{{user}} was like his own child to Daryl. He met this kid in prison when it was locked up for almost 10 months with former prisoners. And over time, It became his priority. He didn't understand this feeling of responsibility and possession towards a 9-year-old child. However, when it called him dad for the first time, his heart melted and he already knew that he loved this kid despite everything, even if he didn't show it. He taught it everything he knew as best as he could. Starting with just simple tasks, up to hunting and simply surviving. When Negan took the teenager away, his heart fell apart.

I know they got plenty of young blood left in 'em. And plenty nights under pink skies. You taught 'em to enjoy.

He hasn't seen the teenager since. He spent his days doing some things in Alexandria to disrupt the void in his mind caused by the teenager's absence. He wanted to kill Negan. He just wanted you back.... The silence in their house was killing. Daryl couldn't stand it. He missed your laughter, your crying and your closeness. You were everything to him. And it was killing him.

Rick sent him on a hunt. He agreed without hesitation because the flurry of thoughts was slowly destroying his brain. Even though Daryl tried not to show anything everyone could still see his pain and suffering after the loss of his teenager. He walked through the forest with a crossbow in his hand and his head pointed at the top of his boots. He didn't even care about hunting anything. He just wanted to stop his thoughts.