due to the rotting people.

Lee heard a child's voice emanating from the kitchen. Cautious, he returned to the kitchen, finding it seemingly empty. However, a search through cupboards and drawers revealed a walkie-talkie. The child's voice continued, advising Lee to be quiet, and eventually, the owner of the voice identified herself as Clementine. Another voice, belonging to Rachel, cheerfully joined in, while a third voice, a teen's, scolded Rachel for interrupting.

Introducing himself, Lee engaged in a conversation with the two girls, discovering that they were hiding in a treehouse. The girls' parents were in Savannah, leaving them alone and seeking refuge in their treehouse. Lee, now aware of their location, spotted them outside and waved.

However, the moment took a dark turn when Clementine suddenly yelped and disappeared into the treehouse. Lee, startled, turned around to find another person lunging toward him. Reacting quick, Lee raised his hands defensively, pushing her away. Despite slipping in the blood on the floor and banging his head against the kitchen counter, Lee regained himself.

Driven by the growling of the approaching undead woman, Lee punched her away, standing up and making a run for the back door. The walker tripped him, but Lee, determined to survive, dragged himself toward the door. A small child opened it with a hammer in hand, revealing a frightened Clementine and company. Lee kicked the approaching zombie back, snatched the hammer from the child, and decisively crushed the rotting skull.

The children introduced themselves, and Lee did his best to comfort them. Travis, Rachel, and Clementine had been alone in the treehouse for two nights, surviving as best as they could. Lee, understanding the severity of the situation, offered to watch over them until their parents returned, even though he knew it might take a while.

As they discussed their next steps, Travis questioned whether they should go find someone, unsure of the situation beyond their sheltered treehouse. Lee, taking charge, suggested they leave the neighborhood since it wasn't safe. He proposed moving at night to minimize the risk of being seen by whatever dangers lurked in the area.

Travis expressed concern about leaving the treehouse, their sanctuary, and Clementine held onto hope that her parents might come home. Rachel also voiced the same sentiment about her mom. Lee, recognizing the challenges, stood firm in his decision. They needed to find shelter and come back with others, ensuring a safer environment for the kids.

Considering Lee's bad leg, he proposed staying indoors for a while, and the children agreed, grateful for Lee's presence and guidance.

Skipping to nighttime, the group gathered in the dimly lit room, forming a circle on the worn-out furniture. Lee, recognizing the need to distract the kids from the unsettling situation, engaged Travis in conversation. Learning that Travis had come down from Stone Mountain, Lee inquired about the reason for his trip. Travis explained that Rachel's brother, who happened to be his best friend, had called him during the lockdown at the school. Concerned for Rachel's safety, Travis was on a mission to find her. Rachel, expressing her desire to search for her brother as well, revealed the lack of a car as a hold-up.

As the conversation unfolded, the group learned more about Lee's past. Travis questioned if Lee's car, now in the woods and broken, unaware that it belonged to a police officer. Lee, admitting his arrest, provided a brief explanation, and Travis chose not to press further.

Rachel, swinging her legs back and forth, asked the crucial question about their destination. Lee, remaining optimistic, admitted that he didn't know yet but believed there must be a safe area nearby, possibly explaining the abandoned neighborhood.

As Travis peered out through the blinds, contemplating their next move, he asked if they should leave now. Lee looked to Clementine and Rachel, receiving their nods of agreement.

The atmosphere grew tense as Lee, Rachel, Clementine, and Travis found themselves huddled behind a car, seeking safety from the sudden gunshot that shattered the quietness. Lee, with a firm grip on the kids, motioned for them to stay low and crawl to shelter.

As the echoes of the gunshot lingered, a voice rang out in the darkness, proclaiming, *"I found the bastard!"*. Lee strained to make sense of the situation, peering through the darkness as the children clung close to each other. The only discernible sounds were the rapid breaths of the kids and the pounding of Lee's own heart. Rachel buried her face in her toy, scared, while Travis covered his ears, trying to block out the noise. Clementine, looking up at Lee with wide eyes filled with terror, asked if they were going to die.

