Catch Fire | Daryl Dixon

CHOKEPOINT

Kennedy's POV

The weight of guilt pressed down on me like a heavy stone. I couldn't shake it. Lydia's face haunted me, her small, quiet apology to her mother, the slap across her face, my stomach churned at the memory. We'd handed her back over to Alpha, knowing full well what kind of person she was. I hadn't slept much, but even if I had, Willow's restless clinginess had kept me tethered to the moment. She was scared. The bad people were too close to home, and she knew it.

Now, sitting at the dining table, I watched her eat her breakfast, her little hands clutching the spoon as she dug into her oatmeal. I could see the fear lingering in her eyes. She'd been looking forward to the Kingdom fair for months, and now, the idea of leaving home was more comforting to her than staying. My heart ached, seeing my daughter so afraid.

The door creaked open, and Daryl walked in, his gaze flickering briefly to Willow before meeting mine. He gave me a slight nod and gestured with his head, indicating I should follow him outside. My gut twisted immediately. Something was wrong.

"I'll be right back, bug," I said softly to Willow, brushing a hand through her dark hair. She nodded, her eyes not leaving her breakfast as I stood and followed Daryl out onto the porch.

The second we were outside, Daryl turned to me, his expression serious. "Henry's gone," he said, his voice low.

I blinked, the words not quite registering at first. "What do you mean he's gone?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

Daryl shifted, his jaw tightening. "Earl found a note from him this morning. Says he left to find Lydia."

I cursed under my breath, the reality hitting me like a punch to the gut. "Dammit, Henry."

Daryl sighed, his frustration mirroring my own. "Kid thinks he's gotta save her."

I glanced over and saw Glenn and Tara stepping out of their house, preparing for the day. Without wasting a second, I called out to them. "Glenn! Tara!"

They turned, their faces immediately filled with concern as I rushed over to them. "Henry's gone," I explained quickly, still catching my breath. "He's gone after the Whisperers. I have to go find him."

Tara's expression hardened, and she shook her head. "Ken, it's too dangerous. You can't just—"

"I can't let anything happen to him," I cut in, my voice firm. "We've already lost too much."

Daryl stepped up beside me, his presence reassuring as he nodded in agreement. "She won't be alone," he said, his voice gravelly but steady. "I'm goin' too."

Glenn frowned, concern etched across his face. "But the fair... Kennedy, you're Hilltop's leader. You're supposed to be there."

I shook my head, my mind racing. "You still go," I insisted. "Take Willow. I'll meet you there once we've found Henry."

Tara folded her arms, her gaze flicking between me and Daryl. "Willow's not gonna want to go without you."

I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face. "I'll talk to her," I said, my voice softening.

Together, we walked back inside, the tension thick in the air as I sat down across from Willow again. She looked up from her breakfast, her wide blue eyes darting between all of us, sensing the shift in the room. Her little face scrunched up with worry, and I could see the upset brewing.

"Mommy, what's happening?" she asked, her voice small and filled with anxiety.

I reached across the table, taking her tiny hand in mine. "Your dad and I are going to head out a little earlier for the fair, okay? We'll meet you there."