"They respect that," she offers. "Helping out. As soon as they know you mean it, they'll let you do whatever you want to."

And they're willing to teach, which Beth appreciates. The things she was best at in her own group aren't always relevant here. (When is anyone going to need her to watch a baby?) And there's only so much she can take of stirring groats and washing dishes.

Beth swallows another spoonful of groats when Wash asks about Daryl, nodding agreeably. This is something Daryl can't grouse about later, even if he'd still probably try. "I know him from home. You met him over at the Cetagandans', didn't you?"