Lee, recognizing the potential danger, chose to surrender, emphasizing the presence of children. The initial fear of being mistaken for one of the infected subsided as the officer, Andre Mitchell and his friend, Shawn Green, realized they were dealing with fellow survivors. Introductions and apologies were made. The two men ask if they've seen any undead, as they were searching for a missing friend, and Lee explained what he had seen in the woods and the undead girl in the house. Shawn, noticing Lee's injured leg, offered assistance and promised safety on his father's farm. As the group prepared to leave, a guttural noise halted them. Chet, the missing friend, now turned into one of the undead, emerged from the corner. Panic set in as Officer Mitchell commanded everyone to get to his car for safety. They flee the scene, leaving behind the haunting sight of Clementine's house and the memories it held. The cruiser sped away, leaving the remnants of the once-familiar neighborhood behind.

### **Chapter 4: Rock and a Hard Place**

The group arrived at the farmhouse, greeted by an older man named Hershel Greene. Shawn reunited with his father, relieved to find the farm relatively quiet. However, the news of Chet's death cast a shadow over the moment. Hershel, despite the tragedy, welcomed the newcomers for the night.

As Hershel examined Lee's injured leg, the group exchanged introductions. Hershel noticed the three kids and questioned their connection to Lee. Shawn clarified that Lee wasn't their father but someone who found them alone. Satisfied for the time being, Hershel offered hospitality for the night, expressing concern for Lee's injury.

While Hershel tended to Lee's leg, he inquired about the car accident. Lee remained vague, mentioning hitting a person on the road. Hershel, despite skepticism, accepted the explanation. Lee, Clementine, Rachel, and Travis were then introduced to Hershel. The kids shared their names, and Lee explained that he was caring for them until they could find their parents. As the evening unfolded, Shawn suggested reinforcing the farm's fence in light of recent events.

The group settled in, grateful for the temporary refuge. Travis reluctantly accepted his sleeping spot against a haystack as Rachel and Clementine claimed the two available sleeping bags. The girls, not accustomed to sleeping in a barn, found the surroundings peculiar. The unfamiliar scent prompted Clementine to comment, and Lee inadvertently muttered a swear word, amusing Rachel and shocking Clementine. Lee apologized for the language, and Rachel shared her mom's rule about swearing.

As the group settled in, Clementine expressed her longing for her parents, a sentiment Rachel shared. Lee, empathizing with their shared grief, nodded in understanding. Clementine then asked about the distance to Savannah, and Lee admitted it was quite far. The girls, nestled in the sleeping bag, drifted off to sleep.

As Lee reflected on the day's events, he contemplated their uncertain future. Thoughts of his family's pharmacy in Macon crossed his mind, but he hesitated, unsure if he would be welcomed there. Clementine began sleep-talking, prompting Lee to offer soothing words. Guilty about not being able to provide her more comfort, Lee slips into a nightmare about his ex-wife and the man she had slept with to end their marriage. He dreams about how he had killed the man and abruptly wakes up. Through the dark he sees Rachel offering him Captain Yellowbear, a stuffed animal she'd been carrying the whole time. Grateful for the gesture, Lee accepted the toy and they both drifted back to sleep.

The following morning, Lee is awoken by a man telling him lightheartedly to "get up". Lee yawns and stands up as the stranger jokes about the bear he held. Lee returned Captain Yellowbear back to Rachel. Clementine notes that she's itchy, to which the man jokes Clementine that she might have spiders in her hair, but her "daddy" scared them off. Lee explains that he his not truly their father and introduces himself. The man greets Lee and tells them that he is Kenny. Suddenly, a very loud boy appears at the doors of the barn and calls for his dad to join him before scampering off. The trio in the barn leave to find him. Kenny tells Lee that the boy was his son, "Ken Jr.", but he tends to call him "Duck" because nothing seems to phase him, like water off a duck's back. Kenny then brings Lee and the kids over to meet his family. He introduces them after asking whether or not Lee wanted a ride to Macon. Kenny's wife, Katjaa, quickly compliments Clementine and she warms up to the older woman. Shawn comes over and informs them that he needed to reinforce the fence on the west side of the farm. Duck volunteers his help, and Shawn gives him the "position" of foreman. Rachel tags along, as the tractor reminds her of Superman.

They break off to the other side of the house and work on the fence. Clementine joins Katjaa as Kenny leaves to fix his own truck. Travis, eager to contribute and feeling a bit useless, asked what he could do to help. Kenny, lifting the hood of his truck, inquired if Travis knew how to fix a car. Travis nodded, mentioning that his dad had taught him a few things. Kenny welcomed him with a grin, expressing that the more hands they had, the merrier, and motioned Travis over to assist with the repairs.

