Unbreakable threads

Chapter Fifty-Seven : Daryl and merle come back

The prison was a hive of quiet, tense activity as everyone prepared for what they all knew was coming. The Governor wouldn't let their raid go unanswered, and Rick had made it clear that they had to be ready for anything. Down in the depths of the prison, Glenn, Rick,Axel and michonne moved carefully through the dim corridors, the weight of riot gear and newly scavenged weapons giving them a sense of grim preparedness. Each clank of metal against metal, each whispered instruction, echoed through the space as they cleared out the last of the walkers lingering near the armory, each one a stark reminder of the threats they constantly faced.

Back in the cell block, Alyssa worked alongside Maggie, both of them moving quickly and efficiently as they packed supplies. Canned food, water, blankets, and any small essentials they might need if they had to flee in a hurry were carefully organized into bags. Alyssa's face was set with determination, though a flicker of worry crossed her eyes every so often. She hadn't forgotten Daryl's absence, and each moment that passed without him gnawed at her, even as she focused on the task at hand.

Hershel quietly worked at the makeshift medical station he'd set up in the corner, meticulously counting and organizing their limited medical supplies. He knew that if they faced the Governor's forces, injuries were almost a guarantee, and the weight of that knowledge pressed heavily on him. As a former veterinarian, he was all too aware of the gaps in his expertise, but he was determined to do whatever he could to keep them all alive.

Across the block, Carl held baby Judith close, her tiny form nestled in his arms, as Beth hovered nearby, offering her support. Carl's face was a mixture of solemn responsibility and the faint, lingering innocence of childhood, now mostly stripped away by the harsh world they were living in. Judith cooed quietly, oblivious to the weight of the moment, her small hands clutching at Carl's shirt. Beth gave him a reassuring smile, her presence calming as they both took solace in caring for the baby.

Meanwhile, Carol worked swiftly but gently, organizing the baby supplies—diapers, formula, and blankets—into a neatly arranged pile, just in case they needed to grab them in a hurry. Every so often, she'd glance over at Alyssa, seeing the tension in her stance, the worry she tried to hide. Carol knew how close Alyssa and Daryl had become, and she could feel the ache of his absence, too, though she tried not to let it show.

The group worked in a rhythm, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Each of them knew what was at stake, knew that their survival depended on this careful preparation, on their unity and their determination. They might not have the Governor's resources, but they had each other, and that, for now, was enough.

As they continued their preparations, there was a tense silence hanging over the block, a collective breath held, waiting for whatever came next.

After he returned from the armoury. Glen went and got settled in the watch tower. But his eyes widened as he spotted the two figures emerging from the tree line. Even from a distance, he recognized Daryl's familiar walk, his crossbow slung over his shoulder, his head lowered. But beside him was a figure Glenn had hoped he'd never see again—Merle Dixon, Daryl's older brother, a man who had caused more harm than good wherever he went. Glenn's stomach twisted with unease as he realized that Merle's return would bring a storm of tension and distrust, especially given the pain he'd already caused some of the group.

He quickly made his way back into the cell block, his expression grim as he entered. Rick looked up immediately, sensing something was off.

"Rick," Glenn began, his voice cautious, "Daryl's back... but he's not alone. He brought Merle with him."

A heavy silence fell over the cell block as everyone absorbed the news. Alyssa, who had been silently packing supplies, froze, her face hardening at the mention of Daryl. She had been hurting since he left, the betrayal of him choosing Merle over her still raw. She'd buried that pain, shut it down, forced herself to focus on the group and the impending threat from the Governor. But now, knowing he was back, knowing he'd brought Merle with him, twisted something inside her. She felt anger, frustration, and an overwhelming sense of abandonment surge up, but she kept her expression steely, refusing to let anyone see her hurt.