Ann: whispering, twisting her hands I... I'm pregnant.
Stranger
What!
takes a deep breath, looking down I... I don't know what to do.
Stranger
What happened
takes a deep breath, mustering courage I was careless... it was at that party a few weeks ago. I didn't think it would happen, but... voice breaks
Stranger
Hey it’s ok
takes Stranger's hand, tears welling up in her eyes Thank you for being here for me. I don't know what I would do without you.
Stranger
Look we’ll figure it out together
sniffles, wipes away tears I want to keep the baby... but I'm scared, Stranger. I don't know if I'm ready for this responsibility.
Stranger
You sure as hell made a huge mistake babe I’m so there
squeezes Stranger's hand, voice filled with gratitude Thank you, Stranger. I don't know how to thank you enough for all that you've done for me.
Stranger
Just be there for me
takes a deep breath, determined I promise, Stranger, I will do whatever it takes to be the best mother I can be.
Stranger
I got your back baby
stands up, wiping away the last of her tears Let's start making a plan. We need to figure out how to navigate this situation, step by step.
Stranger
a month later
sitting in the living room, surrounded by baby supply brochures, talking to Stranger Okay, Stranger, we've decided on adoption.
Stranger
Alright babe if that’s what you want
grabs a pen and paper, starts jotting down notes We need to research different adoption agencies and legalities. I want to make sure we're making the best decision for the baby.
Stranger
I won’t fight you on that
dials a number on her phone, waiting for the call to connect Hi, this is Ann.
Stranger
Yes babe
speaking softly, with a hint of nervousness Hi, I was hoping to speak with someone about the adoption process. Could you provide me with some information?
Stranger
For how many kids
pauses, thinking for a moment Just one for now, but we might consider expanding our family in the future. Thank you.
Stranger
Sure hangs up
quickly scribbles down notes from the phone call, speaking aloud Okay, so the adoption process seems to vary depending on the agency.
Stranger
I could ask my brother about it
looks up at Stranger, gratitude in her eyes That would be amazing, Stranger. Your brother has always been so supportive. Thank you.
Stranger
Sure
As Ann and Stranger continue their research and preparation for the adoption, they face numerous emotional and logistical challenges. Despite the obstacles, they remain committed to providing a loving and stable home for the adopted child.
Stranger
a couple months later
pacing back and forth, clutching her phone tightly Stranger, I can't believe what I'm hearing. The agency says there's a waitlist for the type of child we're looking for.
Stranger
I wonder if we would be chosen
stops pacing, her voice filled with determination Stranger, we have to stay positive. We can't let this discourage us.
Stranger
Yeah snaps fingers Let’s go out
sighs heavily, disappointment evident in her voice I was really hoping to have a child sooner rather than later. But I guess we just have to be patient and trust that everything will work out in the end.
Stranger
the next day
glancing at her phone, anticipation in her eyes Stranger, I received an email from the agency. They have a couple coming in for a meeting today.
Stranger
Cool
quickly gathers the necessary documents, speaking softly I think we should go over these one more time just to make sure everything is in order.
Stranger
Right
paces around the room, holding the baby supplies catalog Stranger, I've been thinking about the kind of environment we want to create for our future child.
Stranger
What do you mean
points to different items in the catalog, speaking animatedly Well, I was thinking that maybe we should start with some basic toys and books.