With Shawn, Duck and Rachel, the girl giggled as she perched on the front of the tractor. In her make-believe world, she pretended that she was straddling the nose of a powerful mechanical dragon, with General Foreman Duck in charge of the controls behind her. Shawn let out a long sigh, feeling the strain of their impatience. Almost immediately, he was beginning to regret enlisting the company of two hyperactive kids. As Rachel and Duck continued their wild tractor adventure, Lee walked around to the back of the house. He finds Shawn working to hammer a board into place on the fence. He asks if Shawn needed any help, and Shawn puts him to work on sawing a length of two-by-fours apart. Shawn relays a story to Lee where he watched a man in Atlanta shoot a boy dead without hesitation. He then asks if Lee had killed any of the undead people so far, to which Lee says that he was forced to bash a "poor girl's brains in". Shawn is quite perturbed by this and sends Lee's way to find his dad after Lee finishes cutting his board in order to be alone.

Rachel overheard a conversation between Lee and Shawn, the implications of which left her contemplating the gravity of their situation. Recalling the incident where Lee had "gotten rid of" Monster Sandra, Rachel couldn't dismiss the inherent fear in witnessing someone she knew transform into a monster. Her dreams had further blurred the lines between reality and the supernatural, as she dreamt of Sandra undergoing a similar transformation. Strangely, the dream failed to evoke the expected terror, leading Rachel to interpret it as a symbolic revelation – monsters could potentially transform people into monsters. This notion aligned with her personal experience of turning into a monster after being attacked by one.

Compelled by her growing understanding, Rachel sought confirmation from Shawn about the transformative nature of monsters. Pausing his hammering, Shawn acknowledged her inquiry, suggesting that monsters indeed had the ability to turn others into one of their kind, possibly contributing to the proliferation of these creatures.

Without explicitly asking, Rachel deduced the fate of Shawn's friend and, after a brief pause, resumed her imaginative play with Duck. When Clementine approached, Rachel invited her to join the imaginative play, but Clementine opted to observe instead.Unfazed by Clementine's choice, Rachel continued her game with Duck. However, their playfulness took a dark turn when Duck unintentionally activated the tractor, causing it to crush Shawn's leg.

The scene unfolded with a sickening crack and squelch as Shawn screamed out in agony. The gruesome reality of the situation struck Rachel, who rushed to Shawn's aid, attempting to free his trapped leg. The chaotic scene drew the attention of Lee, Kenny, and Travis, who hurried over in a panic.

Lee, with a swift blow, dispatched a walker that had approached during the commotion, allowing Kenny to pry Duck away from the monster's grip. Meanwhile, Travis struggled to free Shawn from the tractor, but the damage was done. The fence, weakened by the weight of the undead and the collapsing tractor, gave way, unleashing a horde of walkers onto Shawn.

As Hershel arrived with his rifle, the group witnessed the gruesome demise of Shawn. The walkers descended upon him, inflicting fatal injuries. Despite Lee and Travis's attempt to save him, Shawn succumbed to the relentless attack. Hershel, devastated by the loss of his son, lashed out in anger, blaming the strangers for the chaos that unfolded on his once-peaceful farm. Everyone gathers around Hershel as he closes his son's eyes. He tells them all to leave the farm. Kenny tries to apologize but is rejected. In the aftermath, as the survivors processed the tragedy, Kenny offered Lee the option to use their truck to travel to Macon. The brief invitation to the farm had turned into a devastating farewell, marking the end of their time at Hershel Greene's home.

### **Chapter 5: Just One Bullet Goes A Long Way**

For the survivors, the trip from the Greene farm to downtown Macon proved to be an arduous one. Travis and Rachel, taking refuge in the truck bed's open air, saw the world's unsettling change as they traveled into the unknown. Mechanical issues with Kenny's vehicle resulted in a two-hour delay and heightened stress in the already tense mood. The environment became more eerie as they continued their road journey. The smell of filth and a dark gloom filled the air. The senses were assailed by the road's twists and turns, which revealed both familiar and foreign sights that cast a disquieting shadow over their voyage.

