Vayla, Rumbo, and Tetch had just returned to their hideout. Vayla had not yet even removed her backpack, which was laden with food and medical supplies, when a loud banging erupted at the door. A man's desperate voice shouted, "Let me in!" Vayla peered out the window to see a frightened man standing outside. Before she could react, she noticed a horde of zombies advancing toward the hideout, clearly drawn by this man's presence. Realizing the immediate danger, Vayla understood that she and her dogs could no longer remain there. Quickly, she grabbed a small photo album containing cherished memories of her and her father, shoving it into her back pocket. As the man outside succumbed to the onslaught of zombies, his agonized screams echoing through the air, Vayla, Rumbo, and Tetch made a swift escape out the back door. One astute zombie spotted them and began its pursuit. Young Tetch started to whine in fear, but Rumbo barked reassuringly, urging him to continue running. Recognizing that they might not outrun the zombie, Vayla turned around, ready to shoot. At that moment, an arrow whistled through the air and struck the zombie's head, felling it instantly. Vayla turned to see three men approaching from the right. The man who had fired the arrow appeared gruff and rugged, with the demeanor of someone accustomed to mechanical work. He extended his hand and introduced himself, "Hello, I'm Daryl Dixon." Vayla responded, "I'm Vayla, and these are Rumbo and Tetch," as her dogs sat attentively by her side. The second man, looking to be around twenty-four years old, stepped forward and said, "I'm Jackson Dean." Finally, the third figure came into clearer view, and Vayla's eyes widened in recognition. "Daddy," she exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her father.
Vayla exclaimed, "Father, I believed you were dead, it has been three months." Her father, Victor, replied, "After I diverted the zombies away from you, I was almost captured by them. Fortunately, after crossing a creek, the zombies seemed deterred by the water and ceased their pursuit. During my escape, I encountered Daryl and Jackson, and have been in their company since then." Vayla recounted how her previous hideout had been compromised when a man led zombies to it. Daryl advised, "We should seek shelter before nightfall." Subsequently, they walked for approximately ten minutes until they encountered another group of survivors, led by a man in his forties. He introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Tommy, and I lead this group. Along with other survivors, we have sought refuge in a small gated community. You are all welcome to join us." Vayla and her companions consented and followed the group to the gated community. Vayla was astonished by the silent opening of the large gate. Tommy allowed Vayla, Victor, Daryl, Jackson, and the dogs, Rumbo and Tetch, to reside in an unoccupied yet furnished three-bedroom house, where the previous occupants had left behind furniture, clothing, and food before fleeing the zombie invasion. Vayla prepared a dinner consisting of fried fish, instant potatoes, and salad. The men eagerly consumed the meal, having not enjoyed a proper feast in months. She fed Rumbo and Tetch some dog food. Vayla instinctively chose the master bedroom, and the men did not object. Daryl and Jackson retired to their rooms and quickly fell asleep, while Vayla, her father, and the dogs settled in the master bedroom. As Vayla took a shower, she could still hear the screams of the man who had been killed at her previous hideout by the zombies. She felt her father's hands around her waist and, at that moment, was simply grateful to have him back, disregarding any propriety concerns about his presence in the shower. Once they finished showering, they stood in front of the bed, still unclothed. Her father said, "I missed you, baby girl." In an intimate moment, Victor kissed Vayla, and they proceeded to engage in a sexual act, despite the awareness of its impropriety. When Victor felt himself nearing climax, he ceased penetration and ejaculated onto the sheets. He then lay beside Vayla, and they both drifted off to sleep, with Rumbo and Tetch asleep by the door.