Unbreakable threads

Chapter Fifty-three: Finding Michonne.

As Maggie and Glenn exited the cell block, leaving the group gathered around the table, Beth approached Alyssa, her gentle nature showing in the concern etched on her face. Alyssa still bore the dried remnants of yesterday's violence—blood streaked across her face and hands, a haunting reminder of everything she'd been through. The room quieted as Beth came closer, her expression soft and caring, completely unaware of the effect her presence had on Alyssa.

"Alyssa," Beth said softly, a slight frown of concern on her face. "You need to get cleaned up. C'mon, let's take care of that."

Alyssa's heartbeat quickened, and she swallowed hard, trying to hide her reaction. Being near Beth made her feel vulnerable in a way that was foreign and thrilling, yet terrifying. Beth was gentle, kind, everything that seemed so rare in this world, and Alyssa couldn't help the small flutter of emotions she felt every time Beth was close. But she'd kept those feelings carefully guarded, sharing her truth only with Daryl, the one person she trusted with everything.

Daryl watched the scene, his gaze steady but soft, knowing exactly what Alyssa was going through. He saw her eyes flicker with something deeper, a nervous excitement masked by her usual tough exterior. He said nothing, letting her have this moment, hoping that maybe Beth's kindness could offer her some comfort, even if Beth wasn't fully aware of Alyssa's feelings.

Beth guided Alyssa over to a small basin, dampening a cloth before gently lifting it to Alyssa's face. Alyssa stayed still, her heart pounding as Beth's fingers brushed her skin. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, trying to steady herself, to keep the feelings from overwhelming her. She focused on Beth's soothing presence, letting it ground her amidst the chaos within.

As Beth wiped away the remnants of blood from Alyssa's face, she spoke softly, her voice filled with genuine care. "I know things have been hard," she said, her eyes meeting Alyssa's with a warmth that made Alyssa's heart ache. "But you're strong, Alyssa. I'm here if you ever need anything."

Alyssa managed a small nod, her voice caught in her throat, feeling both grateful and vulnerable. She could barely muster a response, but the look in her eyes said enough. She appreciated Beth's kindness more than words could express, even if she couldn't bring herself to reveal the depth of her feelings. For now, she was content to let Beth be there for her, in whatever way she could, savoring the momentary peace that Beth's gentle care brought to her chaotic world.

. As Beth gently wiped the last remnants of blood from Alyssa's face, Alyssa couldn't ignore the pang in her heart—a bittersweet ache of longing mixed with the quiet acceptance that Beth would never feel the same way. She knew Beth wasn't gay, that this kindness she was showing was just that—kindness. Nothing more, nothing less. Yet, a part of her couldn't help but imagine, couldn't help but wish for something that felt so out of reach in this harsh world.

Only Daryl knew the truth. She hadn't even told Rick, her father. It wasn't that she didn't trust him; it was more that their relationship was still raw, new, and filled with so many unresolved layers. Telling him she was gay felt like something that would complicate things further, something that could open doors she wasn't sure she was ready to step through with him. She worried about how he might react, whether he'd see her differently, especially in a world where survival had stripped so much of who they were down to the bare bones.

Daryl had been her one confidant, the one person she trusted enough to confide in about her feelings. He hadn't judged, hadn't treated her any differently. He'd simply accepted her, with that quiet, steady loyalty that he always showed. But the rest of the group—Rick, Carl, Carol, Hershel, Maggie, Glenn even Beth herself—they didn't know. And a part of Alyssa was content to keep it that way, shielding herself in her silence, protecting her heart in the way she knew best.