The mood on the Greene farm had shifted as the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the land. In the distance, a faint sound grew louder—an unmistakable groan. The walkers were coming.
Marcus was the first to spot the telltale signs of a herd moving toward the farm. From the ridge, he could see them—hundreds, maybe thousands—shambling across the land, drawn by the scent of living flesh. The already weakened defenses of the farm wouldn't hold long against a full assault.
The Nursing Home Group Arrives
Just as the first few walkers entered the perimeter, Marcus's mind raced. There was no time to prepare for the herd and the arrival of the nursing home group at the same time.
Rick was at his side, already directing people to secure the farm's outer fences.
"They're coming in from the east," Daryl yelled, scanning the horizon. "They won't take long to reach the gates."
"Let's move, people!" Rick barked, urgency in his voice.
Amid the chaos, the nursing home group rolled up to the farm. Guillermo, Felipe, and the others jumped out, ready to help. They had brought a few elderly members in the back of their truck, now huddled under blankets, clearly exhausted from the journey.
"Everything alright?" Guillermo asked, seeing the tension in the air.
"There's a herd coming," Marcus explained, his mind still racing. "We need to fortify, now."
Preparing for the Herd
Guillermo and his crew quickly got to work, helping the group move the elderly to the barn and reinforcing the gates. Shane and Daryl took up positions along the fence line, scanning for any weak spots while the others set up barricades.
"We'll hold them off as best we can," Rick said to Marcus, his eyes focused on the steadily advancing walkers.
Marcus nodded, then looked over at the nursing home group. He had grown to trust them, but they weren't enough to withstand the coming tide. They needed a stronger position—one with high walls and defensible territory. The prison.
The Prison Plan
As the group fought to reinforce the perimeter, Marcus called for a brief moment of respite. He gathered Rick, Hershel, and the others in the barn, keeping their voices low.
"Hershel," Marcus began, "I've been thinking. This farm is too open. We need to move. There's a place I know—a prison, not far from here. It's secure, has high walls, a solid structure, and enough space for all of us."
Hershel frowned. "A prison? That's no place for people. It's... it's a reminder of everything we've lost."
"I know," Marcus said, his voice softening. "But it's also a refuge. We can fortify it, and it will be better than staying here."
Rick added, "Hershel, we've talked about how dangerous this place is. We need a sustainable place, and we need it now. We're asking you to come with us. Your farm, your family—your people. We could be safer there. Together."
Hershel hesitated, looking out at the distant horizon where the walkers were now clearly visible, moving closer to the farm. His eyes scanned the group—his family, his people. The weight of the decision was heavy.
"Alright," Hershel said after a long pause. "But it's not going to be easy. We'll need to make sure we can transport everyone—especially the elderly—and set up defenses on the move."
The Herd Approaches
The sounds of the walkers grew louder, and the first of them breached the outer fences. Panic started to rise among the group.
Rick's voice cut through the chaos. "Stay focused! We hold the line. We don't back down!"
Marcus, with his system now fully activated, led a defensive push, wielding his crowbar to neutralize walkers in the way. He worked with Glenn and Shane to create makeshift barricades, funneling the walkers into a smaller area where they could be easily dealt with.
Despite the chaos, the thought of the prison seemed like a lifeline. They would have to move quickly—before the farm became overrun.
The Decision
By nightfall, the herd was pushing in from every direction. The group had fortified as best as they could, but it was clear the farm wouldn't last much longer.
"We have to go now," Marcus said, his eyes scanning the sea of walkers closing in. "If we stay, we'll be trapped."
Rick agreed, making the call to evacuate. The nursing home group, the Greenes, and everyone else packed their things, moving as swiftly as possible toward the trucks.
Marcus walked over to Hershel one last time. "We're leaving now. Are you coming with us?"
Hershel looked out over the farm one last time, his heart heavy. "You're right. We've got no choice."
As the group began to move, the barn doors slammed shut behind them, and Marcus's thoughts were focused on the road ahead. The prison could be the haven they needed—but the road to get there would be long, hard, and full of challenges. The herd was close, and every step forward meant fighting through it.