FALLING APART daryl dixon

TWENTY ONE - THE MUSIC DIED

The next day, they set out to search for Sophia. The air was heavy with tension as everyone gathered around the cars, preparing for the long day ahead.

- Everybody takes a weapon - Rick announced, unrolling an assortment of melee gear on the car's hood.

- These aren't the kind of weapons we need - Andrea argued, her arms crossed in frustration. - What about guns?

- Guns are too loud - Alycia muttered, rubbing at her temples as the stress began to creep in.

- We've been over that - Shane cut in sharply. - Daryl, Rick, and I are carrying. We can't have people popping off rounds every time a tree rustles.

Andrea shot a look towards Alycia, eyes full of resentment.

- What about the princess over there? She gonna walk around empty-handed?

Alycia's head snapped up.

- What did you just say?

Before the situation could escalate, Rick stepped in, calming the moment with a firm voice.

- Alycia is trained for this. Let's stay focused.

Shane gave Andrea a look, cutting her off before she could continue. - Say someone fires at the wrong moment, a herd happens to be passing by... See, then it's game over for all of us. So you need to get over it.

- The idea is to take the creek up about five miles - Daryl said, trying to shift the conversation back to the plan. - Turn around and come back down the other side. Chances are, she'll be by the creek. It's her only landmark.

- Come on, people, let's move - Shane said impatiently, looking ready to push everyone forward.

Rick glanced over at Dale, giving him a nod.

- Dale, keep working on those repairs. We've got to get this RV ready to move as soon as possible.

- We won't stay here a minute longer than we have to," Dale promised, his voice steady. - Good luck out there. Bring Sophia back.

Rick turned to Lori and pulled Carl to his side, a protective hand on his shoulder.

- Keep an eye on him while we're gone - He instructed, but Carl was already pulling away, eager to be part of the action.

- I'm going with you - Carl said, determination in his voice. Alycia, who had been half-listening, perked up, her gaze shifting to her younger brother.

- You need people, right? To cover as much ground as possible - Carl added, his voice unwavering.

Rick groaned softly, glancing at Lori for support, but she simply shook her head.

- Your call - She said with a shrug. - I can't always be the bad guy.

Dale, standing nearby, gave a thoughtful nod.

- He's got plenty of people looking after him. Besides, Alycia will burn the world down before she lets anything happen to that kid.

Alycia gave a small, appreciative smile, but her mind was already focused elsewhere. She looked at Carl, her expression softening for a moment.

- You really, really want to go, buddy?

- Yes! - Carl replied eagerly, his face lighting up.

After a pause, Rick finally relented.

- Okay, okay. But you stay within sight at all times, no exceptions.

Lori, clearly anxious, pulled Alycia aside as Rick and Carl started walking ahead. Her voice was tight with emotion.

- Just... with everything going on with Sophia, I wanted a minute with you. I've got a bad feeling - She admitted, her eyes filling with unshed tears.  - You've always been so grown-up, ever since you were little. But I just... I don't want to lose you.