Down by the water • TWD

Ron Anderson.

The camera clicked on with a soft whir, and Daryl didn't move. He paced around the room, investigating every section. His crossbow stayed slung across his back, like he would need it.

Deanna watched him for a moment, studying. "You don't seem like someone who enjoys this part," she said calmly.

Daryl didn't look at the camera. "I don't."

A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, like she expected that answer. "Fair enough."

She glanced briefly down at her notes, then back up at him. "Aaron mentioned someone. Avery?"

That got a reaction, even if it was small. Daryl's eyes shifted slightly, attention sharpening.

"He said she's your daughter."

"She ain't my daughter." He huffed quietly, stopping in place.

Deanna tilted her head slightly. "Then who is she?" A short pause followed, and she waited, like she knew there was more coming.

Daryl shifted, dragging a hand over the back of his neck. He moved to the window, peeking through the blinds before he spoke.

"She's my kid," he said, shutting his eyes. "But she ain't mine."

Her expression softened, just slightly. "I see." He didn't elaborate right away. It didn't seem like he wanted to. So she leaned forward just a little. "How?"

He glanced at her, then away again, jaw tightening like he was already over the question. "Just happened," he said simply. "I don't know."

She let out a small breath, feeling his hesitation. But nonetheless, she nodded slowly. "And you feel responsible for her."

Daryl shrugged. "Someone's gotta be."

Another quiet moment passed, and the camera kept rolling.

Deanna studied him carefully before asking, "And does she feel the same way about you?"

He hesitated just for a second. "Why don't ya ask her?"

"Oh, I will." She nodded, giving him a smile. "Aaron also said she listens to you more than most."

"Wouldn't go that far." He scoffed, finally looking at her.

Deanna shifted slightly. "But she listens."

"Sometimes." Daryl shrugged again, looking off toward the door.

The silence filled the air, and he was grateful for it. He didn't know how to answer the woman's questions. If he barely answered about how he feels to his group, why would he answer hers?

"You met her in this new world." Deanna breathed, "And you built this relationship with her."

Daryl didn't answer right away. His eyes dropped briefly, like he was thinking about it more than he wanted to. "Like I said. Just happened."

"Often the most important things do." She nodded.

Daryl shifted again, clearly done talking more than he already had. "Ya done?" he asked.

She let out a small breath, then reached forward. "For now." 

Clicking the camera off, she watched him get ready to leave immediately without another word. But as he turned to leave, Deanna spoke one last time.

"She may not be yours," she said, "but it's very clear she's your daughter."

Daryl paused at the door, letting her words sink in deeply. He didn't look back or turn around; he just lingered for a moment. Then left without a sound.