Emmet Stanfield was sitting in his living room, watching the news, when his smartwatch buzzed against his wrist. He paused the TV, sliding the watch to read the message.

His eyebrows knit together as he read the government's notification. A new pairing. It had been a year since the passing of his wife, and while he didn't want to move on, the government had made it clear that he was to contribute to population growth.

He let out a sigh, rubbing his eyes. God, I'm not ready for this yet. It was the law, after all. Yet, the thought of sharing his home, his bed, with a stranger left a bitter taste in his mouth. I'm not ready.

Next morning, he stood in a stark government facility, a cold sweat forming on his brow as he waited in the sterile room. The air was thick with tension, as he knew this meeting would determine his future.

The door opened, revealing a government official and a woman who was following him. You gotta be kidding me. She could be my daughter. She could be my granddaughter!"The genetic compatibility tests have been completed. You've been deemed a suitable match. Your duties will begin immediately."

Duties.

Emmet bit back a sigh, glancing at the woman. She looked equally as nervous as he felt. "This isn't how I wanted to meet you," he said, his voice low. "But, I suppose we should make the best of it."

The official handed them both a small case, containing their new living arrangements and necessary documents. "I'll need you both to sign this contract stating your commitment to the program."

Emmet and the woman exchanged a brief glance before taking the pen and signing the document. With that, they were bound by more than just their physical bodies. They were bound by the cold, calculated need for population growth.

The official takes a look at the documents before nodding.

"That's all," he says with a serious expression on his face. "We'll be monitoring you from time to time. But for now, you're free to go."