Catch Fire | Daryl Dixon

FALSE HOPE

We gathered in the church graveyard, the air thick with sorrow as we prepared to lay Bob to rest. The makeshift service was small but heartfelt, with everyone standing around the freshly dug grave. Rick stepped forward, his voice filled with a solemn reverence.

"Bob was a good man, a brave man," Rick began, his eyes scanning the faces of our group. "In this world, it's easy to lose hope, to let the darkness take over. But Bob never did. He always found a way to see the light, to find joy, even in the darkest of times. He reminded us that there's still good in this world and that it's worth fighting for."

As Rick spoke, I glanced at Sasha. She stood rigid, a blank look on her face as if all emotion had been drained from her. My heart ached for her, knowing how much she had lost.

Rick continued, his voice steady despite the pain we all felt. "Bob gave us hope. He gave us a reason to keep going. And even though he's gone, his spirit lives on in all of us. We have to honour his memory by continuing to fight, by holding on to that hope he showed us."

The silence that followed was heavy, each of us lost in our own thoughts and memories of Bob. Sasha's eyes remained fixed on the grave, her expression unreadable.

We slowly made our way back to the church, the weight of our loss pressing down on us. Inside, Abraham and his group were preparing for their journey to Washington. The atmosphere was a mix of determination and sadness, everyone knowing that this was a necessary but painful parting.

Abraham approached me, his face set with resolve. "Have you reconsidered joining us?" he asked.

I shook my head, my voice firm. "No, I can't leave Daryl behind. I have to believe he's coming back."

Abraham sighed but nodded in understanding. "I respect that. Just know that the offer stands. We could use someone like you."

I gave him a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Abraham. Stay safe out there."

I turned to Maggie and Glenn, my heart heavy with the impending farewell. "You two... please, take care of each other. Stay safe."

Maggie pulled me into a tight hug, her voice thick with emotion. "You too, Kennedy. We'll come back for you. I promise."

Glenn hugged me next, his grip strong and reassuring. "We'll find a way to make it work. We'll see you again."

I nodded, blinking back tears. "I know you will. Just be careful."

As they finished their preparations, the time for departure came too soon. The bus rumbled to life, and the final goodbyes were said. Rick, Michonne, Carl, Sasha, Tyreese, and I stood by the church, watching as our friends began their journey.

The bus drove off, taking with it a part of our family and leaving behind the promise of a reunion someday. I turned back to the church, the weight of the day pressing down on me.

Rick walked up beside me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder, his silent presence a source of strength. He didn't need to say anything; his support was clear. As his hand lingered for a moment, he looked around and spotted Tyreese digging graves for Gareth and the others. His expression hardened, and he stalked off towards Tyreese, a determined stride in his step.

I turned back towards the church, my heart heavy but resolute. Inside, I found Judith in the basket we were using as a makeshift crib. Her tiny, innocent face was a stark contrast to the harsh reality around us. I gently picked her up, cradling her in my arms, and felt a small measure of peace wash over me. She cooed softly, and I smiled down at her, feeling the warmth of her tiny body against mine.

Gabriel stood nearby, his face more upset than it had been even after Rick and the others had killed Gareth and his men. His eyes were filled with a mixture of fear, judgment, and confusion as he kept giving our group dirty looks. It was clear he was struggling to reconcile his faith with the brutal reality we all faced.