About a quarter of the way to Macon, Kenny saw the truck's gas tank was becoming low, which made him worry about having to locate a gas station without having to stop. Looking out of the truck bed over the barren landscape, Travis saw a world gone wrong. The environment was filled with an uncomfortable silence, abandoned automobiles littered the area like abandoned toys, and empty buildings mirrored the lack of life. The transition from fields to concrete in the downtown area was a grim transformation, engulfed in an acrid smoky shroud with debris floating by the wind, reminiscent of war movies Travis had seen.

After driving to Macon, the vehicle runs out of fuel . Everyone gets out of the car and strolls a little while till Duck identifies a person who seems to be repairing a large rig truck's engine. Calling out to the guy, "You friendly?" Kenny yells at him. When the guy turns to face Kenny, he growls and reveals that he is really a walker who is not conducting repairs but is instead consuming a bloodied, untidy body. The survivors turn to face a pharmacy as a number of other walkers approach from all angles. Following a walker's takedown on Duck, Duck cries out for assistance until a gunshot is heard. kills the walker, spraying blood all over Duck as he fearfully runs to his dad. Lee looks and sees the shooter; a woman who had come out of the drugstore with an Asian man. The woman shoots at several more walkers as the man ushers everyone inside the drugstore. After everyone safely enters, he locks the security gate to the drugstore and runs inside.

Immediately, an argument ensues between the two rescuers and another woman who appears to be angered by the shooter leaving the drugstore. The angered woman's father says "Goddammit, Lilly! You have to control these people."

The leader's father then notices Duck in the corner with his mother covered in blood and immediately assumes he was bitten. He decides that they must kill the boy before he turns, but Kenny steps between them, threatening him. Katjaa says that there is no bite, but the man refuses to believe her and explains that they had already seen this happen where a man with a bite had died, turned and attacked them all. Lee tells him to stop yelling and making the situation worse, but Larry does not want to wait. Lee becomes overwhelmed with anger, blasting at Larry that he will kill and beat him down should he kill anyone in the room, firmly asserting he will die before he sees Duck thrown out.

Although during the argument, Clementine and Rachel are trying to find a way into the restroom. Clementine soon cries out as a walker attacks her at the bathroom door. Lee rushes over to help her but stumbles past Lilly and falls. He gets back up and runs to Clementine to get her out of harm's way, but inadvertently pulls the walker to its feet to attack him.

As the walker claws at him, a gunshot rings out and kills it. Lee sees that the previous shooter had shot the walker and killed it, but a bunch of walkers outside start banging on the gate in response. As everyone cowers behind the counters, a string of gunshots, explosions and aerial vehicle sounds, presumably from the military fighting hordes of walkers not too far from Macon, draws them away from the drugstore. Larry then throws another tirade at the stupidity of Carley's shot but soon falls to his knees with severe chest pain. Lilly explains that he has heart problems and that he needs the nitroglycerin pills in the pharmacy. Lee suggests that they find a way into the pharmacy through the office and leaves Lilly and her father alone. Kenny takes charge of the situation and tells the quiet man in the corner to be the lookout. He says his name is Doug while the shooter introduces herself as Carley. Lilly introduces herself and her father, Larry, and is told to keep an eye on him. The Asian man, Glenn, volunteers to run to a nearby motel to find fuel for their truck. He leaves and Clementine gives him one of her walkie-talkies.

Lilly appreciated the concern from Clementine and Rachel, her gaze shifting between the two girls. Clementine, with her bouncing curls, baseball cap, and walkie-talkie in hand, and Rachel, with her blue eyes, squeaking rain boots, and a tight grip on her stuffed doll, presented a contrast of youthful innocence amid the harsh reality they faced. Despite Lee mentioning having kids with him, Lilly had only seen Clementine before, likely due to the chaos of recent events.

Assured of her well-being, Lilly nodded in response. Rachel knelt beside her, comforting her with a tight hold on her rabbit. With optimism, Rachel reassured Lilly about Lee's capabilities and how he helps everyone, instilling confidence that her father would be okay. Lilly turned her attention to Rachel, who introduced herself and Clementine. Lilly reciprocated with a simple, "Lilly." Travis ran his fingers through his disheveled hair, his exhaustion evident after the tumultuous day. All he desired was to escape into a peaceful sleep, to wake up to a world where the undead nightmare was just a fading memory, and he could resume his normal life—going to school, enjoying mundane routines. As he found himself idly scrutinizing the shelf filled with magazines and various items, including sleeping aids and earplugs, his stress levels surged. Boredom and weariness gnawed at his sanity. Travis couldn't help but contemplate the choices that led them to this point. If he knew the outside world would devolve into this chaotic mess, he might have chosen the relative safety of the treehouse, even if it meant enduring hunger a little longer.

