Catch Fire | Daryl Dixon

MOMENT OF TRUTH

TWO WEEKS LATER - Daryl's POV

The past two weeks had been a whirlwind of preparation. After Rick and Negan declared war, Alexandria, the Hilltop, and the Kingdom had been in overdrive, gearing up for the inevitable battles ahead. Amidst all the chaos, one constant kept me grounded: Kennedy.

She was now almost five months pregnant, and her growing belly was a beautiful reminder of the life we were fighting for. Every time I saw her, a mix of pride and worry filled my chest. She looked stunning, her body changing in ways that only made her more radiant to me. But the more her body changed, the more anxious she had become. I could see it in her eyes, the way she fidgeted when she thought no one was looking. Panic attacks were becoming more frequent, and while I hated seeing her distressed, it meant she stayed behind the walls, which relieved me.

Despite everything, Kennedy remained active in the preparations. She was right there with us, helping prepare reinforcements and armour for the vehicles. She took on tasks that were within her limits, letting the others handle the more strenuous work. Watching her, I couldn't help but admire her strength and determination. She was incredible, and every day, I felt more grateful to have her by my side.

One afternoon, while she was busy directing some of the others on how to reinforce a truck, I found a quiet spot in the corner of our garage. I had an idea that had been brewing in my mind and now seemed like the right time to act on it. I gathered some materials from around Alexandria, bits of metal, wire, and tools, and set to work on making a ring for her.

My hands worked methodically, shaping and bending the metal. The process was calming, a welcome distraction from the constant worry and stress. I remembered the necklace that Denise had found, the one I never got to give her because the Saviors had stripped me of my belongings after the lineup. This ring was my way of making up for that and a symbol of my commitment to her and our future.

As I worked, Rick approached, his footsteps soft but purposeful. He glanced at what I was doing and then looked back at me, curiosity piqued.

"What're you doin'?" he asked.

I held up the piece, still rough but taking shape. "Just a ring," I mumbled, not looking up.

Rick smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Just a ring?"

I shrugged, my usual way of deflecting, but his words lingered. It wasn't just a ring. It was a promise. A symbol of everything we had been through and everything we were fighting for. I wanted Kennedy to know how much she meant to me, and this was the best way I knew how to show it.

Rick settled beside me, watching as I worked. "You're good for each other, you know that?"

I glanced at him, a rare smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Yeah. I do."

As we sat there, Rick began discussing the latest strategies and updates for the war. The conversation flowed naturally, the urgency of our situation always at the forefront of our minds. But every now and then, I'd catch him glancing at the ring, a knowing smile on his face.

The war was coming, and there was no escaping the reality of what we were about to face. But in that moment, as I crafted a symbol of hope and commitment, I felt a sense of peace. We were fighting for something bigger than ourselves, and with Kennedy by my side, I knew we could face whatever came our way.

---

Later that day, I found myself watching her from a distance as she walked towards the house, holding Judith. The little girl had a big smile on her face, babbling away to Kennedy, who responded with gentle nods and smiles. The sight of them together stirred something deep inside me. The bond they shared was beautiful, and seeing Kennedy with Judith made me realize how much I wanted our own child to experience the same love and care.