Lone Winter - The Birth I

It's time! Zoe goes into labor and checks herself to the hospital. She's scared and alone, but determined to get through this and bring her baby home. The doctors take great care of her and soon she is on her way to giving birth. 

Thankfully, Zoe's labor is not nearly as bad as she expected. The process is short and she gives birth to a baby girl, naming her Aurora. She is full of confidence as she returns home. 

Her confidence quickly dissipates. Unfortunately, Aurora is a difficult newborn. She is gassy and challenging to feed, and dislikes being held. Zoe does her best but wonders if she is failing as a mother. She reads up on some parenting books, but wishes she had someone to give her practical advice. 

Zoe's funds quickly start to run low, and she is forced to get a job. Although she is utterly exhausted, she finds part-time work at a fast food restaurant while still trying to finish high school. Thankfully, a local daycare agrees to watch Aurora for very low prices due to her situation.

In the blink of an eye, Aurora is no longer a newborn. She is still a challenging infant, although Zoe continues to try her best. She desperately wishes she had someone more experienced to help her through parenthood.

Things continue to spiral downward. Zoe turns to dumpster diving for scraps, as her part-time job isn't providing them with enough money. She has to give Aurora baths in an outdoor barrel. Zoe is completely broke and doing her best to stay in school while keeping her child safe and healthy.