Full Summary

In one universe, Michonne struggles to rebuild her life and establish a new normal after Rick's apparent death in a bridge explosion. Meanwhile, in an alternate reality where Rick is rescued before Jadis can kidnap him, the Grimes family confronts the challenges of his recovery and a startling revelation. Each chapter alternates between these parallel universes, exploring the 'what if' that arise from their contrasting fates.

Notes: I've had this little idea in the back of my head for some time now. What did Michonne experience right after Rick's disappearance but also how would the events after the bridge explosion unfold if Rick had been found before Jadis could kidnap him? This chapter will include Rick and explore an unexpected event over a month after the explosion. Enjoy!

The air in the room was heavy with anticipation. The sound of Michonne's foot tapping against the vinyl floor softly echoed around them. From beside her, Rick reached out and captured her wrist in his hand, bringing it to his lips for a soft, reassuring kiss. As he placed her hand back against her thigh, his thumb remained, tracing delicate circles across her skin.

Six weeks had passed since the bridge.

Six. Weeks.

Six agonizing weeks had crawled by since the bridge explosion, and Rick had been found half-dead at the riverbed. During that time, Rick fought a relentless battle against infections and fevers that threatened to overwhelm his weakened body. For the first month, he lay incapacitated, dependent on the care and support of others. His once invincible spirit was now suppressed by pain and exhaustion, and each day stretched out like an eternity for the Grimes household.

Michonne had watched with deep anguish as the man she loved endured such vulnerability. It pained her to see him so fragile and in constant discomfort. The communities rallied around them, offering support in ways Michonne had never imagined. She was thankful. Thankful for the nights when someone offered to care for Judith, allowing her to focus entirely on Rick's recovery. The food deliveries, the care packages, and the offers to clean or run small errands. Each gesture filled her with gratitude.

Rick winced beside her, pulling her away from her thoughts. Michonne saw through his attempt at a brave face, knowing the discomfort of the stiff, hard chairs they sat in all too well. These walls, this infirmary, had become her world, where she spent endless hours pacing with a heavy heart, fingers tracing cold metal chair frames while the clock ticked away relentlessly.

Today, however, the roles were reversed. She was the patient. She found herself within the same walls of the infirmary, her nerves on edge, waiting for Siddiq to return to discuss the recent results of her test. Results that would reveal if she and Rick were about to embark on a new chapter of their lives together.

Michonne's foot began to tap against the floor increasingly faster as her patience became more thin. She stole a glance at Rick, who now sat with a calm expression that barely masked his own anxiety and pain. His injury had upended so many plans of theirs, but now this potential news of new life added another layer of uncertainty.

Finally, the door opened, and Siddiq entered. A small smile graced his face as he approached them, and Rick took Michonne's hand between his.

Rick attempted to straighten his posture in the chair and moved with visible discomfort, his face slightly contorted in pain. Siddiq had a subtle look of concern in his eyes, and a sympathetic look fell over his face as he asked, "Rick, how are you feeling? Any changes since your last visit?"

Rick chuckled, then sighed softly. "Still taking it day by day." Michonne squeezed his hand and intertwined her fingers with his.

Siddiq nodded before turning his attention to Michonne. "And you, Michonne?"

Michonne inhaled deeply, her gaze shifting to Rick before meeting the doctor's eyes. "I've been feeling... different." She pauses, her mind searching for the right words. The ticking of the clock on the wall seemed to echo the pounding of her heart. "I will feel better once we know if this is what we think it is."

Siddiq smiled gently. "Well, based on the tests we've run, I can confirm that you are pregnant, Michonne. Congratulations."

A heavy silence filled the space between them. A wave of emotions washed over Michonne's face – relief, joy, but also a hint of worry. She glanced at Rick, who mirrored her stunned expression. There was a mutual feeling of disbelief between them both, a lingering sense of apprehension.

They had pushed their decision to expand their family to the back of their minds - all but forgotten over the last six weeks in the chaos of Rick's recovery. But over the weeks, Michonne could do very little to ignore the changes in her body—the nausea, the fatigue—the signs that pointed to something more than worry for Rick; this was different.

Rick is the first to speak, the hint of a small smile creeping at the edge of his lips as his soft and reassuring voice says, "We're going to have a baby."

She turns to embrace Rick. In that moment, surrounded by uncertainty and fear, they found solace in each other's embrace. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they knew they would face them together, their love and resilience stronger than any obstacle life could throw their way.

"A baby." Michonne exhales.

I must admit, I felt nervous about sharing this. It's been many years since I've written creatively, and I wasn't sure where to begin. I have an idea in mind, but I'm still uncertain about how this story will unfold. Nevertheless, I hope you find some enjoyment in my words!