I watched as life went by, with family that I cared about getting chewed apart from the dead that now walks. I could feel myself falling into the deep pit of depression I once was in, this life wasn't meant to be living. I laid in my bed, remembering all the dreams and promises I had made with my close ones. I felt that similar ache I'd felt before, the sting of tears threatening to come out, the knot in my throat ready to be screamed out. I could see the sun coming through the curtains, I rolled over and finally got up. I could hear a faint conversation between Rick and Daryl, I quietly walked out of the room and went down the stairs.

"Rick, she ain't doing okay," said Daryl

"What could we do? No one is okay after losing everyone." sighed Rick while rubbing his temples, "I'll talk to her, okay?"

"I don't know, man," replied Daryl

I could hear the sadness in Daryl's voice, it hurt me to see him hurt because of me. I cringed as I heard the creak of the floor.

Rick turned and looked at me, his eyes showing empathy, "Hey (y/n)."

Daryl gave me a small smile and continued to chew his fingernails.

"Hi, what's going on?"

"We've noticed you haven't been yourself (y/n). It's concerning," said Rick

I scoffed, "It's the end of the world, I think I'm doing okay."

"Stop, just fuckin' stop (y/n)! We know what's goin' on and you can't make jokes!" said Daryl raising his voice. I could tell he was starting to lose his temper with me.

I winced, I looked somewhere else to avoid their eye contact, "I'm fine, okay."

Daryl walked over to me, "The hell you are! I can see how many meals you're missin', how at night I can hear you cryin'."

I choked back a sob, "Daryl, please. I'm just dealing with stuff, I don't want to burden you with my things."

Rick noticed this conversation was meant for just us two, so he walked out and left us alone.

"Baby, you could never burden me. You've seen me at my worst and stayed," said Daryl wrapping me up in his warm embrace.

I finally broke, and the tears came out like a waterfall. I could feel myself finally letting loose of some hurt. I let out a sob, "I can't feel anything, Daryl. I feel numb."

"You are not numb, you're feeling right now. Let it out," said Daryl

I felt safe in his embrace, I could probably stay here forever.

~i missed writing for daryl but i'm going to try my best fr this time!