FALLING APART daryl dixon

FOUR - LIVING MEMORY

After going over the plans to explore more of the city, Alycia decided it was time to prepare. She knew that each trip was getting riskier for her and Glenn. The numbers of walkers roaming the city streets were increasing, making every run more dangerous than the last.

As she made her way back to the tent she shared with her mother and brother, she overheard Dale talking to Glenn, handing him the list of things the group needed. It was a routine by now — a simple list of supplies that everyone depended on for survival.

- Alycia, dear - Dale's warm voice called out to her. The old RV owner had always acted like a father figure to everyone.

- Hey, what's up? - Alycia smiled as she approached him.

- You okay, sweetie? You going with Glenn on today's run?

Alycia felt a familiar pang of frustration. It seemed like everyone was always asking if she was okay. Ever since her father had been shot, no one seemed to realize that she was far from okay. But then again, it wasn't like she could blame anyone. The world had ended, and everyone had their own pain to carry. She had to keep it together, no matter how broken she felt inside.

- You know the job, Dale - She answered, forcing her voice to stay even.

Dale gave her a sympathetic look, one that made her want to scream. His eyes told her he understood more than she was willing to admit.

- How much longer until we head to Atlanta? - She asked, turning to Glenn.

- Did you clear that with Shane? - Dale asked cautiously.

- Didn't think I needed his permission - Alycia snapped, trying to keep her tone polite but failing. She turned back to Glenn. - So?

- Let's go grab our stuff - Glenn muttered, sensing the tension.

- Alright - Alycia sighed and headed back to her tent to gather her things, already bracing herself for the inevitable confrontation with her mother. Every time she prepared to leave for a supply run, she had to face her mother's worry, Carl's sadness, and the fear that one day she might not come back.

As she approached the tent, she saw Lori sitting with Carol, Carl, and Sophia, helping the kids with their homework. The sight was almost absurd—math problems in the middle of the apocalypse. Yet, it brought a small comfort to see a sliver of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Alycia entered the tent quietly, changing into more practical clothes and setting aside her sneakers. Just as she was tightening the laces on her boots, her mother walked in with that same worried look on her face.

- Don't do this, Mom - Alycia said before Lori could even speak.

- Why? - Lori asked, her voice soft but heavy with concern.

Alycia paused, unsure of how to respond. Why? What could she say to that? Why was she risking her life? Because she had no choice.

- Why, what? - Alycia echoed, stalling for an answer.

- Why do you have to go? Why are you risking your life like this? - Lori's voice wavered, her eyes pleading for her daughter to stay.

Alycia stood, now eye-level with her mother. She hated this—hated making her mother worry, hated that they were even in this position to begin with.

- What should I do? If not me, then who? Glenn can't do this alone.

- Let someone else go! - Lori's frustration burst through.
- There has to be someone else!

Alycia looked around the camp, knowing full well that there weren't many volunteers for these runs. The reality was harsh, but it was their life now.

- Do you see anyone else stepping up - Alycia asked, her voice firm. - I have to do this, Mom. Whether we like it or not, this is the world we live in now. We have to deal with it. And so do you. - She took a deep breath, her voice lowering but still strong. - Because like it or not, Mom, it's just you and me now.