The first few weeks of the journey were anything but simple. Mac had to endure a wave of side effects brought on by the treatment, ranging from fatigue and bloating to the constant dull ache that made everyday tasks feel heavier than usual. It took a great deal of discipline and patience on her part to push through those difficult days, but in the end, her persistence was rewarded. After what felt like an endless series of appointments, blood tests, and ultrasounds, the doctors confirmed that seven follicles had matured successfully. Each one represented a potential egg, and therefore seven distinct chances for them to take one step closer to their dream of becoming parents.

Once the trigger injection was administered, Mac braced herself for another round of discomfort. Over the following days, she struggled with sharp cramps that made even sitting still a challenge. Although she was determined to stay strong, the physical strain was undeniable. At the same time, Levi’s constant worrying and fussing, while rooted in love and concern, began to wear on her nerves. His hovering presence sometimes felt overwhelming, though she knew his heart was in the right place.

Now, with the egg retrieval scheduled for the following week, anticipation and nerves have started to build. Mac finds herself lying awake at night, her mind racing through every possible outcome, equal parts excited and fearful. She wonders how her body will respond during the procedure, whether the eggs will be viable, and what the next phase of their journey will hold. In those anxious moments, Levi remains her anchor. He reminds her that everything up to this point has gone according to plan and that they’ve taken each step with care and resilience. His steady reassurance helps quiet her worries, giving her the strength to believe that this next milestone could bring them closer than ever to the family they’ve been longing for.

Not long after the retrieval, the couple finally receives the news they have been waiting for. The call from the clinic brings with it a surge of relief—seven eggs have been successfully collected. For Mac, who has carried the physical burden of the entire process, this number feels like validation of all the injections, the exhaustion, and the days spent pushing through cramps and discomfort. For Levi, it is a reminder that his constant support and encouragement have mattered, that the struggle is not without reward. Together, they let out the breath they didn’t realise they had been holding.

Of course, the journey is far from over. The doctors explain that the next stage will be just as uncertain: not every egg will fertilise, and not every fertilised egg will continue to grow. There are still days of waiting ahead, days filled with careful updates from the lab and nights of restless wondering. Yet, despite the lingering uncertainty, both Mac and Levi find themselves daring to feel a flicker of hope. They remind each other that they do not need perfection; they do not need all seven eggs to succeed. Even one mature, healthy embryo would be enough to give them the chance they have been longing for.

In those moments of quiet reflection, they begin to allow themselves to dream. What if this really works? What if one of those tiny cells carries the promise of the family they have envisioned for so long? The waiting will test their patience, but for now, they hold on to the encouragement of this milestone, choosing to believe that this step could bring them closer than ever to their future.

Later in the week, Mac finally gets the call they’ve been waiting for. But it’s not good news.

None of the embryos have matured, leaving them back at square one.

Mac and Levi are devastated, and as they walk through the front door after returning home, Mac breaks down in Levi’s arms.