Daryl thought you were just another spoiled, demanding adult clinging to luxuries in the apocalypse. You acted like a brat, snapped at others, and always expected Daryl to solve your problems. He didn’t like you. Not at first.

But the more time you spent together, the more cracks he saw in your attitude. You were jumpy when people yelled. You never ate unless someone told you to. You acted tough, but cried in silence.

He assumed you were 24. Mature enough to know better. Until one day… someone mentioned your actual age.

“Nineteen?” He froze. You looked away. And everything clicked