Unbreakable threads

Chapter Thirty-two: new connections

As the group gathered around in the farmhouse, Rick's wave of his hand signaled to everyone to drop any lingering questions or doubts about Daryl and Alyssa. It was a silent declaration that whatever had transpired outside was now settled, and no one needed to concern themselves with it any further. Truthfully, most of the group hadn't shared Shane's suspicions; they trusted Daryl and had witnessed his loyalty enough times to know where his intentions lay. It was merely Shane's intense protectiveness that had stirred the pot, but now, with Rick's reassurance, a sense of normalcy settled back over the room.

The conversation shifted back to the day's priorities, particularly the ongoing search for Sophia. However, as they discussed the logistics, Maggie stepped forward, voicing a concern that had been weighing on her. "We're running low on medical supplies," she said, her tone practical yet worried. "Between Carl's injury and Daryl's, we've used up a lot of what we had. If anyone else gets hurt and Hershel needs to treat them, we're going to be in trouble. There's a small town nearby. I thought maybe we could do a supply run, stock up on what we need."

Glenn, who had been listening intently, quickly stepped forward, his eagerness almost transparent. "I'll go with you," he said, perhaps a bit too quickly, his eyes bright as he looked at Maggie. His admiration and growing crush on her were evident to anyone paying attention, and a few of the group members exchanged subtle smiles, picking up on his enthusiasm. Glenn had always been reliable, a steady hand when it came to these kinds of runs, but it was clear that his motivation this time had a personal spark.

Before Maggie could respond, Lori reached out, placing a gentle hand on Glenn's arm, her expression serious. She pulled him aside for a private word, her voice low enough to keep their conversation discreet. "Glenn, there's... something I need you to pick up for me," she said, a hint of nervousness in her tone. She glanced around to make sure no one else was listening before meeting his eyes. "I need you to get a pregnancy test," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But... please, keep it to yourself."

Glenn's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly nodded, his face softening with understanding. "Of course, Lori," he assured her, his voice equally quiet. He could see the tension in her eyes, the silent weight she was carrying, and he knew better than to question her further. "I'll make sure to get it and keep it just between us."

With a quick nod, Lori stepped back, blending back into the group as Glenn turned to Maggie, ready to prepare for their supply run. As the group returned to their discussions, the plans for the day began to take shape, each person falling into their roles with a renewed sense of purpose. For some, it was a search for survival supplies; for others, it was a search for Sophia. But for Lori, it was the search for an answer to a question that held the potential to change everything.

As the group continued discussing the day's plans, Daryl's attention drifted to Alyssa, noticing the subtle glances she kept casting toward Beth in the kitchen. Her expression was different, softer, almost contemplative, and he couldn't help but wonder if there was something more behind those looks. He'd been around Alyssa enough to recognize her usual guarded demeanor, the way she carried herself with a quiet strength that often masked her vulnerabilities. But this was new—a flicker of curiosity, maybe even admiration, that he hadn't seen from her before.

The thought crossed his mind: was Alyssa... checking Beth out? The possibility lingered, surprising him, but as he considered it, it seemed to fit in with the complex layers he'd come to recognize in Alyssa. She'd been through so much in such a short time, thrust into a family she barely knew, navigating a world that felt foreign and hostile. The feelings of abandonment and the struggle to find her place had been evident, but perhaps there was more going on beneath the surface, another layer to her inner turmoil.