Tale ‘Lesson’

“The most difficult part is reloading,” Daryl explained, holding his Horton to the ground and doing just that. “I’ll show ya that another time. Let’s do the easy part first, alright girl?”
She nodded in response but doubted his words as she did. ‘The easy part?’  Is there an easy part to shooting a crossbow? What she gathered from Daryl’s ten-minute explanation there were a lot of do’s and don’ts concerning this type of artillery. She had barely paid any attention as she’d stood there in awe, hearing the Hunter tell various anecdotes of his and his brother’s hunting trips. She did not know Daryl Dixon was capable of talking more than one sentence at the time.

“Spread your legs more. Wanna keep your weight in balance,” he instructed, standing behind her with his hands planted firmly on her hips, bringing her in the position he liked.
“Take aim,” he ordered softly in her ear. “Whenever you’re ready…”

Before she knew it, the trigger gave under the pressure of her nervous and petite fingers, making the bolt release into the air. The force of the shooting arrow made her clumsily fall back into Daryl’s chest. 
“Whoa,” he stuttered as if suddenly uncomfortable at her close presence. “Warned ya about the kickback, didn’t I?” 
“Sorry. The crossbow is really heavy. It’s hard to keep control over it.”
“Look, I can always learn you how to shoot a small handgun instead. They weigh less so you can deal with the kickback better that way,” Daryl suggested. 
“No, guns are loud. I want to learn to be discreet like you when killing walkers. Just show me again, okay? I’ll get the hang of it eventually.” 
She stood by his side, observing the Hunter’s muscles as he reloaded the crossbow. Deep down she knew her motivation had little to do with the silent weapon and more with the quiet instructor. 

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