Catch Fire | Daryl Dixon

DECISIONS

The sun had risen by the time we reached the car. As soon as we arrived, I collapsed against the green SUV, sliding down its side until I was sitting with my back leaning against the cool exterior. Glenn quickly dropped to the ground in front of me, sitting with his back to the road, while Michonne stood against the car, keeping watch over us.

Sitting silently with my new companions, my mind drifted back to Woodbury. Every ache in my body was a constant reminder of what I had just escaped. My heart raced as I struggled to push away the haunting thoughts that threatened to consume me. Despite the calm composure I forced myself to maintain in front of Glenn and Michonne, inside, I was crumbling under the weight of the trauma.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps in the woods behind us sent a cold shiver down my spine. I locked eyes with Glenn, sharing a look of concern as Michonne pushed herself off the side of the car. I hoped it was Rick and Maggie returning with Daryl, but a part of me feared it was the Governor, ready to drag us all back to Woodbury. Sweat dripped down my forehead as I struggled to my feet, gripping Oscar's gun tightly.

My heart pounded as I scanned the trees, searching for any sign of danger. The tension in the air was thick, and I couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. As the footsteps drew closer, I braced myself, ready to fight for our survival.

"Glenn!" Rick's voice called out, cutting through the tension like a knife. I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and helped Glenn to his feet. Relief was short-lived, though, as I noticed the concern etched on Rick's face when we ran toward the returning group. My eyes widened in shock when I saw Merle trailing closely behind them.

"I need you to back up," Rick urged, holding his arms out as Glenn, Michonne, and I immediately tensed up.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Glenn yelled, raising his pistol as Michonne unsheathed her sword, ready to strike. I lifted Oscar's gun, locking eyes with Merle, but was immediately faced with Daryl shouting at me to drop the weapon. Rick raised his own gun at Michonne as Maggie approached Glenn.

"He tried to kill me!" Michonne shouted, her voice shaking with anger. My gaze remained fixed on Merle, the man who had terrorized us. Fear and helplessness flooded back as I looked into his eyes, quickly followed by a wave of loathing that threatened to consume me. The tension was palpable as Rick and Daryl tried to talk us down.

"He helped us get out of there," Daryl argued, his hands raised defensively in front of me. I glanced at him briefly before focusing back on Merle.

"Yeah, right after he beat the shit out of you," Rick countered.

"Hey, we both took our licks, man," Merle defended himself, bringing my attention back to him. I readjusted my grip on the gun and took a step forward, intent on confronting him directly. Daryl reacted instantly, whipping his crossbow off his back and aiming it in my direction.

"Drop it," he warned, his voice low and serious. I kept my eyes locked on Merle's smug expression, knowing he was enjoying this standoff.

Much to everyone's surprise, Glenn turned his weapon on Daryl. "Leave her alone," he demanded, his gun steady. A surge of gratitude swelled in me as Glenn stood up for me.

The tension was thick, the weight of everyone's eyes on me as I considered my options. I knew Daryl was trying to protect his brother, but I couldn't ignore the fact that he was pointing a weapon at me. After a moment of intense silence, I made my decision. Taking a deep breath, I slowly lowered the gun.

"Get that thing out of my face," Daryl growled at Glenn as he lowered his crossbow, satisfied that I was no longer a threat.

"Man, looks like you've gone native, brother," Merle chuckled, clearly relishing the situation. I clenched my jaw as Daryl and Merle exchanged words, their complicated relationship becoming more apparent with each passing second.