FALLING APART daryl dixon

FORTY ONE - BOUND BY SHADOWS

As Grimes left her cell, she briskly approached Glenn, who, reminiscent of their time in Atlanta, already had a bag prepared for her.

Before leaving, Alycia bid farewell to Carl and little baby ass-kicker, promising their return soon, safe and sound.

- We'll be back soon - She reassured, locking eyes with Daryl before resuming their journey.

Glenn tactfully refrained from questioning Alycia about her emotional state after recent events. Grateful for the silence he afforded her, Alycia was weary of sympathetic stares and the watchful eyes anticipating her imminent breakdown. Death was an inevitable reality, one that had snatched her mother away abruptly. Yet, it was a reality they had to confront, and Alycia was resolute about moving forward – something Lori would have wanted for her children. The burden of grief weighed heavily, and Alycia sensed her mother's disappointment in her spiraling despair, mirroring Rick's struggle.

In honor of Lori, Alycia resolved to push forward. Living in a world without Lori Grimes seemed impossible, leaving an indelible void. To take the first step, she embarked on a run with Glenn to gather supplies for her sister – an endeavor to protect her babies, to protect Carl.

Outside a small shop, Glenn turned off the car engine, casting a hesitant glance at Alycia and Maggie. Doubts lingered about Alycia's readiness for the journey, fearing distractions that could lead to danger. Alycia sighed, feeling Glenn's eyes on her.

- I'm fine, Glenn. You don't need to baby me - She asserted, a tone of disbelief aimed at her best friend. She hadn't expected him to second-guess her, the last person she thought would. - You have to trust me, okay?

Glenn, now looking at his feet in guilt, regretted his skepticism. Understanding the closeness between Alycia and her mom, he grappled with the possibility of her succumbing to a mental breakdown. However, recognizing the importance of this trip to Alycia, he apologized.

- I'm sorry, Aly. I'm just worried for you, is all. I don't want you getting hurt - His protectiveness revealed the depth of his concern for a friend he had known since the beginning of the apocalypse.

- Is this you talking, or the group? Because I'm fine - Alycia questioned.

Glenn sighed.

- They're just worried about you. I would be worried about Maggie if she went through what you had. Hell, I am worried about you, Aly. You're my best friend - His eyes shifted between Alycia and Maggie, witnessing the sadness in her gaze. On the outside, Alycia might appear to struggle with her mother's death, but inside, she coped better than expected. Nightmares haunted her, yet she couldn't afford to dwell on them in a world where protecting Carl and little ass-kicker took precedence.

- My mom gave life for that baby girl in there. I may be sad, but I'm fine, alright? I'm telling you, Glenn, I'm fine. People die; we have to move on. There's no time to hang in the past; we have my sister to look after now, and Carl - Alycia reassured, offering Glenn a reassuring smile as she tried to convince him of her resilience. She patted the Korean boy on the shoulder. - Come on, pizza man, let's go in - She urged, climbing out of the car after securing her pistol in her holster, ready for any walkers that might lurk inside the store. Glenn hesitated, exchanging glances with Maggie, but they promptly followed Alycia into the store.

Alycia meticulously scanned their surroundings to ensure no imminent threats, signaling the all-clear to Glenn with a smile.

- Clear outside - She called out, circling the car to meet him on the other side.

- Nice day, huh? - Maggie remarked to Glenn, tilting her face to the sky as the sun bathed her skin.

Glenn nodded in agreement.