Emmett sat staring at the envelope on the dining room table. He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard his wife come in the house.

“Hey Honey, how was your day? I had this crazy hyperactive puppy come in for his five month shots. The little rascal--” Emmett listened to his wife’s cheery voice as she made her way from the foyer to the dining room. She took her brown hair down from its ponytail before continuing. “The little rascal peed all over Doctor…” her voice trailed when she saw her husband’s face.

Emmett straightened himself and motioned toward the envelope. “Is this?” Kimberly asked breathlessly.

“Yes,” he replied as he picked up the letter and walked into the living room. Kim followed behind him. The couple sat on the couch as Emmett stared at the letter again as if it held his life in it. After a moment of silence, the man with dark red hair spoke, “whatever is in this letter… I--”

“It’ll be okay,” Kimberly told him reassuringly.

Emmett nodded his head and slowly opened it. His wife put her head on her husband’s shoulder to get a better look as they read the letter.

“Oh my…” Kim put her hand over her mouth.

“Great,” Emmett said bitterly. He stood up and walked to the other side of the room. He traced a picture frame that adorned the wall.

“I’m so sorry,” his wife joined his side and put her hands on his shoulders.

Turning around, Emmett took her small hands into his larger ones. “No, I am the one who should be sorry… because of me, you won’t ever get the family you want… infertile…” he laughed coldly. “Must be because…” his voice choked with emotion.

“Sweetheart, there are other ways we can have--”

“By what,” Emmett demanded. “Fertility drugs? Having another man’s sperm inside you!? You know how I feel about taking medicines… and the idea that…” the man’s fists tightened.

“There’s always adoption…” the brown haired woman offered softly.

Sorrowful brown eyes met hopeful blue ones. “I’ll think about…” Emmett said grabbing his jacket.

“Where are you going?” Kimberly asked hesitantly.

“I’m going to the park… I need to think…” her husband answered in monotone as he walked out the front door.