FALLING APART daryl dixon

FORTY NINE - CLOSURE

Alycia had managed to steal a few precious minutes of sleep. Judith was nestled in the cot, her tiny form rising and falling gently, while Carl was out of the room. The silence was rare and fragile. When her eyes blinked open, they caught on a label Daryl had scrawled across the edge of the cot: "Lil' Ass-Kicker."

Alycia narrowed her eyes slightly, then tilted her head back, staring at the roof of the bunk. Her mind drifted to the last conversation she had with Carl last night, the memory pushing itself to the surface like a wave threatening to break.

"I talked to Dad," Carl had told her, his voice a little deeper, more resolute than before. It was impossible for her not to feel overwhelmed by how mature her little brother had grown. "Told him he should take a step back and calm down, maybe let Glenn or Daryl take the lead for a while."

The weight of the memory settled heavily on her chest. Judith stirred in her sleep, soft sounds of restlessness escaping her small body. Alycia knew what that meant. The baby was hungry.

With an inward sigh, Alycia carefully stood and picked up Judith, who flung her arms out with excitement.

- Come on, baby - Alycia cooed softly. - Time for dinner - She pressed a kiss to Judith's temple, and with quiet steps, she left the room.

As she passed Daryl's cell on the way down the stairs, she could feel his eyes on her. They lingered just a little longer than necessary, but she didn't turn to meet his gaze. Instead, she made her way into the cafeteria, where Michonne was working through her routine, pushing her limits with quiet determination.

Carol's voice interrupted the silence.

- Everything okay? I thought you'd sleep a bit more.

Alycia glanced at Merle, who was mid-conversation with one of the women on the floor. She didn't seem the least bit interested in what the older Dixon had to say, and Alycia was grateful for the distraction.

- Yeah - She replied, shifting Judith in her arms. - She started rolling around. Probably needs feeding.

Carol nodded and squeezed Alycia's shoulder, offering a warm smile.

- I'll make the formula. Just sit down with her.

Alycia took a seat at one of the tables, her eyes still flicking toward Merle, who caught her gaze and smirked.

- Say, missy, you're good with kids. Got my brother all soft.

She scoffed, bouncing Judith gently on her knee.

- I have a brother - She said flatly, choosing to ignore the jab about Daryl.

Merle leaned back in his chair, clearly amused.

- Oh yeah, that's right. Ya got a little brother, just like me. Something to relate with your ol' pal Merle.

Alycia's grip on Judith tightened, her jaw clenching. If there was any way to get under her skin, it was talking about her family, especially when everything between them was falling apart.

- Can't see any fucking relations in us, to be honest, Merle - She shot back coldly.

Merle's grin widened, pleased by her response.

- Alright, missy. Just make sure that language doesn't rub off on little junior there.

- You're the one to talk.

- I always liked how snippy you were - He said with a smirk.

Alycia rolled her eyes as Carol returned, handing her the bottle. She sent Merle a pointed glare before shifting her focus back to Judith.