Unbreakable threads

Chapter ninty Six: Suburban bliss

The dawn light filtered through the curtains of the cramped house, casting a soft glow over the sleeping group. Everyone was scattered in their chosen spots, curled up on couches, the floor, or against walls. The air was still, the quiet only broken by the occasional rustle of blankets or the soft hum of someone shifting in their sleep.

Alyssa stirred first, blinking against the light as she stretched slightly, careful not to disturb Daryl beside her. He was still slumped against the wall, his head tilted slightly to the side, his breathing deep and even. She looked at him for a moment, her expression softening before she gently pulled the blanket off herself and wrapped it around him instead. He mumbled something incoherent, his face scrunching slightly, but he stayed asleep.

As Alyssa stood, she heard the faint sound of Judith burbling from the pack-and-play across the room. Her little sister's voice was light and curious, a stark contrast to the usual chaos of their lives. Alyssa paused, glancing around. Everyone else was still out cold. For a moment, she debated waking Carol or Rick, but then she sighed, figuring she could handle it.

Walking over, she peered down at Judith, who looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes. "Hey, you," Alyssa muttered, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She reached down and lifted the baby into her arms. "What's all the racket about?"

The answer hit her almost immediately. The smell.

"Oh, come on," Alyssa groaned, holding Judith slightly away from her. "You gotta shit yourself on my watch?"

Judith giggled, as if completely unbothered by Alyssa's dramatics, and waved her tiny hands in the air. Alyssa wrinkled her nose, glancing around the room again to see if anyone was stirring. Still nothing.

"Great," Alyssa muttered, adjusting her grip on Judith. "Guess I'm doin' this."

She carried Judith over to the diaper bag, rifling through it awkwardly as she laid the baby down on a soft blanket. "Alright, kid," she said, pulling out a fresh diaper and some wipes. "Let's get this over with."

Alyssa worked quickly, muttering to herself the whole time. "How does someone so small make something this disgusting? Seriously, what are they feeding you?" Judith cooed in response, kicking her tiny feet, and Alyssa couldn't help but smirk despite herself.

By the time she was done, the smell was gone, and Judith was clean and happy. Alyssa picked her back up, holding her close. "There," she said. "Good as new."

Judith snuggled against her shoulder, her tiny fingers gripping a strand of Alyssa's hair. Alyssa froze for a moment, unsure what to do, but then she relaxed, patting Judith's back awkwardly. "Alright," she murmured. "You're kinda cute. I'll give you that."

Alyssa wandered quietly into the kitchen, her little sister cradled in her arms. She glanced around at the supplies Aaron had left for them the day before, spotting the jar of homemade apple sauce sitting neatly on the counter. Judith let out a happy little babble, her tiny hands reaching for anything in sight.

With a faint smile, Alyssa set Judith down carefully on the kitchen counter, her hands hovering near the baby to keep her steady. "Alright, kiddo," she muttered. "Let's see if you like this."

She grabbed a spoon, twisting the lid off the jar of apple sauce. The sweet smell filled the air, and Judith's little eyes lit up in curiosity. Alyssa scooped out a small spoonful, holding it up to her sister's lips. Judith opened her mouth eagerly, taking the bite with a delighted coo.

"Yeah, figured you'd like that," Alyssa said, smirking as she fed her another spoonful. She stayed close, leaning against the counter so Judith wouldn't wobble off, her movements careful but relaxed.