Wednesday's Words on a Friday

 The original Words for Wednesday was begun by Delores and eventually taken over by a moveable feast of participants when Delores had computer troubles. Sadly, Delores has now closed her blog forever due to other problems.

The aim of the words is to encourage us to write. A story, a poem, whatever comes to mind.

If you are posting an entry on your own blog, please let us know so we can come along to read it and add a few encouraging words.

This month the words/prompts are supplied by Charlotte and can be found here

This week's words/prompts are:

1.ants  2.sushi  3.meeting  4.miniature  5.juniper  6.leaves

and/or:

1.mushroom  2.seagull  3.windy  4.glass  5.knit  6.safe

also this picture of a dormer window:

I have used only a few of the words and for those who might be squeamish, I apologise. I did try to not be too specific.

Here is my story:

Russell burst into the room just in time to see Erin fiercely gripping the rope on the bedstead and groaning. “Just in time,” said Maggie, “your baby appears to be in a hurry. You’ll be meeting him or her in just a few minutes.” Keeping her hand on Erin’s belly, she spoke quietly, “I know this is your first, but I’m told the urge to push is unmistakeable, so when you feel that with the contraction, you go right ahead.”

Erin nodded and then with a long drawn out groan she pushed her baby out. “Usually there is a wait between head and shoulders,” said Maggie, “but this one really is keen to join the world!” She gently scooped up the baby with soft cloths and laid him at Erin’s chest. Russell kissed her, declaring his pride with a hug and a huge grin.

Maggie instructed Dana to bring the strip of silk which had been sterilised in boiling water and showed Russell how to tie off the umbilical cord, then cut through it a couple of inches from the knot. “Look at him,” said Erin, “he’s a miniature you, same black hair and brown eyes.” “He hasn’t even let out a cry,” said Maggie, "but he seems to be breathing well and already hungry,” as they all watched the baby searching for a nipple.

Erin helped him find it, while Maggie and Dana took care of the placenta, making sure it was whole, then sending Dana out to the big ant’s nest by the juniper tree, to leave it there, covered with leaves, for ants and other predators to dispose of it.

Russell counted tiny fingers and toes and welcomed his son to the Sanctuary. “You will be safe here Matthew,” he said, “far away from the city folk who seem hell-bent on making everyone a soldier for the cause, though none seem too clear on what that cause is.”

As the baby fell asleep, Erin’s eyes also drooped. Maggie placed a tiny knit cap on the baby’s head and a large knit shawl around Erin’s shoulders. She and Dana carefully lifted away the soiled birthing sheets, then tiptoed away, leaving the newly formed family to rest.