FALLING APART daryl dixon

ELEVEN - TELL IT TO THE FROGS

Getting into Atlanta was becoming an increasingly difficult task for the group. The tension in the air was palpable as they made their way deeper into the city, everyone on edge, especially after what had happened the last time they were there.

Alycia leaned against the back of Glenn's seat, resting her head on her folded arms. Glenn, in turn, leaned forward, gripping the wheel tightly, while Rick sat next to him, scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. T-Dog settled for leaning against one of the walls in the back of the truck, a bit farther from the others. Daryl, visibly furious, was next to Alycia, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes locked on the passing streets.

- Are we gettin' there or not? - Daryl snapped, impatience lacing his voice.

Alycia rolled her eyes, already tired of the man's constant complaints.

- What? - Daryl barked again, his frustration growing.

She rubbed her temple, closing her eyes as if trying to keep her own temper in check. Everyone in the truck was watching the exchange, sensing the storm brewing between them.

- You're being such a talker today, Daryl - Alycia said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. - I honestly didn't think there'd be a day when I wished you'd talk less, but here we are.

A faint chuckle escaped from Glenn, but he quickly stifled it when Daryl shot him a deadly glare.

- You got somethin' to say, princess? - Daryl growled, leaning closer to her.

Alycia didn't flinch. She turned to face him fully, her eyes sharp and unyielding.

- Just that maybe if you spent less time running your mouth and more time focusing, we'd be getting there faster - She fired back, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Daryl's fists clenched at his sides. He looked ready to say something, to unleash the frustration that had been building since they left camp, but before he could, Rick cut in.

- We're getting there - Rick said firmly, glancing back at the two of them. His expression was one of warning—he didn't need any more problems right now, and Alycia knew better than to push her father's buttons. But still, she ignored the subtle reprimand, turning her attention back to the road.

Rick's focus shifted to Glenn, who had remained silent after the brief laughter.

- We shouldn't enter from here - Rick said, his tone cautious. - There was a whole swarm last time I came through this way.

Glenn nodded in agreement, keeping his eyes on the street ahead.

- Right. Better go by the train tracks. It's a bit more secluded - He suggested.

Alycia sighed dramatically from her seat.

- Great. More cardio in Atlanta - She muttered under her breath as the truck came to a stop. Everyone started to get out, gathering their gear.

Daryl, already tense, took the moment to turn his frustration toward T-Dog.

- He better be fine - Daryl growled, his voice low and threatening as he referred to his brother, Merle. - It's my only word on the subject.

T-Dog, used to Daryl's outbursts, merely shrugged.

- I told you. The geeks can't get at him. Only thing that's gonna get through that door is us - He reassured him, though there was a hint of doubt in his voice.

The group moved quickly, jogging alongside a wire fence until Glenn stopped, reaching out to test a section of the fence. There was a gap just wide enough for them to squeeze through.