The fertility clinic's waiting room felt like a different world at 7 AM on a Monday. Soft lighting, classical music, the hushed voices of couples discussing their hopes and fears. I sat alone, a folder full of hormone injection instructions in my lap, trying not to think about what I was about to do.
"Elena Hart?"
Dr. Martinez's nurse appeared with her usual warm smile. "Ready to get started?"
*No. I'm not ready. I'll never be ready.*
"As ready as I can be."
The appointment was clinical, efficient. Blood draws to establish baseline hormone levels. Instructions for the daily injections I'd be giving myself. A calendar marking important milestones—when to expect side effects, when to come in for monitoring, when the embryo transfer would likely occur.
"Any questions?" Dr. Martinez aske
