FALLING APART daryl dixon

TEN - RICK GRIMES, HUH

Waking up that morning felt strangely easy for Alycia. Somehow, she felt complete—with her father back. The world still sucked, no question about that, but at least they were all together again. She didn't have to mourn her dad anymore, and that was enough for her to start the day with a small flicker of hope.

As she emerged from the tent she shared with Glenn that night, Alycia took in her surroundings. Carl was playing with Sophia near the tree line, her mother, Lori, was actually smiling again, and Carol was busy washing what looked like her dad's police uniform. For a brief moment, everything felt... normal. But then, ahead of her, she spotted a commotion. Glenn's face was tight with anguish.

They were surrounding their car.

- Shit - Alycia muttered under her breath, her voice filled with sadness as she approached the group. As soon as she reached them, the sound of the men laughing at Glenn filled the air. Glenn was saying something about the car, and it was clear they were about to take it apart.

- No, no, not our car - Alycia pouted. She couldn't help it; she freakin' loved that car. - You guys are horrible - She said, pointing at Morales. - Glenn and I loved this car!

Glenn, standing beside her, nodded in agreement, his shoulders slumping.

- We need the parts, Aly - Morales reasoned, though not without a sympathetic smile.

- We couldn't have one last dri—

- No - Jim cut Glenn off, shooting both him and Alycia a look that said he'd had enough of their complaints.

With a sigh, Alycia hugged Glenn sideways, resting her head on his shoulder. She felt someone's presence behind her, and she didn't have to turn around to know who it was. Her dad had joined them.

- Look at them - Glenn said, gesturing toward the car. - Vultures... Yeah, go on, strip it clean.

Dale walked by, canister of gas in hand.

- Generators need every drop of fuel they can get - He explained, patting Alycia and Glenn on the shoulders. - Got no power without it. Sorry, you two.

- Thought we'd get to drive it at least a few more days - Glenn said mournfully, looking at Rick, who was visibly amused.

- Maybe we'll steal another car someday - Rick replied, patting Glenn on the back as he walked away.

- Glenn? - Alycia murmured, her voice quiet but filled with emotion.

He hummed in response, not looking at her.

- Thank you. For being so freakin' kind to people and saving my dad - She said, her words filled with genuine gratitude.

Glenn smiled, a small, genuine smile.

- Your dad's nice.

Before Alycia could respond, the sound of Shane's jeep pulling to a stop broke the moment.

- Water's here, y'all. Just a reminder to boil before use - Shane called as he exited the vehicle.

Alycia grabbed a few cans of water and carried them toward the fire to be boiled.

- Boil before use - She mocked Shane to Glenn as they worked together, sharing a grin.

But the brief moment of lightness shattered when a piercing scream echoed across the camp.

- Alycia! - Carl's voice. Her little brother. - Mom!

Alycia dropped everything she was holding and sprinted toward the screams.

- Carl! - She shouted, fear gripping her heart. - Shit, Sophia! - She leaped over the makeshift rope barrier they'd set up for protection.

Carl collided into her, nearly knocking the wind out of her, and Sophia's arms quickly wrapped around Alycia too. She crouched down, cradling both kids tightly against her chest, her heart racing.