*****
Harriet and Gary drove home from the doctor's office, glowing with anticipation.
"I'm so excited. I can't wait to get home and make love with you!" Harriet exclaimed.
"Me too!" Gary replied with excitement.
"Just think of it; after all these years, I'll finally be able to orgasm!" Harriet said. "I cant tell you how frustrating it has been. Its always been too difficult to get there, I just gave up trying. I gave up on us. I'm so sorry." She looked away for a moment, took a deep breath and turned back to her husband with a new resolve. "Now, we'll be able to have a normal marriage."
Gary chuckled. "You don't need to tell me!" he shot a coy glance at his wife.
Harriet squeezed his hand and looked at her husband lovingly.
They drove in silence for a few moments. Gary turned the steering wheel as they made their way into their subdivision "Your doctor probably saved our marriage."
"I know," she said, more subdued.
"I love you," Gary said sincerely.
"I love you too," Harriet replied smiling.
*****
"Kendra, I need to see you in my office." Pastor Dave demanded.
Kendra followed him in and had a seat as directed.
Returning to his chair behind the desk, Pastor Dave spoke. "It has been brought to my attention that it was your 18th birthday 6 days ago and you still haven't made time to get The Implant?" He seemed astonished. "Doesn't The Implant-mobile still come to your high school every Friday?!"
Kendra nodded "It does. I just don't think The Implant is for me."
"You are aware that it permanently takes away the female's ability to defile herself for the sin of sexual gratification, and places all of this responsibility in the hands of a trusted authoritarian male?"
"I don't need someone to control me in that way. I am capable of self-control." Kendra explained.
"Yes, I'm sure you are, Kendra, but you're a smart girl and I'm sure you'd agree that it's better to be safe than sorry. In a moment of weakness, you could touch yourself and ruin your ability to be a righteous and pure wife worthy of any decent God-fearing man. It only takes a minute to dirty yourself before our Lord!" Pastor Dave pressed.
Kendra asked, "Don't you think that if God wanted women to have implants, he would have made us born with them?"
"Kendra, we will never have a full understanding of God, but I do believe with all my heart that he wants the union between men and women to be life-long. Ever since the invention of The Implant 8 years ago, users of the device report the divorce rate has gone from 47% to 3%. You can't beat that!" He looked at her sternly "You don't want to become divorced, do you, Kendra?"
"Well...no," she said solemnly.
"Look... the church supports the program. Most doctors perform it in a very quick procedure. A lot of very smart and highly respected people recommend The Implant. Do you, for some unexplained reason, think you are superior to all of them?"
"No. I didn't say that. I..."
Pastor Dave interrupted "It's not too late for you, Kendra. How about if I call over to the clinic and see if they can get you in this morning?" he said picking up the phone. "I'll even drive you and sign for the device myself."
Kendra dropped her eyes to the ground. "Yes, sir." She said obediently.
A minute later he hung up with good news. "They can see you and Fallon right now!" He announced.
"You're daughter is getting The Implant too?"
"Yep," he replied. "Fallon!" Pastor Dave called out toward his office door as he slipped his coat on.
I second later Fallon poked her head in. "Yes, Daddy?"
"I'm taking you and Kendra to the clinic right now to get The Implant. Get your coat."
"Yes, Daddy!" She said happily.
Kendra was less than excited. She swallowed hard. "Will it hurt?" She squeaked.
"Its just a little pinch, Kendra. Trust in the Lord" He said, reaching for his car keys.
*****
Mark sat in the bank lobby next to his daughter. She squirmed in her seat and sucked in a quick breath.
"You OK?" Mark asked.
"Yes, Daddy." she replied, "I'm just a little sore."
Mark looked at his daughter sympathetically. "The doctor said that should only last a day or so."
"I know," she said looking away.
Mark reflected for a moment then turned to his daughter "I want you to know that your mother and I are very proud of you for what you've done."
Kennedy nodded, not making eye contact.
Mark continued "One day when you are ready to marry, your husband will also appreciate the gesture."
Kennedy did not respond.
"Look, Honey, try not to think of this as giving up control. I know its hard for you to see now, but this is a powerful foundation for your future happiness and security. Try to remember that."
More silence.