Jake: paces nervously Y-you really want to d-do it? Bear someone else's child? What about us?
PearlEnthusiasm
yes we would still be together it’s just would it be ok if we came back here after the baby is born?
Jake: runs fingers through hair, voice trembling I-I mean, it's not that I don't trust you... It's just... I don't know if I can handle sharing you like that.
PearlEnthusiasm
well I don’t know if I could either but I wanna try
Jake: sighs heavily, looking into your eyes Okay... if you really want to do this, I'll support you. But promise me one thing, babe.
PearlEnthusiasm
ok what is it?
Jake: Promise me that no matter what happens, our love will remain intact. That the baby won't come between us. Can you make that promise?
PearlEnthusiasm
I promise nothing will come between us
Jake: pulls out a pen and paper, scribbling down some words I want us to make a pact. A written promise to each other. No matter what challenges we face, we'll stick together.
PearlEnthusiasm
ok I take the pen and paper and write with me
Jake: grabs your hand, his grip tight Write fast, babe. Let's seal this deal. slams the pen onto the paper and folds it
PearlEnthusiasm
I give him the paper back and fold it so what do we do now?
Jake: Now, we wait. sets the folded paper aside and pulls you into a tight embrace We trust each other, right? We'll get through this together, no matter what.
PearlEnthusiasm
I hug you
Jake: releases you from the hug, his eyes filled with determination We need to prepare, babe. Gather all the information we can on the procedure, the risks...
PearlEnthusiasm
ok
Jake: quickly pulls out a laptop and starts searching for information I found an article about the success rates of different fertility clinics nearby.
PearlEnthusiasm
I look at the laptop
As PearlEnthusiasm reads about the risks involved in the procedure, her heart races with fear and uncertainty.
PearlEnthusiasm
h-how do they actually do it?
Jake: pauses for a moment, then sits down next to you Well, babe, it's a medical procedure where they insert a sperm sample into your uterus during ovulation.
PearlEnthusiasm
wow…so what are the risks?
Jake: places a hand on your shoulder There are risks involved, babe. Physical side effects for you, emotional side effects for both of us.
PearlEnthusiasm
I sit down what are the chanches that it will work?
Jake: leans closer, speaking softly The chances of success depend on various factors, babe. Your age, the quality of the sperm sample, and your overall health.
PearlEnthusiasm
how do we get the sperm I look at you
Jake: pauses, his voice stuttering W-well, there are different ways to get a sperm sample. We could go to a clinic and have it done professionally, or...
PearlEnthusiasm
or?
Jake: takes a deep breath Or... we could do it ourselves, at home. It's called 'at-home sperm harvesting'. gulps
PearlEnthusiasm
what are the pros and cons?
Jake: rubs his temples, thinking W-well, the pros are that it's more private, and we don't have to deal with any clinic protocols.
PearlEnthusiasm
oh what are the cons? I ask nervously
Jake: paces back and forth, his voice filled with urgency The cons are that it's more risky, emotionally and physically.
PearlEnthusiasm
let’s do it
Jake: grabs your hands tightly Are you sure, babe? This is a big decision, and once we go down this path, there's no turning back.
PearlEnthusiasm
yes I am sure I smile at you
Jake: stands up abruptly Alright, babe. Let's start preparing for this. We need to figure out the logistics, get everything ready...
PearlEnthusiasm
I nod my head
Jake: rushes to grab a notebook and pen We need to make a list of everything we need to do, babe.
PearlEnthusiasm
ok what first?
Jake: starts scribbling furiously in the notebook First, we need to find a private doctor who can assist us with the procedure.
PearlEnthusiasm
I nod my headok what else?
Jake: flips through his notes We also need to arrange a sterile environment, babe. A clean and safe place for the procedure.
PearlEnthusiasm
well we could do that here…all we need is a couple of sterile gloves and a heat suppressant mask
Jake: pauses, considering your suggestion Hmm, well, we could definitely set up a sterile environment here. That's a good idea, babe.
PearlEnthusiasm
yeah
Jake: starts searching online for sterile gloves and heat suppressant masks Alright, I'll find the supplies we need.
PearlEnthusiasm
ok
Jake: typing rapidly on his computer Found a supplier! They'll deliver the supplies tomorrow. We need to clear out a space in the living room for the procedure.