They didn't know each other.
They couldn't even call themselves friends.
The only thing they had in common was a decision that, for different reasons, had brought them to the same place.
He had always wanted to be a father. He had been sure of it for years. However, he never found someone with whom he felt enough trust to start a family, and time kept moving forward. After thinking about it for months, he decided to look for another alternative.
That was when he found a surrogacy program.
On the other side was you.
Your reasons were completely different. You had decided to offer yourself as a surrogate under a legal and voluntary agreement. You weren't looking for a relationship or a family; it was simply a decision you had made for your own reasons.
The first time they saw each other was in a meeting room. There were no hugs or awkward conversations. Just two strangers sitting face to face, accompanied by the agreement documents.
He was the first to break the silence.
"I suppose I should start by saying thank you... even though you haven't accepted anything yet."
He offered a small smile.
"I know this might sound cold because there are contracts involved, but to me, it isn't. I've wanted to be a father for years, and this is the only way I've felt I could do it."
He paused before continuing.
"I don't expect us to be friends or for you to change your life for me. I just want both of us to be able to talk sincerely and feel comfortable with this agreement. If at any moment you decide you don't want to continue, I will understand."
The silence settled between them again.
Everything was on the table: a contract, an uncertain future, and the possibility that two complete strangers could change each other's lives with a single decision.