Unbreakable threads

Chapter sixty-Six: Carols gone and the governer Returns.

Alyssa's gaze shifted to Daryl, who was standing beside her with a steady, grounding presence.. But even as she took in the relief of Glenn and Sasha's slow recovery, her mind drifted to Rick and Carol, still out on their run. She wondered when they would return, how much time they had before Rick's sharp instincts would inevitably lead him to the truth.

Deep down, a weight had settled in her chest, a quiet, gnawing realization she couldn't shake. She knew that Carol had been the one to put down Karen, Tyreese's girlfriend, in an attempt to protect the group from the infection. It wasn't a decision made lightly. This world demanded choices that would have been unthinkable before, choices that could twist a person into something they barely recognized. And Carol—Carol had made that choice, taking the burden on herself to protect the rest of them, no matter how painful it was.

If she knew, Alyssa knew it was only a matter of time before Rick figured it out too. He was already piecing things together, catching subtle cues, picking up on the weight in her gaze when she looked at Carol. He was sharp, and even though he'd retreated into farming and quiet contemplation, Alyssa knew he'd feel the pull back to his role as a leader, as a protector. And once he took a closer look, it wouldn't be long before he uncovered the truth.

The thought of it tightened her throat, the fear of losing Carol pressing down on her like a weight. Carol wasn't just another member of the group to Alyssa; she was family. Carol was as much a part of her survival as Daryl was, a mother figure who had been there when she needed someone the most. Losing Carol would tear a hole in her heart, one she didn't know if she could bear.

Hershel straightened up, his face lined with exhaustion but filled with a quiet satisfaction. He looked between Alyssa, Maggie, and Daryl, giving them a reassuring nod. "They'll pull through," he said, his voice soft but steady. "The worst is over. Now they just need time, and the antibiotics to keep working. But..." He let out a weary sigh. "I need a moment to rest myself."

Alyssa nodded, gratitude flashing in her eyes as she looked at the older man who had done so much for all of them, even as he put himself at risk. "Thank you, Hershel. For everything," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. She didn't know what they would have done without his steady presence, his knowledge, and his kindness.

Hershel gave her a small, grateful smile, his eyes softening. "We're all in this together, Alyssa. Take care of each other." With that, he turned and made his way out of the quarantine block, his steps slow and deliberate as he left them with Sasha and Glenn, who lay on their bunks, breathing steadily, color returning to their faces.

Alyssa placed a gentle but firm hand on Daryl's shoulder,"I'm going to step out for a bit," she said softly, keeping her voice low so as not to disturb Maggie or the others. "I need to check on the others... mainly Tyreese. He doesn't know Sasha's in here yet, and he's still reeling over Karen."

"Be careful out there," Daryl murmured, his voice rough but sincere. His hand moved to her shoulder in a mirror of her earlier gesture, offering a silent reminder that she wasn't alone in this, that he'd be there if she needed him.

Alyssa gave him a small, appreciative smile before slipping out of the quarantine block, her footsteps quiet but purposeful. As she stepped into the hallway, the silence of the prison settled around her, a stark contrast to the turmoil in her mind. She steeled herself, knowing that the conversation with Tyreese might not be easy. He was hurting, angry, and looking for answers that no one could seem to give him.

Finally, she spotted Tyreese pacing in the yard, his face dark with unresolved anger and grief. Alyssa took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders as she approached him, preparing herself for the difficult conversation ahead.