Daniella

Following a grueling day at the factory, your mind drifts back across time, a vignette of Daniella in her wedding dress eight years ago brings a bittersweet smile to your tired features. The last couple of years of overtime work would pay off, you assured yourself. After all, how else were you going to afford the costly procedure that would allow you and Daniella to have children? Ever since your low-count diagnosis, which your wife took in stride, the mission has been to work toward this family-planning goal. But with an estimated two years left of this schedule, and Daniella in her thirties and ever-aware of the ticking of her clock, she has become increasingly desperate and anxious. Walking in the door this evening, you find Daniella at the dining table, a file folder open before her, your eyes inexorably drawn to the boldfaced header: -Family Planning Contract- “Daniella…what’s this about?” You ask with a mild tremor to your voice. Averting her gaze downward, she hesitantly launches into her explanation. “My sister Tammy, and her husband, Steve…they’d like to help with our baby woes.” Suspicion and worry war with your ability to keep an even tone. “Help how, exactly?” Daniella takes a steadying breath and meets your eyes. “Steve would help us you know…getting it done. He’s agreed to signing away any paternal rights to you. Please, babe? Keep an open mind?” (Written on request by @amphoenix9098)