Katjaa, sensing Travis's silent contemplation, expressed gratitude for his help with Duck. Travis nodded in response, his attention momentarily drawn away from his thoughts. Katjaa then turned her concern toward him, inquiring about his well-being.

Travis hesitated, contemplating how to articulate the complex emotions swirling within him. He felt not just physical exhaustion but a weariness stemming from the dire circumstances they faced. The violence, the constant running, the questions without answers—all of it wore him down. His longing for the normalcy of life, the absence of reanimated corpses and gunfire, intensified with each passing day.

As they approached Macon, Travis found himself considering leaving the girls under Lee's care. Trusting Lee's ability to protect them, he entertained thoughts of returning to Stone Mountain, desperate to see if his dad had made it home. The idea of theft, once alien to him, now flickered in his mind as a potential means of survival.

Kenny, sensing Travis's internal struggle, offered reassurance. The older man acknowledged the shared emotional toll of their situation and encouraged Travis to confide in them. Travis admitted missing his family, especially his dad in the military. Kenny, with confidence in his voice, assured Travis that his father, being a military man, could handle himself, and they were likely fine.

Travis, gazing through the boarded-up windows into the unknown, accepted the reassurance. Kenny suggested helping Doug as a distraction, and with a grateful nod, Travis stood up to do just that, expressing his thanks before leaving.

Clementine and Rachel stood beside the door as Lee moved a pallet that blocked access to the prescription area. The room was in disarray, marked by bloody prints and trails. Lee's face showed signs of grief as he witnessed the grim scene, but he shook his head, focusing on clearing the clutter.

As Lee shifted the pallet, a wooden stick fell out and clattered onto the floor. He picked it up, revealing it to be his dad's cane. Lee explained to Clementine and Rachel that his dad used to zip around the store on it and even used it to whoop shoplifters.

Clementine, intrigued, asked if Lee's dad was sick. Lee chuckled and shared that his dad was okay; the cane was more of a protective tool. He admired how his dad made it look cool, much like Clementine with her hat.

As Lee cleared the desk blocking their path, memories flooded his mind of his parents working there. The trio then positioned themselves to move the desk, with Lee cautioning them about their fingers near the drawers.

The weight of the desk was evident, but with the girls' help, the process became a bit quicker. During a break, Lee inquired about how they were doing. Clementine assured him it wasn't too heavy, and Rachel nodded in agreement. Lee then asked about their thoughts on everything outside.

Clementine admitted it wasn't good, but she felt it would be okay. Rachel added that they'd have something crazy to tell everyone at school. Lee smiled and prompted them to continue moving the desk.

During this, Rachel asked Lee if he had kids, and Clementine inquired about his family. Lee evaded the questions, redirecting the conversation toward the girls' parents' occupations. As they pushed the desk, Rachel persisted in asking about Lee's family.

Clementine, growing curious, pressed on, asking if Lee's family hated him. Lee closed his eyes briefly, sighing before acknowledging that they didn't talk for a while. He gently explained that his family was gone, expressing a wish for things to have been different. An awkward silence followed, but Lee shared a bit more about getting into trouble and not talking to them for a while.

Lee redirected the conversation, focusing on completing the task at hand. They successfully pushed the desk against the wall. However, Clementine hurt her finger in the process. Lee quickly attended to her, assuring her he would find a bandage.

As Lee went to fetch a bandage from the first aid kit, Clementine and Rachel chatted about previous injuries they had, trying to lighten the mood. When Lee returned, he bandaged Clementine's finger.

The conversation then turned to the girls' concerns about their parents coming home. Lee reassured them that they would track them down. Clementine mentioned using her walkie-talkie, and Rachel expressed sadness that her mom didn't have one. The trio discussed finding their parents and staying close to Lee for the time being.

Lee continued searching for the pharmacy key, and as he stepped on scattered glass, he found a broken frame with a familiar photograph. In the photo, his family stood proudly in front of the drug store. Lee carefully tore himself out of the picture, separating his image from the rest, and tucked the family photo into his pocket.

Carley suddenly interrupted, startling Lee. She confronted him, revealing that she knew who he was—Lee Everett, a professor who killed a state senator. Lee blinked, absorbing the revelation. Carley explained that she was a reporter for WABE and had paid attention to his trial. Despite the accusations, she expressed that she didn't care, seeing his potential skills as useful in their current situation.

