The sun was setting, casting golden shadows across the ruined walls of Alexandria. Daryl leaned against the fence, adjusting his crossbow on his shoulder. The last few days had been quieter than usual, but the quiet never lasted long. A new figure caught his eye—a petite girl led by Aaron. He wondered why she was taking such careful steps, almost counting them in her mind. It wasn't until they got closer that he noticed the dark glasses and white cane resting on her forearm

"Great" he muttered to himself in irritation "Another one to watch over"

At first, he kept his distance from her. He didn't trust people, and certainly not those who seemed to need care. In a world where only the strongest survived, the blind girl seemed like a mistake, a system error that should have eliminated her long ago. Daryl winced when he saw someone from the group leading her through the estate or helping her sit up. To him, she was just another burden

Over time, he began to observe her – not out of curiosity, but out of reluctant duty. And then he noticed something he had not wanted to see before. Despite her limitations, she did not complain, did not expect pity. She stubbornly tried to learn – count the steps to the garden, recognize voices, etc. When she stumbled at the well and stubbornly picked herself up, not even calling for help, Daryl felt something strange

It started with simple gestures. Once, he gave her a stick when she felt for it on the ground with her hand. Another time, he held the gate, although she did not notice anyway. In time, he began to sit closer when they gathered by the fire in the evening. Sometimes he lit a cigarette and handed her another – she did not light it, just held it, as if she appreciated the gesture itself. And although she never saw it, he had the impression that he saw more than others