Unbreakable threads

Chapter Nineteen: refuge in the CDC

Daryl leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, watching the others cook with an unreadable expression. He wasn't used to group meals or gestures of gratitude, but he respected the intent behind it. Andrea, still somber but grateful for the distraction, worked beside Jacqui, chopping and prepping ingredients as they prepared the best meal they'd had in ages.

As they worked, Rick spoke up, his voice steady and filled with quiet appreciation. "This... this means a lot," he said, glancing around the room. "To have a moment like this. To be safe, even if just for a while. I don't know what we'd have done if Dr. Jenner hadn't let us in."

Shane gave a curt nod, his face softening slightly, though he remained tense. "Guess he came through in the end," he muttered, though his skepticism lingered just beneath the surface.

Dale looked up from arranging dishes on the table, a smile crossing his face. "It's important to show gratitude when we can," he said warmly. "Especially in a world like this."

They finished preparing the meal, setting out plates on the long table in the CDC's common area. The food looked simple but comforting, a combination of canned goods and preserved ingredients that Dr. Jenner had supplied, with a touch of creativity and effort from each of them. There was a sense of community in the room, a rare feeling of togetherness that they all realized they had been missing.

Carol, Sophia, Lori, Alyssa, and Carl emerged from the showers, clean and fresh, their faces brightening as they saw the spread laid out before them. Carol gave Rick a warm smile, nodding in approval as she settled beside him at the table. Lori took a seat across from him, her hand resting gently on Carl's shoulder, a rare glimmer of peace in her expression.

Alyssa, feeling a newfound sense of belonging, took a seat next to Daryl, her gaze shifting around the room, taking in the scene. She felt the warmth of the moment, the unspoken bond that was beginning to form among them, despite their differences.

As everyone settled in, Rick raised his glass, looking toward Dr. Jenner, who had joined them at the table with a slight, humble smile. "To Dr. Jenner," Rick said, his voice filled with sincerity. "For opening his doors and giving us hope when we had none. For reminding us that even in the darkest times, there's still kindness left in this world."

The group raised their glasses in unison, murmuring their thanks to Dr. Jenner, who nodded, looking slightly overwhelmed by their gratitude. The meal began, each person savoring the rare moment of peace and connection. For once, they allowed themselves to relax, to laugh quietly, to talk about the small, simple things they missed from the old world.

In that moment, around that table, they found a glimmer of hope—a reminder that, even in the worst of times, they were not just survivors. They were family.

Daryl ate quietly, his gaze fixed on his plate as he pushed the food around, taking occasional bites in silence. He was painfully aware of Alyssa sitting beside him, her presence a constant reminder of how out of place he felt. He wasn't used to people sticking close to him, especially not someone as young and stubborn as Alyssa. It made him feel exposed, almost guilty, though he couldn't figure out why. All he knew was that she kept gravitating toward him, and he didn't know how to shake her off without being cruel.

The tension wasn't just in his head. He could feel Rick and Shane's eyes on him, like they were silently scrutinizing his every move, questioning why Alyssa was next to him, as if he'd somehow encouraged it. He hadn't. Alyssa had made her own choice, yet it was clear Rick especially wasn't thrilled. Daryl shifted uncomfortably, letting out a low sigh, wondering why he always seemed to end up on the outside of this group, viewed with suspicion.

He glanced at Alyssa from the corner of his eye. She was eating quietly, focused, her face set with that familiar mix of determination and defiance. She didn't fit in perfectly either, he realized. the group hadn't fully accepted her yet, being ricks estranged daughter, it only brought a level of tension that people weren't ready to talk about. He'd seen how cold Lori had been, even with the sudden reunification with her husband who she presumed dead. Carl was no better just a jealous kid who wanted to be the centre of his father's affection. The rest of the group were too busy to pay much mind to Alyssa, And maybe that was why she kept sticking to him. He was the outsider she could relate to.