(3rd Person P.O.V)
Nate's soothing words and gentle touch pulled Arabella from her emotional abyss, his steady support helping her rise from the floor.
Nate gently guided Arabella into the passenger seat of the car. Her tear-stained face spoke of a tumultuous storm of emotions, now tempered by his soothing words and comforting presence. With a tender touch, he fastened her seatbelt, his eyes locked onto hers, reassuring her without a single word.
Nate slipped behind the wheel, the car's engine humming to life with a soft rumble. The tires rolled onto the asphalt, the rhythmic cadence of their journey back home lulling the heavy silence that hung between them. Arabella's fingers clutched the edge of her seat, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.
Half an hour slipped by in a blur of thoughts and memories, the road stretching out before them like an uncertain path. As they pulled into their driveway, Nate brought the car to a gentle halt. Arabella's grip on the seat seemed to loosen, her gaze shifting from the window to their familiar front door.
With a sigh, Arabella opened the car door, her legs unsteady as she stepped out onto the pavement. She paused for a moment, her eyes tracing the path that led to their home. Nate remained in the car, his hands gripping the steering wheel, a weighty decision pressing upon him.
Reaching a decision, Nate retrieved his phone from the console and dialled a number he knew by heart. Each ring seemed to echo in the quiet space of the car, a nervous energy humming beneath his skin. On the third ring, a familiar voice answered its calm familiarity a balm to his anxiety.
"Hello, Dr Bennett speaking," came the voice on the other end, a note of professionalism tinged with genuine concern.
"Dr Bennett, it's Nate," he began, his words steady but laden with urgency. "I know it's sudden, but I really need to talk to you. Are you available right now? Can I come to your office?"
There was a brief pause, the weight of the moment hanging between them. "Of course, Nate," Dr Bennett replied, his voice a steady anchor. "I have a bit of time at the moment. You can come to the office. Is everything alright?"
Nate's gaze shifted to the front door of their home, a fleeting glance at Arabella's retreating figure. "Thank you, Doctor. I'll be on my way soon. I'll explain everything when I get there. It's just been... a challenging day."
"Take your time," Dr Bennett reassured his voice kind and understanding. "I'll be here waiting for you."
Nate ended the call, a mixture of determination and trepidation coursing through his veins. He watched as Arabella disappeared into their house, a world of emotions hidden behind her eyes.
Nate stepped out of the car and made his way to their room, where he found Arabella seated on the edge of the bed, her eyes glistening with tears. He entered the room and knelt before her, his voice gentle and reassuring.
"I'm going to see our fertility specialist. I'll be back soon, okay?" Arabella offered a slight nod in response.
Nate cupped her face in his hands, his lips tenderly brushing over her eyes and then her forehead, coaxing a faint smile onto her lips.
With a reassuring nod and a lingering gaze, Nate confirmed Arabella's newfound calmness before stepping out of the car. He settled behind the wheel and drove with purpose to the doctor's office, his thoughts a whirlwind of hopes and fears. Parking the car, he emerged and strode towards the entrance, a determined set to his shoulders.
Approaching the reception desk, Nate's voice was steady as he spoke, "I have an appointment with Doctor Bryant."
The receptionist looked up, his fingers dancing over the keyboard. "Can you tell me your name, sir?" he inquired.
"Nate Nara," Nate replied, his name rolling off his tongue with a mix of resolve and anticipation.
The receptionist's fingers paused, and then he smiled, confirming, "Yes, sir. He was waiting for you. You can go now."
Nate nodded his thanks and walked down the hallway, each step a beat of his heart echoing in the corridor. Reaching the door marked "Dr. Bryant," he raised his hand and knocked, his voice projecting a mix of confidence and vulnerability, "Come in."
The doorknob turned under Nate's grip, and he pushed the door open, stepping into the office.
"Your reaction suggests you've already consulted with the oncologists?" Dr. Bryant inquired, his gaze steady as Nate settled into the seat across from him. Nate nodded, his expression a mix of determination and vulnerability.
"Yes, and unfortunately, they confirmed that I'm in the 2nd stage of cancer," he shared, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to hang in the air.
Dr Bryant leaned forward, his demeanour a blend of professionalism and compassion. "I'm truly sorry to hear that, Nate. It's crucial for us to consider your options carefully in light of your situation."
Nate's eyes met the doctor's, a spark of resolve igniting within them. "That's why I'm here. Before I undergo any treatment, I wanted to explore the possibility of sperm banking. Is that something we could do now, if possible?"
"It's definitely a wise decision to consider sperm banking prior to the surgery, allowing for contingencies," Dr Bryant affirmed, his words carrying both approval and empathy. With a deliberate motion, he handed Nate a manual, its pages filled with information detailing various methods of sperm banking. Nate's eyes skimmed the pages, his brow furrowing as the wealth of information threatened to overwhelm him.
Dr Bryant observed Nate's reaction with understanding, his tone reassuring as he continued, "I understand that this can be a lot to process. Each method has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on various factors, including your current health and timeline."
Nate took a deep breath, his gaze returning to Dr Bryant's. "Given the complexity of the options, I'm not entirely sure which method to choose. What would you recommend, Doctor?"
Dr Bryant leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Considering your circumstances, Nate, I would recommend the cryopreservation method. It's a commonly used and effective approach. It involves freezing your sperm, which can then be stored for an extended period. This method provides a good chance of preserving your fertility."
Nate's shoulders eased a bit, gratitude is evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Doctor. That sounds like a reasonable choice."
Dr Bryant nodded, his gaze warm and understanding. "You're welcome, Nate. I'll ensure that the necessary arrangements are made for the cryopreservation procedure. We'll take care of everything, and you can focus on your health."
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