???? ? ?????? ????????

The evening light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across our living room. Mapi and I were curled up on the couch, her fingers lazily tracing patterns on my arm as we watched some TV show neither of us was particularly invested in. It was one of those rare, tranquil moments where everything felt just right.

But in the back of my mind, a conversation from months ago kept nagging at me. We had brushed it off at the time, laughing it away, but I knew it was something we needed to address. Taking a deep breath, I decided tonight was the night.

"Mapi?" I began, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

She turned her head, her eyes soft and curious. "Hmm?"

"Do you remember that time we talked about... about starting a family?"

Her fingers stilled on my arm, and I felt her body tense slightly. "Sí, I remember," she said slowly. "Why?"

I bit my lip, searching for the right words. "I've been thinking about it a lot lately. About us, about the future. And I think... I think I'm ready to seriously talk about trying to conceive."

Mapi sat up a bit, giving me her full attention. There was a flicker of surprise in her eyes, quickly replaced by a thoughtful expression. "You really mean it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, feeling a wave of emotion swell in my chest. "I do. I know it's a big decision, but I can't imagine doing it with anyone but you."

She looked away for a moment, her gaze unfocused as she processed my words. Then she turned back to me, a smile slowly spreading across her face. "I've been thinking about it too," she admitted. "I just didn't want to pressure you."

Relief washed over me, and I reached out to take her hand. "We've always been a team, Mapi. This is something we need to decide together."

She squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You're right. And I want this too. I want to build a family with you."

We sat in silence for a few moments, letting the gravity of our decision sink in. It felt like a new chapter was unfolding before us, one filled with unknown challenges but also incredible joy.

"What's our first step?" Mapi asked, her voice trembling with excitement and a bit of apprehension.

I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I think we should start by talking to a fertility specialist, to understand our options. We'll figure it out together."

Mapi nodded, her grip on my hand tightening. "Together," she echoed, her eyes sparkling with determination.

As we sat there, wrapped in each other's embrace, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would face it side by side. The road ahead might be uncertain, but with Mapi by my side, I was ready for anything. And for the first time, the dream of having a child, of creating a family with her, felt not just possible but within reach.