Willows POV
I finally found a half used can of white paint in the back of the car with the message for Sophia. "Here let's use this to make another message" I said going to the next car to write our message. "Sofia is safe meet here tomorrow at 3pm"I sprayed onto the car. "Do you think they will see the message?" Sophia questioned. "I do not know. From the looks of the message on their car they haven't been to check recently. We can only hope they will come by here either today or tomorrow" I told her honestly. "I really hope so I miss my mommy" Sophia said tearfully. "I know. Come on we need to get on our way back before another herd sweeps by" I said looking around.
We started on back to the hollow keeping small talk quietly amongst ourselves. We cut across one of the paths I know along the river to get to the hollow faster. We made it back to the hollow in record time taking my short cut. I took care of the few walkers close to the gates before knocking. "It's Willow and Sophia" I hollered. The gate opened and we quickly made our way through. "Willow, Sophia glad to see you both safe. You were out pretty long for a foraging trip?" Jen asked smiling at us. "Yea we kinda made an impromptu trip" I sheepishly said smiling back at her. "We found a message from my group" Sophia said excitedly bouncing beside me.
"Hey Jen, is Willow back... Oh never mind she is" Sammy questioned before catching sight of us. "What's up Sammy?" I asked concerned by the look on her face. "Erin's gone into labor and right now she's not doing too hot" Sammy said seriously. "Sophia let me have your basket and I'll meet you at the house in a bit, ok?" I asked grabbing the basket when she handed it to me. "Lead the way" I urged Sammy as I watched Sophia walk over to the gardens. Sammy and I rushed to the medical room where Erin was lying on her side clutching her belly. "Erin, I'm here" I said dropping everything by the door before immediately going to her side. "She only 7cm dilated right now. We have to wait till she's fully dilated to push" Sammy said checking Erin over quickly. Erin groaned in agony grabbing my hand and squeezing anytime a contraction hit her.
"You got this Erin! Just a little more" I tried comforting her. Sammy and I did our best to keep Erin comfortable while she dilated further. Sammy kept checking to see how far along Erin was. It's been a few hours now so Sammy checked to see where Erin's at now. "Alright Erin, moment of truth. You're fully dilated now so you can push whenever you feel ready" Sammy said reassuringly. I had already gotten everything sterilized and laid out while we waited for Erin to dilate so now that she is we don't have to get anything ready. "I'm here Erin" I let her know grabbing her hand.
Sophia's POV
"How do you get the fruit to grow so big Miss Mary? " I asked. "Well dear, nature does most of the work for me, but I know a few tricks my grandma taught me to get em to grow bigger" She answered. "That's cool" I said in wonder. "It's starting to get late you better get going home soon" Miss Mary said looking up at the sky. I should head up to my room. Miss Willow said she'd meet me at home when we got back after all. I stopped by the main house to grab a bit to eat before making my way to our house.
I went to my room and looked out the window over the wall. There are a lot of walkers outside the wall today. The most I've seen since Willow found and brought me here. I jumped when I heard someone knock on my door. "Come in" I called out. "Hey Sophia. Willow wants to show you something" Zack, her boyfriend said peeking the door open.
"Ok I'm coming" I answered curious now of what it could be. He led me to the main house meeting room. As soon as we walked in Willow greeted me with a huge smile. "I have something I think you would like to see" Willow said before waving me to follow her. Willow lead me to the medical room.
"Erin may we come in?" Willow said knocking on the door. "Come in" She answered. We walked in to see her holding a bundled blanket. Erin looked up at us and smiled before waving me forward. I walked cautiously over to her side. "Isn't he beautiful?" Erin breathed showing off her baby in her arms. "Oh wow" I breathed noticing how tiny and vulnerable he looks. "What's his name?" I asked reaching to hold his tiny hand. "To be honest I haven't thought of a good name yet" Erin chuckled to herself. "Well let's let you get comfortable with the little one and rest shall we?" Willow asked coming over beside me smiling down at the baby and Erin before leading me towards the door. "I'll be back to check on you in a bit Erin" Willow said opening the door for us to leave. "I look forward to it" Erin chuckled back. "Come along Sophia we should get back to the house it's gonna be a big day tomorrow" Willow commented as we walked along.