Kali POV:

As the sun set, we found ourselves on a dirt road surrounded by trees, about a day away from the quarry. We decided to camp for the night, knowing that we were more exposed than we would be in a motel room. One of us would have to stay up while the other two slept.

I was drained, emotionally, from the events of the day. I barely had the energy to set up one of the two tents before I threw my things inside and crawled into my sleeping bag. I made sure to leave my shoes outside to keep the tent clean. I crawled into the tent without acknowledging either of my brothers, I lay there completely spent.

This was the first moment of privacy I had experienced in what felt like an eternity. As soon as I settled into the tent, a wave of emotions swept over me, and I couldn't hold back the tears that came flooding out. I tried to muffle my cries, not wanting to be heard by my brothers, but it was no use. I curled up into a ball, my body wracked with sobs.

I couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at me. I killed our father, and I had no idea what had happened to my mother. The people we encountered earlier were probably dead because of my actions, and Merle made it clear that he didn't want me around. I couldn't help but wonder if Daryl felt the same.

The tears continued to flow, and I felt completely alone in the world. It was like no one had ever truly wanted me. And now, with the world in shambles, there was no hope for things to get better. I tried stifling my cries again, as best I could.

General POV:

Daryl's eyes lingered on Kali as she quickly retreated to the tent she had set up. The sound of her stifled sobs pierced through the thin material, and he couldn't help but let out a deep sigh. He knew it wouldn't be easy to deal with a moody teenager, but the fact that she was his little sister made it all the more challenging. He finished setting up the other tent and glanced over to see Merle checking the perimeter.

Daryl couldn't shake the feeling that he had a responsibility to be there for her, to be the parent figure, knowing that Merle could never be. As he listened to her cry, he realized that he needed to make more of an effort to connect with her, to get to know her better. It wouldn't be easy, but he was determined.

He quietly made his way to her tent and unzipped the opening. Kali was curled up in a ball, facing away from the opening her face buried in her hands. He paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before stepping inside.

Kali tensed immediately as he entered the tent. "Shoes," she mumbled, her voice muffled by her hands.

Daryl nodded silently, slipping off his shoes before sitting down next to her. He felt unsure of how to approach the situation. He wanted to comfort her, but he also didn't want to invade her space or make things worse. He took a deep breath, searching for the right words to say.

"Merle's an idiot," Daryl said, shaking his head. Kali looked up at him, her expression curious.

"Yeah, he is," she agreed quietly before her face fell. "Do you also wish I wasn't here?" Her voice was small as she turned back over.

Daryl felt an actual pang in his chest at the question. How could she even think that? Of course, he did. Dammit Merle for putting stupid thoughts into her head.

"Kali, turn and look at me," he said gently grabbing her shoulder. "That's a foolish thing to say, you know I do. Hell, it's why I lived next door for so long, to watch over my baby sister."

She turned to face him, sitting up, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. "Ugh, don't call me baby sister," she grumbled, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. Daryl felt relieved, he smiled. Maybe this wouldn't be too hard, maybe he just needed to talk to her more and reassure her from time to time. Maybe she just needed to be reminded that he cared.

I'm sorry," Kali repeated, her doubts returning and her voice barely above a whisper.

Daryl furrowed his brows, unsure of what she was apologizing for. "For what?" he asked gently.

"For making you stay and endure more of him because of me," Kali's eyes filled with tears once again.

Daryl's heart clenched at the sight of his little sister so upset. "Now, that ain't your fault," he said firmly, emphasizing every word to make sure she understood. But he could see the doubt still lingering in her eyes.

Her tears spilled over and Daryl knew what he needed to do. He pulled her into a hug, feeling a bit awkward at first, but soon Kali gave in and cried herself to sleep in his arms.

Daryl held her close, hoping that she would feel better in the morning. He knew that he might not have said the perfect thing, but he would always be there for his sister, no matter what.

AN: Kinda going to leave this chapter short and sweet.