Unbreakable threads

Chapter Seventy Eight: The path To finding Beth.

As the group tried to process what had just happened, Rosita wasn't done. She crossed her arms, her sharp eyes fixed on Rick as she pointed at him. "Your kid is messed up," she said bluntly, her voice cutting through the tense silence like a knife. "I don't know what you've been through, but that girl? She's gone. Mentally."

The air grew heavy, and everyone turned to look at Alyssa, who immediately bristled, her fists clenching at her sides. Her eyes burned with fury as she took a step forward, her voice low and dangerous. "You don't know me," she snapped. "So why don't you shut your mouth before I shut it for you?"

Rick's face hardened, his gaze flicking between Rosita and Alyssa. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Daryl stepped in, grabbing Alyssa firmly by the arm and pulling her back. "That's enough," he growled, his voice low but commanding.

"Daryl, let go!" Alyssa protested, trying to pull free, but Daryl didn't budge. His grip remained steady, his expression a mix of frustration and concern.

"No," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Not now, Alyssa."

Carol quickly stepped in as well, placing a calming hand on Alyssa's shoulder. "Come on," she said softly, her voice soothing. "Let's step outside for a bit. Cool off."

Alyssa glanced between Daryl and Carol, her jaw tightening as the fire in her eyes simmered. But she didn't fight them further. She let Daryl pull her toward the door, with Carol following close behind. As the three of them left, the tension in the room didn't ease—it only seemed to grow.

Inside the church, Sasha knelt by Bob's lifeless body, her sobs wracking her frame. Glenn and Maggie hovered nearby, their faces etched with grief and exhaustion. Tara, standing near the back, shook her head and muttered, "This isn't what we need right now."

Rick turned back to Rosita, his voice calm but cold. "She's not your concern," he said flatly, his sharp gaze pinning her in place. "You don't know her, and you don't know what we've been through. So watch what you say."

Rosita raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms defensively. "I don't need to know her to see she's a ticking time bomb," she shot back. "And if you don't deal with it, it's gonna cost you."

Rick stepped closer, his imposing presence making her falter slightly. "She's my daughter," he said firmly, his tone low and dangerous. "And I'll deal with her how I see fit. You worry about yourself."

Eugene shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between Rosita and Rick, while Abraham stayed silent, his expression unreadable. The tension hung thick in the air, but before it could escalate further, Maggie spoke up, her voice firm but weary.

"Enough," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. She looked at Rosita, her green eyes hard. "This isn't the time. Bob just—" Her voice cracked slightly, and she glanced toward Sasha. "We've all been through enough for one night."

Rosita sighed, glancing at the grieving Sasha and finally stepping back. "Fine," she muttered, her voice quieter now. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

Rick watched her for a moment longer before turning his attention to Sasha, his expression softening. He walked over and knelt beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We'll give him a proper goodbye," he said quietly. "I promise."

Outside, Alyssa leaned against the side of the church, her chest heaving as she tried to calm herself down. Daryl and Carol stood nearby, watching her closely. Daryl finally broke the silence, his voice gruff but gentle. "She don't know what she's talkin' about," he said. "Don't let her get to you."

Alyssa glanced at him, her eyes still burning with frustration. "She doesn't get to talk about me like that," she muttered. "She doesn't know anything."