WITH YOU | TWD

[20] THE END

The next day, the sun was bright, and the air was crisp as Charlie pushed Judith's stroller along the path through Alexandria. It was as if the tragedy of the previous day hadn't left a permanent scar. The world seemed strangely normal, as if trying to lull them all into a false sense of security. The baby gurgled happily, her chubby hands reaching up, trying to grasp at the patches of sunlight that filtered through the swaying leaves above them. Charlie's heart filled with warmth at the sight. Judith's innocence was a rare, precious moment of peace in a life that felt like it was constantly teetering on the edge of chaos.

As they continued walking, the familiar roar of a motorcycle engine echoed through the air, shattering the illusion of calm.

Her heart lurched in her chest. She quickened her pace, pushing the stroller down the path towards the noise, dread pooling in her stomach. Rounding the corner, she spotted Daryl at the gate, straddling his bike. His face was set in a determined, almost defiant expression. She could tell immediately—he was heading out.

Rosita, standing nearby on watch, was the first to confront him. "Where are you going?" she asked sharply, suspicion lacing her voice.

"Out," Daryl replied, his tone clipped and short, barely sparing her a glance as he pushed the gate open.

Rosita wasn't letting it go that easily. She stepped closer, her expression hardening. "No shit. You got specifics?"

Daryl's jaw tightened, his eyes darkened. He said nothing, his focus entirely on the road ahead. As he revved his engine, preparing to take off, Charlie hurried over, her pulse racing.

"What the hell are you doing, Daryl?" she demanded, her voice tinged with fear and frustration. She knew his stubbornness too well, but this time, it felt like a line was being crossed—one that could lead to something catastrophic.

"Not your business," Daryl shot back, his voice cold, eyes blazing with barely-contained anger.

"It is my business!" Charlie shouted, her hand latching onto his arm before he could pull away. The desperation in her voice cut through the tension. "What are you even going to do out there? You can't do this alone!"

He yanked his arm free from her grasp, his expression hardened, but his eyes flickered with something—pain, guilt, something she couldn't quite place.

Glenn and Michonne, who had been lingering nearby, exchanged a quick glance. They knew what was coming; they'd seen it before—Daryl was about to spiral, and someone needed to stop him before he did something reckless.

"We're not letting him go out there alone," Glenn said, his voice low but decisive. He opened the car door parked nearby, the sound of the engine clicking to life as Michonne nodded in silent agreement, sliding into the passenger seat.

Charlie, her heart thudding in her chest, wasn't about to be left behind. "I'm coming with you," she insisted, moving to follow them. Her resolve was clear—she wasn't going to sit back while the people she cared about ran headfirst into danger.

Before she could reach the car, Rosita stepped in front of her, blocking her path with a firm hand on her chest. "No, you're not," she said, her tone sharp, eyes burning with authority.

Charlie glared at her, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I can't just sit here and do nothing! I have to help!"

Rosita's expression softened, but only slightly. She shook her head, her voice gentler this time, though still firm. "You need to stay here. Take care of Judith. If something happens... if something goes wrong out there, we need you here. She needs you."

Charlie clenched her jaw, knowing Rosita was right, but hating every second of it. The thought of being left behind while the others faced whatever was out there gnawed at her. But Rosita's words struck home—Judith needed her. They needed her.