Unbreakable threads

Chapter Seventy Seven: Bobs leg.

The group began settling into the church, their movements quiet and subdued. Everyone was still on edge from the events of the day, but exhaustion was beginning to creep in. Rick held Judith close, rocking her gently as Carl had given her back to him, and walked back to sit back on the pew. Alyssa sat beside him, her arms crossed as she leaned back, staring at the faintly flickering candles near the altar.

Carol slumped down on the other side of Alyssa, letting out a small sigh as she leaned back against the wooden pew. She gave Alyssa a faint smile, one of understanding and quiet support. Alyssa didn't say anything but shifted slightly, letting her shoulder brush against Carol's. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the bond they shared.

Sasha glanced toward the door, her brow furrowing as she noticed Bob slipping outside. He had been quieter than usual since they escaped Terminus, and it was clear the events of the day were weighing on him. She hesitated for a moment, her concern evident, but ultimately stayed where she was, giving him the space he seemed to need. Still, her eyes lingered on the door for a long moment before she turned back to the group.

Daryl, leaning against the far wall, watched the scene unfold. His sharp eyes settled on Alyssa for a moment, seeing her sitting between Carl and Carol. A pang of guilt twisted in his chest. It used to be the three of them—him, Carol, and Alyssa. They had been their own little family, bound together by trust and survival. But now, Daryl felt like he was on the outside looking in.

His guilt over Beth's kidnapping gnawed at him, as did the memory of outing Alyssa in front of her. It had been a stupid, drunken mistake, but the fallout had been undeniable. Alyssa had barely looked at him since, and the bond they once shared felt fractured. He couldn't blame her for it—not after what he'd done.

Unable to stand the weight of it any longer, Daryl pushed off the wall and headed for the door. "Gonna get some air," he muttered to no one in particular, slipping out quietly.

Alyssa watched him go, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tracked his movements. Part of her still cared for Daryl—how could she not, after everything they'd been through? He'd been like a second father to her, her rock during those long months on the road before the prison. But now? Now, she didn't know how to feel. The anger still burned in her chest, and she couldn't let it go. Not yet.

Carol noticed Alyssa's gaze lingering on the door and placed a gentle hand on her arm. "Give it time," she said softly. "You two'll work it out."

Alyssa scoffed lightly, looking away. "Maybe," she muttered. But deep down, she wasn't sure if things would ever be the same. Not with Beth gone. Not with everything that had happened.

Outside, Daryl lit a cigarette, the glow of the flame briefly illuminating his face. He leaned against the church's wooden railing, staring out into the dark woods. The quiet felt suffocating, his thoughts too loud to ignore.

Alyssa stood from her seat, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her as Daryl's absence continued to gnaw at her. She couldn't shake the complicated knot of emotions twisting in her chest. Daryl had outed her, and while she knew it was probably an accident—he'd been drunk, and Beth had been relentless with her questions—it still stung. But she also knew she couldn't keep avoiding him forever. She pushed herself up and made her way to the door.

As she stepped outside into the cool night air, she spotted him immediately, leaning against the church wall, a cigarette between his fingers, glowing faintly in the dark. His face was turned away, lost in thought, the weight of his own guilt clearly hanging heavy on him.

"Thought you quit," she said, her voice carrying a cocky edge as she approached.

Daryl glanced at her, his lips twitching slightly. "Guess not."