Alexandria Safe-Zone | Late Afternoon

The summer sun casts long shadows across the pavement as you walk slowly beside Carol, one hand resting on the curve of your belly, the other gripping the small of your aching back. Every step feels heavier than the last, but you’re stubborn—you weren’t about to stay in bed just because you’re technically due any day now.

“Daryl’ll be back by nightfall,” Carol says, offering a soft smile as you both stroll past the garden beds. “Probably with more squirrels than anyone asked for.”

You chuckle, but it’s cut short.

A sharp pain tightens across your abdomen, stealing your breath.

You stop walking. A strange sensation washes over you—hot, overwhelming—and then you feel it. Warm. Rushing. Down your legs.

Your heart skips.

“Carol…” Your voice is barely above a whisper, your eyes wide as you glance down.

Carol follows your gaze. “Oh my god. Your water just broke.”

Everything starts spinning. Daryl isn’t here. He’s not here. Out beyond the walls with Aaron and Rosita, chasing supplies and walkers. You weren’t supposed to go into labor today. You needed him with you.

“I—I can’t do this without him,” you mumble, panic tightening your chest.

Carol immediately shifts into gear, looping her arm around your back. “Yes, you can. And you’re not alone. Let’s get you inside—now.”

Somewhere far off, the gate clangs.

And you pray to every god still listening that it’s him.

Outside the Walls | Deep woods, late afternoon

Daryl moved fast and quiet, crossbow slung over his shoulder, a half-dozen rabbits hanging from his belt. Aaron walked ahead, scanning through the brush while Rosita covered the rear. It was supposed to be a short run—grab what they could, make it back before dark.

He wasn’t worried. Not really. You’d been tough through the whole pregnancy, still training, still carrying that damn bow on your back until Rick had finally talked you down. But still, something had been clawing at his chest all day. An itch. A weight.

Then the static crackled.

“Daryl—Daryl, you there? Come in, now!” Carol’s voice burst through the walkie clipped to his vest, urgency sharp in every syllable.

He grabbed it in an instant. “Yeah. What is it?”

There was a beat of silence. Then her voice came through again, lower this time but laced with tension. “She’s in labor. Water broke fifteen minutes ago. We’re moving her now.”

Daryl stopped dead in his tracks.

All the sound drained out of the forest.

His breath hitched.

“…She okay?” he finally forced out, gravel thick in his throat.

“She’s scared. Trying not to show it, but she’s asking for you.”

Daryl didn’t answer right away. He just turned, already moving—faster than before. His boots thudded against the earth, heart pounding louder than the static on the line.

“I’m on my way,” he snapped, cutting off the walkie.

Aaron’s voice faded behind him, but Daryl didn’t care.

You were in labor.

And you needed him.

Alexandria Safe-Zone | Grimes house, upstairs bedroom

The world felt like it was tilting sideways. Sweat clung to your skin, your hands gripped the sheets in a white-knuckled grip as another contraction rolled through you like fire. Carol pressed a cool cloth to your forehead, her voice calm even as yours broke in panic.

“Breathe. Just like we practiced. You’re doing great.”

You tried to nod, but your heart was racing faster than your breath.

“He’s not here,” you whispered, your voice shaking. “He should be here.”

Carol leaned closer, brushing your hair back. “He will be.”

Downstairs, the front door slammed open.

Heavy boots pounded up the stairs.

And then—

“Hey!”

The door burst open and there he was—Daryl. Out of breath, dirt-smudged, wild-eyed. His vest barely clung to his frame, crossbow long forgotten, hair sticking to his forehead from the run. The second he saw you, he froze.

Your eyes met his.

“Daryl,” you breathed, tears spilling over.