Lee denied revealing his identity to the group outside and tried to downplay his connection to the store. Carley warned him not to be a detriment to the group, and they reached a tentative understanding. Carley promised to keep his secret but emphasized that if he became a problem, they'd have an issue.

They shared a moment of camaraderie, with Carley assuring Lee that she would keep his secret to herself, and Lee expressing his gratitude.

Clementine and Rachel settled on a couple of sturdy boxes near Carley, engrossed in their own thoughts. Lee, feeling a sense of responsibility, decided to check on Lilly and her father, Larry, and update Lilly on the progress of opening the pharmacy.

Lilly, initially guarded, asked for Lee's name, and he introduced himself. Lilly introduced herself and mentioned her father's name, Larry, who glared at Lee but remained silent. Lilly expressed her frustration, explaining that Larry had a heart condition, and she was trying to keep him relaxed. She shared that Larry had a temper but insisted that he didn't mean it.

Lee inquired about Larry's condition, and Lilly explained that he had a heart condition, regularly taking nitroglycerin tablets. She had seen him go through bad attacks that required hospital visits. Lee noted that going to the hospital was not an option at the moment.

Larry interjected with a defensive remark, and Lilly acknowledged that he didn't mean it. Lee tried to assure Lilly that he understood Larry's situation. When Lilly asked about their mom, Lee hesitated but mentioned that the girls' parents were both in Savannah. Lilly, assuming Lee was the girls' father, expressed confusion, but Lee clarified that he found them in a house while escaping Atlanta.

Leaning closer, Lee shared in a hushed tone that he believed the girls' parents didn't make it. Lilly cast a pitied look at the girls, and Lee explained that he heard answering machine messages indicating that the girls were at home with a sitter, and it wasn't good. Lilly expressed sympathy and acknowledged that the girls were lucky to have Lee.

Lee, trying to shift the conversation, asked if anyone was at the pharmacy when Lilly and her group arrived. Lilly explained that the place was wrecked, and they found an older couple in the office, whom Larry had hauled out in case they weren't truly dead. The mention of bodies in the office visibly affected Lee, but he assured Lilly that he was fine, though his nod betrayed the sorrow he felt for the loss of the owners, whom he mentioned being close to.

Glenn's voice crackled through the two-way radio, seeking assistance. Lee took over the conversation and learned that Glenn was stuck at the motor inn, surrounded by roaming zombies after attempting to gather medical supplies. Lee assured Glenn that they would send a group to rescue him.

Lee decided to go on the rescue mission with Carley, and to his surprise, Travis volunteered to join them, expressing his eagerness to help. Carley approved of the idea, and the three of them prepared to leave for the motor inn.

Before departing, Lee approached Clementine and Rachel, who were seated nearby. He assured them that he would take good care of the radio until they returned with Glenn. Lee then asked if the girls needed anything, and both Clementine and Rachel mentioned that they were a little hungry.

Lee greeted Kenny's family and expressed his concern about Duck's well-being. Kenny and Katjaa appreciated Lee's support during the tense encounter with Larry. They discussed the toughness of the two girls, acknowledging their resilience for surviving on their own for a couple of days.

When the topic shifted to the plan, Kenny suggested hanging tight and waiting for things to clear up since it seemed dangerous outside. Katjaa inquired about Lee's family in Macon, and he sadly revealed that they owned the store and were now gone.

Katjaa and Kenny offered their sympathies, understanding the pain of losing loved ones. Lee, after the emotional conversation, approached Travis and Carley, who were near the counter. On his way, he grabbed two energy bars and handed them to Clementine and Rachel, ensuring they had something to eat while he was away.

Lee complimented Carley on her shooting skills, and as they discussed the radio, he discovered that there were no batteries in it. Carley and Travis were embarrassed by the oversight, and Lee, with a sigh, assured them that he would try to find batteries when they returned. The trio then headed to the office, the awkwardness lingering in the air.

