“So, before we move forward with the procedure, let’s go over your selections one last time,” Dr. Falsgraft said, swiping across his tablet. “You’ve opted for the Extra Package. A great choice, you should be very happy with it. Definitely worth the additional cost to upgrade from the Standard Package.” He paused, glancing up. “But have you given any further thought to the Ultimate Package? I really do think you’d be pleased with the results.”

  Nora and Jack exchanged a quick look, a shared moment of longing and resignation.

  “That’s way out of our price range,” Jack admitted, forcing a smile. “We already had to stretch to afford the Extra Package. No way we can afford the ‘Ultimate’ upgrade.”

  Dr. Falsgraft gave a polite smile. “Understood. The Extra Package is an excellent choice. You’ll still be receiving an optimized embryo, free from all genetic abnormalities and potential diseases. You’ve selected our ‘supervised fate’ option, meaning your child’s core genetics will be determined by a combination of your DNA, plus specific enhancements. Height, intelligence, temperament, metabolism, and aesthetic traits are all taken into account.” He tapped his screen. “For personality markers, we’ll aim for confidence, intelligence, and a natural inclination toward leadership, but the specifics will be left to chance. Do you still wish to proceed with those parameters?”

  Jack nodded, his voice even. “Yes.”

  Nora, still a little overwhelmed, just nodded along. She felt light-headed, as though she were floating outside her own body. After years of waiting, after all the stress of reaching this moment, it didn’t feel real. Her heart pounded in her ears.

  Dr. Falsgraft barely looked up from his screen. “Alright, I see you’ve declined the Ultimate Package.” He gave them another glance, then tilted his head slightly. “Are you quite sure about that? The benefits are… substantial. Your child would be guaranteed perfect health. And of course, there are other enhancements available, cognitive optimization, memory retention, sensory enhancement. It’s the full experience.”

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  Jack sighed. “It’s not in our budget.”

  “We understand,” Nora added quickly, offering an apologetic smile.

  Falsgraft studied them for a moment before nodding. “Alright then. We’ll proceed with what you’ve selected.” He tapped his screen again. “I see you’ve also opted to keep the gender a surprise. That’s… unconventional.”

  Nora straightened. “That’s right. My grandmother always said one of the last true joys of natural birth was the surprise. She didn’t get to experience it the way we do now, but I want to. I want that moment.”

  Falsgraft let out a thin chuckle, but there was something hollow in his tone. “Old traditions die hard, don’t they?” He nodded to himself as he skimmed their file again. “It’s technically allowed under the Extra Package, though I do advise against it. The gender selection feature lets us optimize for a more ideal outcome. But, of course, the choice is yours.”

  “We’re sure,” Jack said.

  Falsgraft exhaled. “Very well. Everything appears to be in order.” He pressed a button on his tablet. “We’ll begin the implantation first thing in the morning, provided your final payment clears.” His voice was smooth, rehearsed, impersonal. “Once the deposit is processed, you’ll be provided accommodations for the night.” He barely looked up before continuing. “And I must remind you that this is a legally binding contract. If, for any reason, the implantation is unsuccessful, you will be required to begin the entire application process again, including all preliminary screenings, interviews, and full financial assessments. All previous fees, taxes, and surcharges will apply.”

  Nora’s stomach twisted. She already knew this, of course. It had been repeated in the WFO materials, printed in bold on the agreement, whispered about in every support group she and Jack had attended. She had told herself that it wouldn’t come to that. It couldn’t come to that.

  She forced herself to smile. “Of course.”

  Dr. Falsgraft finally looked up, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. “Don’t worry, Nora. We have a near-perfect success rate. With the ‘Extra Package,’ the child will be as close to perfect as possible.” He pressed a final button. “You’re one step closer to parenthood.”

  Jack’s grip tightened on Nora’s hand. She could feel the tension in his fingers, the way his thumb absentmindedly traced patterns against her palm. They had come so far, sacrificed so much, this was the moment they had been waiting for.

  “Now,” Falsgraft said. “All I need are a few final signatures.” He turned the screen toward them and pointed with his stylus.

  “Sign here... and here… and here… and here… and...”