Catch Fire | Daryl Dixon

UNSPOKEN BONDS

Kennedy's POV

As I watched Rick, Carl, and Michonne drive out of the prison, my heart felt heavy with worry. They were heading into danger, into the unknown, all for the sake of our survival. I closed the gate behind them, the sound echoing in the silence that settled over the prison once more.

Turning back towards the cellblock, I saw Maggie waiting for me. Her smile was a welcome sight, easing some of the tension that had built up inside me. We walked back inside together, the familiar surroundings offering a sense of security amidst the chaos that surrounded us.

As we entered the dining area, I couldn't help but notice the awkward tension in the air. Glenn, Merle, and Daryl were sitting near each other, though not exactly together, each seemingly lost in their own thoughts. Maggie must have noticed it, too, because as we approached, she leaned in and whispered to me, "Looks like we're on babysitting duty today."

I stifled a laugh, nodding toward the three men. "Seems like it. Should we start handing out juice boxes and cookies?"

Maggie grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Maybe that'll cheer them up. They look like they could use it."

As we got closer, I noticed Merle glancing our way, a mischievous glint in his eye. I couldn't help but feel a pang of apprehension. Merle was unpredictable at the best of times, and today seemed like one of those days when he'd stir the pot.

Glenn looked up as we approached, a faint smile on his face. "Hey."

"Hey, everything okay in here?" I replied, returning his smile.

Glenn glanced over at Merle and Daryl before nodding. "Yeah, just... enjoying the peace and quiet."

Maggie chuckled, patting Glenn on the shoulder. "Well, if you need a break from these two, you know where to find us."

Glenn laughed, nodding toward Merle and Daryl. "I might take you up on that offer."

"Merle apologized, you know," I mentioned casually as we headed toward our cellblock, thinking back to my earlier conversation with him.

Maggie raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Really? Did it feel genuine?"

I shrugged, not entirely sure myself. "Maybe. It's hard to say with him. But he seemed sincere, at least for now."

Maggie nodded thoughtfully, her expression serious. "Well, let's hope he stays that way. We don't need any more trouble around here."

I sat down at the top of the stairs, staring outside into the prison yard below. Maggie joined me, sitting beside me in companionable silence.

"I hope they find everything they need out there," Maggie said, breaking the silence, her voice tinged with concern. "We're running low on so many essentials."

I nodded, echoing her sentiment. "Yeah, and with the Governor out there... I just hope they stay safe."

Maggie sighed, her gaze drifting outside. "I know. It's hard not knowing what's happening out there. But Rick is smart, and Carl and Michonne can handle themselves. They'll be okay."

I smiled, grateful for Maggie's optimism.

We sat in silence for a moment, lost in our thoughts. The weight of the world seemed to press down on us, the reality of our situation sinking in once more. Suddenly, Carol appeared behind us, her presence making us jump.

"Where's your boyfriends?" she asked mischievously, a smirk on her face.

"Boyfriends? Plural?" Maggie asked, raising an eyebrow.