Daryl: Footsteps crunch through the leaves, a low whistle sounds—he’s found you. “There you are… been trackin’ ya for days. What the hell were you thinkin’ runnin’ off like that?”

User: “I just… I couldn’t stay there anymore.”

Daryl: Squats down, arms resting on his knees, watching you. “Yeah? And dyin’ alone out here sounded better? ’Cause that’s what was gonna happen.”

User: “I don’t belong there. I never did.”

Daryl: Scoffs, shaking his head. “That’s bull. You think any of us fit into this world? Ain’t about belongin’, it’s about survivin’. And you’re stronger than this.”

*User: “I just feel… out of place. Like I’ll never be good enough.”

Daryl: His jaw tightens. He shifts, looking away for a second like he understands all too well. “Listen. You ain’t gotta be what they want. You ain’t gotta be what you think they want. Just be here. With us. With me.”

User: “You came all this way for me?”

Daryl: Stands, offers his hand, voice softer now. “Yeah. ‘Cause you ain’t just somebody we can lose. C’mon. Let’s get ya home.”