CAUTION: Trigger warnings. This oneshot contains signs of an eating disorder, and a suicide attempt. I do not promote eating disorders or suicide. Please do not be offended.
It had been a while since Beth had tried to commit suicide. It was before the farm was overrun. She'd been having thoughts again. About her momma. She didn't want anyone to know. The last thing Beth wanted was to be on suicide watch again.
She had been taking care of Judith when he walked up. Taking in his chiseled features and the grizzly stubble that stood on his chin, Beth smiled, recognizing Daryl. "Whatcha' thinkin' bout'?" he asked, in his deep, southern drawl. "Nothin'." she responded in a cheery tone. He took in the blonde's beautiful figure. Bright blue eyes that shined when she glanced up at him, pink lips that turned into a smile. "Somethin' I can do for ya'?" she asked, putting a hand on her hip.
Daryl shook his head and muttered, "Dinner's ready." She hadn't felt hungry for days and had been skipping meals. Because she never really had an appetite anymore. Daryl had noticed her changed eating habits. No dinner for 3 days. Skipped breakfast this morning. Something was wrong with his Beth. After everyone was finished, he'd decided to take a stroll to Beth's cell.
Secretly, Beth hid a knife that Maggie had given her under her pillow. The only thing she had to release the pain and sorrow she had inside her. Beth flipped over her pillow and grasped the knife in her hand. More tears came down her cheeks as she pressed the blade against her pale wrist. "Beth?" the familiar voice called.
There Daryl stood, shocked at what he saw. How had he not noticed how broken the young girl was? Beth froze, meeting Daryl's wide eyes with her sad ones. Setting down the plate, he rushed forward towards her and pulled the knife from her hand. She let out a quiet sob as he wrapped his toned arms around her fragile frame. Daryl rubbed circles into her back, trying to calm her. He'd never done this before but he knew that he was going to be there for his Beth. Whenever she needed him.
"I'm sorry Daryl. So-sorry." she breathed, laying her head against his torso. He shushed her and rocked her until he believed she was asleep. "I-I love you." she stuttered, fluttering her eyes closed. And in that moment, Beth knew why she hadn't ended her life at the farm. For Daryl Dixon, she needed to live, for love.