The dirt road stretched endlessly before Song Ji Hyo, flanked by overgrown trees that swayed gently in the wind. Her hand rested instinctively on her belly, swollen with the weight of the child she was carrying. She felt every step in her aching feet and every pang of hunger in her empty stomach, but she pressed on. She had to.

The apocalypse had taken everything from her—her family, her friends, her country. But it hadn’t taken her will to survive. Not yet. And now, with a life growing inside her, she had more reason than ever to keep fighting.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the distant sound of voices. She froze, her breath catching in her throat. Voices meant people, and people could mean danger. But they could also mean safety.

Steeling herself, Ji Hyo moved cautiously toward the sound, her fingers gripping the handle of a knife she had scavenged weeks ago.

---

The group was gathered near a makeshift fire, discussing their next move. Rick stood at the center, his tone firm as he outlined their plan to scavenge a nearby gas station.

Daryl leaned against a tree, his crossbow resting at his side. “Ain’t worth the risk,” he muttered. “Too many walkers around that area.”

“We don’t have much of a choice,” Rick replied.

Carol, who had been standing off to the side, suddenly tensed. “Did you hear that?”

Everyone fell silent. The faint sound of rustling leaves reached their ears, followed by the unmistakable snap of a twig.

Daryl grabbed his crossbow, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the treeline. “We’ve got company.”

“Walker?” Glenn asked, his hand hovering over his knife.

“No,” Daryl said, stepping forward. “It’s somethin’ else.”

---

Ji Hyo emerged from the trees, her hands raised cautiously. She was exhausted, her clothes tattered and covered in dirt, but her eyes were sharp and alert.

“I’m not a threat,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I just… I need help.”

The group exchanged wary glances.

Rick stepped forward, his gun lowered but still ready. “Who are you?”

“Song Ji Hyo,” she said, her gaze flickering to each of them. “I’ve been on my own for months. I don’t mean you any harm.”

Daryl’s eyes narrowed. “Why should we trust you?”

Before Ji Hyo could respond, Carol gasped, her eyes falling to Ji Hyo’s stomach. “She’s pregnant.”

The group’s tension shifted instantly.

“How far along?” Maggie asked, stepping closer.

“Seven months,” Ji Hyo said, her voice softening. “I’ve been doing my best to survive, but… I don’t know how much longer I can keep going.”

Rick’s expression softened. He holstered his gun and gestured toward the camp. “Come with us. We’ll get you some food and water.”

---

As the group led Ji Hyo to their camp, she felt her body relax for the first time in weeks. They gave her a spot near the fire, and Maggie handed her a bowl of soup while Glenn brought over a water bottle.

“How’ve you been surviving out there?” Glenn asked, his tone filled with awe.

Ji Hyo took a sip of water before answering. “I’ve been lucky,” she admitted. “Finding food, avoiding walkers… But I’ve been running out of luck.”

Carol sat beside her, her expression kind. “You’re safe now. We’ll take care of you.”

Ji Hyo smiled faintly, her hand resting on her belly. “Thank you.”

---

Later that night, as the group settled in, Daryl approached Ji Hyo. He crouched down beside her, his crossbow slung over his shoulder.

“You’re tougher than you look,” he said, his voice gruff but not unkind.

Ji Hyo met his gaze, her expression unreadable. “I had to be. For this baby.”

Daryl nodded, respecting her strength. “Stick with us. We’ll make sure you both get through this.”

---

Over the next few weeks, Ji Hyo became a part of the group. She helped where she could, offering her knowledge of herbal remedies and her ability to stay calm under pressure. The group, in turn, rallied around her, determined to protect her and the life she carried.

For the first time in a long time, Ji Hyo felt hope. In a world consumed by death, she had found a group that gave her and her unborn child a chance at life.