Unbreakable threads

Chapter Fifty- Eight: the calm before the storm.

With a heavy sigh, he turned away from the cell, knowing that going in there would only make it worse. The memories would feel hollow now, reminders of the trust he'd shattered. He knew he'd have to work to earn that trust back, piece by piece, if she'd even let him. But he also knew he couldn't give up, not when she meant more to him than he'd ever let himself admit.

For now, he'd sleep somewhere else, find another corner of the prison to make his bed. The cell he'd shared with Alyssa felt empty now, and he wasn't sure he deserved to be there. Not until he'd done something, anything, to prove that he was still the one she could rely on, the one who'd never leave her behind again.

Merle, leaning casually against the wall, noticed the look of regret and sadness etched into Daryl's face. Always one to spot a weakness and pounce on it, he let out a low chuckle, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Aww, what's wrong, baby brother?" Merle sneered, eyes narrowing as he took in Daryl's expression. "Missin' your lil' bunkmate already? Didn't take you for the type to go soft over a kid. But I guess she's got you all wrapped up, huh?"

Daryl shot him a glare, his jaw tightening. "Ain't like that, Merle," he muttered, but there was an edge of frustration in his voice, as if he was fighting an internal battle he hadn't quite come to terms with. "She trusted me. I left, and now..." He trailed off, unable to put his feelings into words, but the weight of it was clear on his face.

Merle laughed, unbothered by his brother's discomfort. "Trusted you, huh? That what you call it? Seems to me like you got all caught up in playin' daddy to someone else's kid. What, she your lil' sidekick now? Or are ya just pining for the Sheriff's girl? Got a real twisted way of showin' it, leavin' her like that."

Daryl clenched his fists, a flash of anger sparking in his eyes as he looked at Merle. "Shut up, Merle. You don't know a damn thing." His voice was low, dangerous, as if daring Merle to keep pushing. "She's... she's like family. Don't make it somethin' it ain't."

Merle shrugged, a wicked grin on his face, clearly enjoying himself. "Family, huh? Ain't that sweet. Never thought I'd see the day my brother'd be all sentimental over some girl that ain't even his. Funny how things turn out." He shook his head, mocking disbelief. "Guess you're just a real big softy, Daryl. Givin' up your bunk, poutin' 'cause the kid don't wanna look at ya now. Real tragic."

Daryl took a deep breath, struggling to keep his composure. He knew Merle was just trying to get a rise out of him, trying to dig into the raw wound of guilt he felt. But it still stung, knowing that Merle would never understand what Alyssa meant to him, how she'd become a part of him, in a way that was deeper than any family connection he'd ever had.

"Think what you want," Daryl finally replied, his voice steady, though his hands were still balled into fists. "I ain't got nothin' to prove to you. But I'm here now, and I'll make things right." He looked away, refusing to let Merle see the vulnerability in his eyes. He'd fix this with Alyssa, no matter what it took. And he didn't need Merle's approval or understanding to do it.

Merle's mocking expression faltered for a brief moment, replaced by something closer to bewilderment, maybe even a touch of sadness, though he'd never admit it. He looked at Daryl, studying his younger brother's face as if trying to recognize the person he'd once known.

"What happened to you, little brother?" Merle asked, his voice softer than usual, a rare glimpse of vulnerability breaking through his usual rough exterior.

Daryl didn't meet his gaze. Instead, he looked off into the distance, his voice low but certain as he replied, "Alyssa Grimes happened."

Merle scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief, but there was no laughter this time. "Ain't never seen you care about nobody like that. Not me, not anyone." His voice carried a strange mixture of accusation and something almost like hurt, though he quickly masked it with a scowl.