FALLING APART daryl dixon

FORTY FOUR - THE ESCAPE (PART I)

Alycia sat next to Glenn, her arms wrapped tightly around her legs as she leaned against the cold, grimy wall. She didn't want to speak. She couldn't. The only thing that kept her going was the thought of Carl, her family, her friends, and her newborn baby sister. She closed her eyes and pictured their faces, using these thoughts to block out the horror she had just endured.

Glenn looked at her sympathetically, a look she didn't need or want. She could see the guilt in his eyes. If he had been more vigilant, maybe they wouldn't have been captured. Maggie was silent, her guilt rendering her mute.

With a groan, Glenn stood up, wincing in pain. Alycia watched him with furrowed brows, wondering what he planned to do. When he approached the dead walker on the floor and yanked the chair leg from its head, she felt a pang of pity. Glenn was exhausted, covered in cuts and bruises, evidence of the beating he had endured.

He handed the wooden dagger to Alycia, who looked at him in confusion. Then he yanked off another leg from the chair, grimacing in pain. Alycia understood his intention and passed a leg to Maggie.

- We're getting out of here - Alycia whispered. Maggie managed a small smile. - No matter what - Alycia added, standing up straight. They knew they had to escape before the guards killed them. They stood by the door, side by side, waiting for their chance. Alycia turned to Glenn, her eyes fierce. - If we don't make it, I want to thank you for always being there for me, Peaches - She said, pulling him into a hug. - You're my best friend.

Glenn shook his head, holding her close.

- We're not dying today, Aly - He said firmly. - We're getting out of here, okay?

Alycia nodded, and they all pressed their backs against the wall, waiting for the door to open. The sound of footsteps grew closer until the key turned in the lock.

Alycia acted on instinct, kicking the first guard in the groin. Glenn rushed past her to attack Merle. Alycia ducked as the guard punched her, her vision blurring. She clenched her jaw and, with a cry of pain, drove the chair leg into the man's shoulder. Gunshots echoed as the man's finger pressed the trigger. Alycia turned to see Glenn on the floor with Merle on top of him, aiming his hook at his throat. She grabbed a dead man's gun and aimed it at Merle's head.

- Let him go! - She yelled, trying to stay strong. Maggie cried out, the scene overwhelming.

Glenn gurgled blood, his body weak from the beating. Alycia's hands trembled, but she kept the gun steady. Merle raised his arms in surrender, but the guards quickly outnumbered them. Their plan had failed.

Merle yanked the gun from Alycia's grip.

- Give me the gun! - He shouted, then turned to Glenn. - Get up! - Glenn tried but collapsed in pain. Maggie also surrendered.

Tears streamed down Alycia's face as a guard grabbed her arm, bruising her. She fought back, not wanting to be touched after what the Governor had done to her.

- Let go of me! - She spat, kicking the guard.

The man hit her with his gun, knocking her to the floor. She knelt, a gun aimed at her head. Merle smirked.

- Shoot me, go on - Alycia screamed.

Merle's smile widened. Alycia squeezed Glenn's hand, both bracing for death. Bags were thrown over their heads, and Alycia held her breath as she was yanked up, the guard dragging her to her death.

- Let me go, fucking asshole! - She screamed, fighting back.

Suddenly, bangs filled the room. Alycia crouched, thinking they were being shot. When someone grabbed her, she punched blindly until the bag was removed, revealing her father.