Catch Fire | Daryl Dixon

PUNCHING BAG

Kennedy's POV

Leaving Willow for the first time felt like I was tearing a piece of my heart out and leaving it behind at Hilltop. I stood by the door, cradling her against me, feeling the warmth of her tiny body, the steady rhythm of her breathing, and the soft coos she made as she clung to me. I could hardly bring myself to let her go. Daryl stood beside me, his hand resting on my back, providing the silent support he always did. Glenn and Tara were there too, their faces a mix of concern and understanding as they watched me struggle with this moment.

"Ken," Daryl murmured, his voice rough but gentle. "We'll be right here when you get back. She's in good hands."

I nodded, though the tightness in my chest made it hard to speak. I knew Daryl was right. There was no one I trusted more than him, Glenn, and Tara to take care of our daughter. But the thought of being away from her, even for just a couple of days, gnawed at me.

Glenn stepped forward, offering a reassuring smile. "We've got her. You don't have to worry about a thing."

Tara chimed in, her tone light but firm. "She'll be just fine. Probably won't even notice you're gone with all the spoiling we're gonna do."

I managed a small smile at that, but it didn't ease the ache in my heart. Still, I knew I had to go. This meeting was important, maybe even crucial to the future of Hilltop and our relationships with the other communities. I had a responsibility to see it through, even if it meant leaving Willow behind.

With a deep breath, I kissed the top of Willow's head, inhaling the sweet scent of her, committing it to memory. "I love you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Mama will be back soon."

Daryl took her from my arms, holding her close as she squirmed a little, her tiny hand reaching out as if searching for me. The sight of it almost broke me, but I forced myself to step back, knowing that if I didn't do it now, I might not be able to.

"You be careful out there," Daryl said, his eyes locking onto mine, full of the worry and protectiveness that he couldn't quite hide.

"I will," I promised, reaching up to cup his face, feeling the rough stubble against my palm. "Keep her safe for me."

"Always," he replied, his voice steady, though I could see the strain in his expression.

I nodded, then turned to Glenn and Tara, giving them each a tight hug. "Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"We'll be here," Glenn assured me, squeezing my shoulder.

With one last look at Willow, who was now nestled comfortably in Daryl's arms, I finally forced myself to turn away and head for the car where Jesus was waiting. Each step felt heavier than the last, but I knew I couldn't afford to hesitate any longer.

Jesus was already in the passenger seat when I climbed into the driver's side, the engine idling softly. He gave me a sympathetic look, sensing the turmoil I was going through. "You okay?"

"Not really," I admitted, starting the drive. "But I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

He nodded, understanding. We drove in silence for a while, the familiar landscape of Hilltop fading behind us as we made our way towards the Kingdom. The quiet was comforting in its own way, giving me time to collect myself, to focus on the task ahead.

It wasn't until we were well out of Hilltop's borders that Jesus finally broke the silence. "I've been thinking a lot about everything that's happened...between us, between our communities."

I glanced over at him, noting the seriousness in his expression. "Yeah?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know the people want you to lead Hilltop. And I get why they do. You've got their trust, their respect. And I understand why Glenn and Daryl feel the way they do about Negan being alive. What he did to us... to them... it's unforgivable." His words hung heavy in the air, the memories of all we'd lost, all we'd endured, surfacing between us. But there was something else, something deeper that I knew he was getting at. "But, Kennedy, you were the one who wanted peace, who believed in finding another way. And then, suddenly, you're standing with Daryl and Glenn, threatening Rick and Michonne. I just... I'm struggling to reconcile it."