Lee, Travis and Carley find Glenn inside of a broken ice machine at a motel infested with walkers. Lee and Carley learn from him that there is another girl hiding up inside one of the other rooms upstairs. Glenn and Travis say that they need to save her, but Carley is hesitant to do so. Lee convinces her that she would want help if she were in the girl's position. Lee tells them that they must kill all of the walkers in the area quietly, as noise would attract more. Using various items around the parking lot, Lee dispatches five walkers in silence before taking a fire axe. He then moves upstairs to where the girl was trapped and kills two walkers crowding her door. He then warns her that he is coming in and tries to break the door down, but she tells him to stop and voluntarily comes out. She reveals her bite to them and says that they should have just left her before noticing that Carley had a gun. Afraid of becoming a zombie-like her boyfriend, she asks for the gun so that she might kill herself.

Lee tells her that she can't take the gun, but she desperately begs Carley for it. Carley refuses again, but the bitten woman lunges at her and tries to grab the gun. Lee and Glenn try to pry the woman off of Carley, but their combined weight on the second-floor balcony is too much and a section of it collapses beneath them. Carley drops the gun and the crazed woman takes it. She levels it at her own temple as Lee tries to talk her down, but she shoots herself in the head anyway. Glenn goes to retrieve the pistol from the corpse, and he vomits upon picking it up. As more walkers are drawn to the noise come out of the forest, Carley calls for them to get in the car. Glenn grabs his truck and drives them all back to the drugstore.

The group quietly entered the store through the office door. Kenny inquired about everyone's well-being, and Lee updated him on the situation with Glenn, mentioning that they managed to get some gas for the pickup truck. Carley asked about the situation in the store, and Kenny mentioned that Larry was still unstable. Lee acknowledged the information and emphasized the importance of retrieving the pills from the pharmacy as their next task.

Lee approached the girls, checking in on them. They mentioned being bored, and Lee assured them that they would be leaving soon to go somewhere safer. Clementine asked where they were going, and Lee explained that he had a place in mind but needed to discuss it with Kenny. He encouraged the girls to be ready when the time came. Lee noticed Rachel hadn't eaten her energy bar and offered it to him, but he declined, stating that he was going to check outside with Doug.

Travis struggled to get the radio to work until Clementine and Rachel pointed out that he had inserted the batteries incorrectly. Once the issue was resolved, they tuned into a news station, hearing a grim report about the spreading affliction and the increasing death toll. The broadcast ended abruptly, leaving Carley and Travis somber.

Travis, sensing Carley's unease, asked if she was okay, and Carley, while denying her distress, admitted that the situation sounded dire. Travis inquired about Carley's background, prompting her to share her story of how she ended up in the drugstore in the first place.

Rachel's wanderings in the store led her to an unclaimed energy bar. Reflecting on the changes in their circumstances, she decided to give the extra bar to Duck, who had recently faced a monster attack. Rachel approached Kenny's family and offered the treat to Duck, receiving gratitude from Kenny and Katjaa for her kind gesture.

Lee reports to Lilly that he had the keys and the two enter the office. Lee uses the pharmacy to open the locked door, but as soon as he enters, the alarm to the pharmacy rings out and begins attracting walkers. Lilly runs for the nitroglycerin pills as Kenny prepares everyone to move. He tells his family to remain in the office and wait with Glenn until he honks the horn in the alley. He orders Lee, Carley, Doug and Travis to keep their defenses up until then, and he takes Lee's axe as he goes out through the alley. Lee rushes over to the main doors as the walkers break through the gate. Doug tries to tell Lee that- in case they didn't make it- he thinks Lee is a good guy. Carley tries to tell Doug something else under the same circumstances but is cut off by a particularly ferocious bump against the door. A window shatters behind and Doug and Carley leave them so that she could shoot at any walkers trying to get in. Lee asks Clementine and Rachel to look for anything that could keep the doors together. Doug leaves Lee to hold the doors as he goes to repair a boarded-up window that had caved in. The girls return with a walking cane Lee's father had used before he'd died. Lee sticks it between the handles and then sees both Carley and Doug held by walkers.

Doug's terrified cries for help echoed through the air, and Carley desperately reached for ammunition from her purse as a walker threatened to pull her down. Faced with a split-second decision, Lee directed Travis to assist Carley, while he rushed to Doug's aid. Kenny burst through the door, urging everyone to move quickly.

Amid the chaos, Clementine and Rachel sprinted towards the exit. However, a walker grabbed hold of Clementine's leg, and she screamed in terror. Lee intervened, stomping on the walker's head to free Clementine. As they hurried towards the office door, Larry blocked Lee's path, delivering a powerful punch that sent him sprawling to the floor.

