Catch Fire | Daryl Dixon

WILLOW

Kennedy's POV

The days passed in a blur, the tension that had defined our last visit to Alexandria slowly giving way to a quieter, more determined resolve. Daryl, Glenn, Tara, and I kept our heads down, working to rebuild the trust that had been fractured, trying to show the community that we were still committed to keeping Hilltop strong. It wasn't easy, especially with everything that had gone down, but we managed. Somehow.

Now, I was nine months pregnant, feeling every bit of it. My belly was round and heavy, each step a reminder that our little girl would be arriving soon. The trailer had always been cozy, just the right size for me, but with the crib set up and Daryl back at my side, it was starting to feel more like a shoebox. I tried not to let it bother me too much, focusing instead on getting through each day and preparing for the birth.

One afternoon, as I was resting on the small bed in our trailer, I heard the familiar sound of a car engine approaching. I sat up slowly, one hand on my belly, and glanced out the window to see Siddiq and Rosita stepping out of the vehicle. I hadn't expected them to show up, and the sight of them was both a surprise and a relief.

Daryl was already heading outside to greet them, and I followed as quickly as I could manage. By the time I reached the door, Rosita was standing there, a smirk on her face as she took in my appearance.

"Damn, Kennedy, you look ready to pop," Rosita teased, but there was warmth in her voice. "How are you holding up?"

I smiled, rolling my eyes at her usual bluntness. "I'm managing," I replied, though I couldn't help but let out a small groan as I shifted my weight. "But I'll be glad when she decides to finally make an appearance."

Siddiq stepped forward, his expression serious but kind. "Let's get you checked out, just to make sure everything's on track."

As Siddiq set to work, Rosita glanced around the trailer, taking in the cramped space with a raised eyebrow. "You've been living in here the whole time?" she asked, her tone half incredulous, half amused.

I shrugged, trying to play it off. "It's not so bad. A little tight, but we're making it work."

Rosita shook her head, her lips curling into a wry smile. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you're trying to win some kind of 'tough it out' award."

I chuckled, but the sound was cut short by a twinge in my back. Siddiq's examination was quick and thorough, and when he was done, he gave me a reassuring nod. "Everything looks good," he said. "You're close, but it could be a few more days or even a couple of weeks. Just take it easy, alright?"

"I'll try," I said, knowing full well that 'taking it easy' wasn't exactly in my nature.

As Siddiq packed up his things, Rosita leaned against the counter, her arms crossed over her chest. "Rick didn't want us to come," she said, almost casually, but there was an edge to her voice. "He thinks Alexandria's doctor shouldn't be helping out the 'traitors.'"

I rolled my eyes, feeling a surge of irritation. "Of course he does," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else. The last thing I needed was more drama from Rick, especially now.

Rosita caught my expression and let out a dry laugh. "Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction too. But we're here anyway because screw that."

"Thanks," I said sincerely, feeling a wave of gratitude for their support. "I appreciate you both being here."

Daryl and I spent the next few days settling into a routine, trying to make the most of the cramped space. Siddiq checked in on me regularly, and Rosita kept things light, distracting me with stories from Alexandria and making sure I didn't get too wrapped up in my own head.