Survivor - TWD (Daryl Dixon)

Chapter 28 - The Distance

Nelly

When I open my eyes, Judith's bright blue eyes are locked onto mine. Her gaze is intense and full of curiosity, her tiny body wriggling with excitement as she coos softly. I'm momentarily disoriented, not remembering falling asleep, but I quickly realize the sleep was brief—too brief.

The barn is already alive with movement. People are up, preparing for the day, the muted sounds of their chatter and footsteps a nice comparison to the thunderous night we endured. I sit up scanning the room, searching for Daryl, but he's nowhere in sight. Maggie and Sasha are also missing.

The soft, persistent cooing draws my attention back to Judith. Rick picks her up with a heavy sigh, holding her against his chest, his hands gentle as he supports her tiny frame. She babbles, her eyes wide and fixed on me, her tiny fingers reaching out as if she's trying to bridge the gap between us. Rick's eyes crinkle with amusement as he watches her try to get closer to me.

I feel a pang of unease. The thought of holding her, of being responsible for her well-being, fills me with trepidation. I avert my gaze, trying to hide my discomfort, but Judith's coos grow louder, more insistent. She squirms in Rick's arms, her small body straining toward me.

Rick laughs softly, his voice a rare comfort amid the storm's aftermath. "She wants you to hold her," he says, his tone light and teasing.

I shake my head, my eyes widening as I stare at Judith.

"Do you want Nelly to hold you?" Rick asks her and she coos in response. He turns Judith so that she's fully facing me, his own face briefly hidden behind her small frame.

"Say 'hold me, Nelly,'" Rick teases, using Judith's tiny arm to wave at me. Judith's eyes lock onto mine, her gaze unwavering, her mouth curling into a smile that pulls at my heartstrings.

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the reluctant smile that tugs at the corners of my mouth. Despite my anxiety, there's a warmth in this moment that's hard to ignore.

"Come on," Rick urges, gently pushing Judith toward me. I exhale deeply, my heart racing with a mixture of fear and apprehension. As I cautiously take Judith by her underarms, my arms tremble with the effort of holding her at arm's length. I'm scared, convinced that if I hold her too close, I might somehow break her fragile form.

Rick's laughter this time is filled with genuine warmth. "Not like that." His hands guide Judith closer to my chest, and his voice takes on a reassuring tone. "You won't break her," he says, as if sensing the swirl of thoughts and fears racing through my mind.

I adjust my grip hesitantly, feeling the weight of Judith's small body against my chest. Her tiny hands reach out, exploring the bumpy scars on my shoulders with a curious touch. Her touch is soft, almost gentle, and the sensation is unexpectedly soothing. She coos and babbles, her fingers tangling in my hair, and I find myself mesmerized by her innocent presence.

Carl's voice breaks through my reverie. "I don't think I've ever seen you hold her," he says, his voice soft with the remnants of sleep. I turn to see him sitting beside Rick, his face lit with a smile as he watches us.

Rick stands up, preparing for the day, and Carl moves closer to me to greet Judith. He looks at me with a question in his eyes, but he doesn't ask.

Instead, the barn door creaks open, and Daryl steps in, his crossbow slung over his shoulder. His eyes meet mine, flicking from Judith to me with an intensity that I can't quite place.

I'm relieved when Judith reaches for Carl, and I gently pass her to him, almost throwing her into his arms. Standing up, I dust off my jeans and grab my swords, making my way over to Daryl. ust as I open my mouth to speak, the barn door opens again, drawing my attention.