On a crisp autumn morning, the air carried a faint chill as Emily and I prepared for a day that would change our lives forever. It wasn’t just any day—it was the day we hoped to grow our family. The idea of adoption had been a long-discussed and carefully considered decision, but even with all the preparation, there was still a knot of nervous energy between us.

Emily appeared at the top of the stairs, her hands smoothing nonexistent wrinkles from her blouse. “I think so, David,” she said softly. Her voice carried a tremor, a mix of hope and apprehension. “What if the child doesn’t connect with us? What if…”

A small smile tugged at her lips. “You always know how to ease my nerves.”
Sophia peeked around the corner, her big brown eyes curious. “Mommy, can I have pancakes tomorrow?”

As we drove to the shelter, the car was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional hum of the radio. Emily stared out the window, twisting her wedding ring absentmindedly.