Fertility and the Future

After We Fell

Tessa’s hopes for motherhood collide with Hardin’s rejection of children and a worrying medical examination, raising questions the couple cannot yet answer.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Firm Refusal A Firm Refusal from "After We Fell". A Firm Refusal Hardin rejects parenthood Hardin repeatedly says that he does not want children.

A Firm Refusal Hardin rejects parenthood Hardin repeatedly says that he does not want children. Tessa tries to accept the statement while hoping he may change his mind. An unequal hope The topic remains unresolved because Tessa imagines a future that Hardin refuses to discuss. Their silence protects the present but leaves a major incompatibility untouched.

The Condom Dispute The Condom Dispute from "After We Fell". The Condom Dispute Fear turns accusatory Hardin realizes he has forgotten a condom and accuses Tessa of trying to become pregnant to make him move to Seattle.

The Condom Dispute from "After We Fell". The Condom Dispute Fear turns accusatory Hardin realizes he has forgotten a condom and accuses Tessa of trying to become pregnant to make him move to Seattle.

The Condom Dispute Fear turns accusatory Hardin realizes he has forgotten a condom and accuses Tessa of trying to become pregnant to make him move to Seattle. Tessa is hurt by the suspicion. Desire and risk collide The incident exposes their failure to discuss contraception carefully. Their attraction repeatedly overrides practical concerns about pregnancy and future plans.

A Birth-Control Appointment A Birth-Control Appointment from "After We Fell". A Birth-Control Appointment Preventing an unplanned pregnancy Tessa schedules a gynecological appointment after repeated unprotected sex.

A Birth-Control Appointment from "After We Fell". A Birth-Control Appointment Preventing an unplanned pregnancy Tessa schedules a gynecological appointment after repeated unprotected sex.

A Birth-Control Appointment Preventing an unplanned pregnancy Tessa schedules a gynecological appointment after repeated unprotected sex. She receives a contraceptive shot after discussing options with a doctor. Practical care, emotional stakes The appointment is intended to prevent pregnancy, not settle their disagreement about children. Tessa is uneasy about how Hardin may react to the male doctor and keeps the visit private.

A Cervical Concern A Cervical Concern from "After We Fell". A Cervical Concern A frightening possibility The doctor notes the size of Tessa’s cervix and says further tests are needed.

A Cervical Concern from "After We Fell". A Cervical Concern A frightening possibility The doctor notes the size of Tessa’s cervix and says further tests are needed.

A Cervical Concern A frightening possibility The doctor notes the size of Tessa’s cervix and says further tests are needed. Infertility is mentioned only as a worst-case possibility, not a diagnosis. Uncertainty becomes private grief Tessa leaves with a follow-up appointment weeks away. She fears she may not be able to have children, a question she had tried to set aside because Hardin does not want them.

A Fear Not Yet Shared A Fear Not Yet Shared from "After We Fell". A Fear Not Yet Shared Silence for the moment Tessa decides not to tell Hardin until she knows more.

A Fear Not Yet Shared from "After We Fell". A Fear Not Yet Shared Silence for the moment Tessa decides not to tell Hardin until she knows more.

A Fear Not Yet Shared Silence for the moment Tessa decides not to tell Hardin until she knows more. She is already afraid that the possibility may not matter to him because he rejects parenthood. The future remains unresolved The medical uncertainty sharpens the emotional stakes of their disagreement. Tessa is left carrying a fear alone while trying to continue with work and the trip to England.

During the early relationship

During the Sandpoint hot-tub encounter

During Tessa’s Seattle stay

During the same medical appointment

After Tessa leaves the clinic