That night the farm was quiet.
Most people were asleep.
Ghost sat alone on the wooden fence near the pasture.
Cleaning his rifle.
A soft voice suddenly spoke behind him.
"You saved Carl."
Ghost didn't react immediately.
He already knew someone was there.
Beth stepped closer.
"You also saved Otis."
Ghost finished cleaning the rifle.
"Yes."
Beth looked at the mask.
"Why do you wear that?"
Silence.
For several seconds Ghost said nothing.
Beth began to think he wouldn't answer.
Then he finally spoke.
"It helps."
"With what?"
"Distance."
Beth frowned slightly.
"From people?"
"Yes."
She sat down on the fence beside him.
"You're about my age."
Ghost didn't deny it.
"But you act like someone much older."
Ghost looked toward the dark fields.
"I had to."
Beth studied him carefully.
"You're not scary like everyone thinks."
Ghost glanced at her.
"You shouldn't assume that."
Beth smiled slightly.
"I don't."
For the first time that night…
Ghost didn't immediately look away.
And somewhere inside Beth's thoughts…
A strange feeling began to grow.
Curiosity.
Admiration.
Maybe something more.
Across the farmhouse window Rick watched the quiet scene outside.
Ghost and Beth talking near the fence.
Rick didn't know what the future held for the group.
But one thing was becoming clear.
The silent soldier who appeared out of nowhere…
Was slowly becoming part of their world.