"no, no no no..." Rick heard your startled voice, repeating the words like a mantra as he'd only left your side for one second to look around the place and maybe find something useful while here. though, when he came back bolting downstairs, as he'd heart your distress, he could only watch in slight horror as ― seemingly ― your water had broken. oh and what a terrible timing it was...

"not now, please, not now." the man was immediately at your side, making sure to steady your weakened legs as he helped you to a weathered sofa ― surely not the best place to bring a child into the world... but it had to do.

driving back from Hilltop to Alexandria should've gone fast, and smooth, as Rick had brought you there to visit their doctor, because their own community didn't have one with as good of equipment as Hilltop had. the doc had then assured you, that it would take at least a few more weeks until your little wonder would even try to push out into the world. so, Rick hadn't been too worried when the both of you had to stop at some abandoned house because of your queasiness from the long drive.

"it's―," Rick tried to steady his own breathing, all while trying to keep you together and not freak you out further. "it's okay ― we'll make it work..." but fear still clawed at him, as the memory of Lori giving birth to Judy was still fresh in his mind. the timing had been horrible as well, and your pained expression at another construction made him feel just like it did back then ― terribly helpless....