We’ve stumbled at the first hurdle.
Mark’s sperm count is low—very low.
Mark squeezes my knee. “At least we know what the issue is.”
I nod. “I guess.”
“We could talk about options. IVF is certainly one of them. There are some moretests before we?—”
“Can we think about it? I think I’ve had enough of tests for now.” I meet Mark’s gaze, and he nods.
“Of course.” Doctor Faraday smiles. “Give my office a call when you want to talk further about it.”
“Thank you.”
It’s a quiet drive home. Mark gives me space and time to think. He’s been such a good partner to me, and Sophie adores him.
But we wanted to have a child together.
“Are you okay?” he asks as we pull into the driveway.
Lauren’s car sits on the street outside—she picked Sophie up from school today while we went to our appointment. The only thing worse than being given bad news is the fact that she was so excited over the thought of us having a baby and we have to let her down.
I don’t resent Mark—it’s not his fault. I’m feeling miserable about the whole process. I haven’t felt this down since the aftermath of the accident.
“I will be. Just need time and to work out what we do next.”
He nods. “Let’s put off talking about that for a while. Give ourselves some space.”
“I like that idea.”
Leaning over, he gives me a soft kiss. “Let’s just go and spend an evening with our girl. Do you want to ask Lauren to stay for dinner?”
I nod. “Might as well. I was just going to order delivery. I’m too tired to cook tonight.”
Mark gives my knee a squeeze. “Good thinking.”
Together we walk into the house.
The television blares in the corner, but only Lauren sits on the couch.
“Hey, you two.” She tilts her head and smiles.
“Hi. Where’s Sophie?” I ask.
“In her room. She’s got some story to write for school.”
I take a seat on the couch next to her while Mark sits opposite.
“How did it go?” she asks.
“My sperm count is so low it might as well be non-existent.”
Lauren frowns. “Are you okay?”
“We will be,” I say. “Just need some time to wrap our heads around it.”
“Yeah, I can imagine.” She squeezes my arm. “I’m so sorry. Can they do anything about it?”
