The following week passed in a blur of routine. Work was a welcome distraction, the daily tasks grounding me in their familiarity. Yet, the doctor’s suggestion lingered, a shadow in the back of my mind.
One afternoon, I received a call from Dr. Harris’s office. « We’d like to schedule a follow-up appointment, » the receptionist said. « Just to discuss your options moving forward. » Her tone was polite, professional, yet it felt like another weight added to my shoulders.
« Of course, » I replied, jotting down the date and time. A week from now, another meeting that could change everything.
That evening, I met my friend Emily for dinner. We sat in our usual booth at a small Italian restaurant, the smell of garlic and herbs wafting through the air.
« You seem distracted, » Emily noted, swirling her pasta with a fork.
I took a sip of wine, considering how to respond. « I had a strange appointment with my doctor, » I admitted. « He suggested I might want to consider life without kids. »
Emily paused, her fork suspended mid-air. « Wow, that’s a lot to process. How are you feeling about it? »
« I’m not sure, » I confessed. « I’ve been trying to imagine it, but it’s just… hard. »
She nodded, understanding. « You don’t have to decide anything right now. Just take it one step at a time. »
Her words were a balm, a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this. We talked and laughed, letting the conversation drift to lighter topics as the evening wore on.
Later, as I walked home, I felt a little lighter, the burden of uncertainty lessened, if only for a moment.
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