As darkness threatened to engulf him, Lee faced the imminent danger of a final blow from Kenny's axe. However, Kenny's swing narrowly missed Lee's head, instead striking a walker. Kenny extended a hand to Lee, declaring that he wouldn't let somebody get eaten, especially a good friend. Together they entered the office, slamming the door shut behind them and leaving the chaos of the pharmacy behind.

Several hours later, Lee and the group are settling in at the motel Glenn had found gas at and are stocking their supplies. Lee stares sadly at the torn picture of his family before hearing a few gunshots accompanied by screams out in the distance. Both end abruptly as Lee turns and sees Glenn standing in front of his car. Glenn beckons for silence as he listens to a FRS report on the level of infection in Atlanta and various other cities within the region. He tells Lee that he thinks he has to go and find his friends. Lee understands and supports his decision and lets him leave the motor inn. Lee then thanks Kenny nearby for saving his life and they discuss their plans for the future. Kenny suggests that they remain at the motel until the zombies are all exterminated by the government. Lee then goes over to Carley and Doug, who thank him for saving them.

Lee then approaches Clementine as he notices her looking sad. She tells him that Glenn had kept her walkie-talkie and that hers had broken when she had fallen in the drugstore. She knows that it wasn't really important, but was still upset as it had sentimental ties to her and her parents. Larry gruffly calls Lee over. Lee, sore over the fact Larry had tried to kill him, goes over passively and ask what he wants.

Lee found himself facing not only the relentless threats of the undead but also the volatile tensions within the group. Lilly called him over just in time to prevent a potentially violent confrontation with Larry, expressing her gratitude for Lee's intervention that saved her father's life.

Regret and a sense of powerlessness weighed on Lee as he wished he could have done more. Lilly, however, reminded him that he was only one man and that they were lucky to have him. Despite the strained beginnings, Lilly acknowledged Lee's pivotal role in their survival that night.

As they stood together, the distant sounds of military helicopters and gunfire reached their ears. Kenny, joining the conversation, expressed hope that it signaled a turning point in the ongoing crisis. Observing the motel's potential defensibility, Kenny proposed a plan to fortify the motor inn, block off entrances with cars, and stay until the military arrived.

Lilly, Lee, and Kenny agreed with the plan, finding comfort in the idea of the motor inn as a temporary safe haven. The group, despite the challenges they faced, began to feel a glimmer of optimism. As they stood on the sidewalk, Kenny noted the amenities they had—beds, water, and light—and expressed confidence that the motor inn could be a relatively secure place to call home. Lilly echoed the sentiment, and for a moment, the group felt a collective belief that things might be okay. But the power to the area goes out, leaving the group in darkness.

## Cast

* Clementine
* Rachel Paul
* Travis
* Lee Everett
* Kenny
* Katjaa
* Kenny Jr
* Carley
* Doug
* Lilly
* Larry
* Glenn
* Hershel Greene
* Shawn Greene
* Andre Mitchell
* Sandra
* Diana
* Ed
* Emily Paul
* Ben Paul
* Irene

## Deaths

* Numerous walkers
* Sandra - †
* Chet - †
* Shawn Greene - †
* Irene - †

## Trivia

* First appearance of Lee Everett
* First appearance of Clementine
* First appearance of Rachel Paul
* First (and last) appearance of Sandra
* First appearance of Travis
* First appearance of Kenny
* First appearance of Katjaa
* First appearance of Kenny Jr.
* First appearance of Carley
* First appearance of Doug
* First appearance of Lilly
* First appearance of Larry
* First (and last) appearance of Glenn
* First (and last) appearance of Andre Mitchell
* First (and last) appearance of Shawn Greene
* First (and last) appearance of Hershel Greene
* First (and last) appearance of Chet *(Zombified)*
* First appearance of Diana *(Voice only)*
* First appearance of Ed (Mentioned)
* First appearance of Emily Paul *(Voice only)*
* First appearance of Rachel's Brother *(Voice only)*
* The title of this episode refers to Lee Everett receiving a fresh start at the onset of the apocalypse, and his attempts to hide his past from what is essentially his new family.
* The episode has an easter egg to another comic book written by Robert Kirkman, "Super Dinosaur". It was referenced by Duck and Rachel, during their conversation with Clementine after the survivors survived the attack on the Drug Store, and reached the Motel.