The Wedding Vow - Lesbian Version

The Wedding Vow (Lesbian Version)

By ParaCathy

It was eleven days before the wedding when Angela got the call at work.  There had been an accident, the voice said, and she needed to get to the hospital right away.  There were no details, just that calm, detached voice saying that Juliet had been in an accident and that Angela needed to get to the emergency room right away, and that was what bothered her the most.  The dread continued to build as Angela rushed across town to the hospital and every nightmare scenario pushing it’s way into her mind was worse than the last.  She was in tears by the time she rushed her way to the nurses’ station, asking for her finace.  

“I got a call, Juliet Harris has been in an accident.” she panted, eyes pleading with the nurse behind the desk.  

“Are you family?” the nurse asked, clicking the mouse and staring at the computer screen.  

“I’m her finace and should be listed as her next of kin. Angela Snow.” Angela said.  Her first nightmare was that she wouldn’t be considered ‘family’ enough to get information on her fiance.  All her muscles were tense as she watched the nurse tapping on the keyboard.  

“Ok, here you are - I’ll call Doctor Webber to come talk to you.” The nurse said.  Was that sadness in the look she gave Angela, or was that just her imagination?   

“Can’t you just tell me what - “ Angela started to say, but at the moment a middle aged doctor in a gleaming white labcoat came through the double doors.

“Miss Snow?” he said, walking over to Angela.  She nodded.  “Please come with me and we can talk.”

“When can I see Juliet?” Angela stammered, looking around the waiting area as if she would suddenly appear.  

“She is sedated right now.” the doctor replied.  “I will take you to her, but first we need to talk.”

Angela followed Doctor Webber in a daze, the details of the hospital, the beeping sounds and rushing nurses and fluorescent lights all blending together into a kaleidoscope of fear.  Finally, Doctor Webber led Angela into a quiet side office and offered her a seat and a glass of water.  Angela’s hands were shaking.  

“Angela, Juliet was was in an accident, her car was hit by a delivery truck who had run the light at an intersection.  We have her stabilized, but…  there’s no easy way to say this, Angela.  Juliet has sustained a serious spinal cord injury at the C5 vertebrae - she has a broken neck.”  

“A broken neck - that’s... “ Angela’s heart was racing.  Her brain knew what that meant but her heart wasn’t ready to admit it.  “That’s paralysis, right?” she looked at Doctor Webber, her eyes welling with tears.  

The doctor nodded and explained more about Juliet’s injuries.  There were more issues, but nothing as serious as the broken neck.  

“The positive thing to remember is that she is alive and she is stable, and she’s able to breathe on her own.” Doctor Webber said.  

“But she… can’t move.” Angela said, starting to sob.  

After Angela regained her composure, Doctor Webber took her to to see Juliet.  Her hands were shaking as she walked into the room, seeing her fiance laying there in a rigid neck brace, ugly bruises across her face, one leg in a cast, IV dripping.  She sat there for a long time, holding Juliet’s hand, crying.  

“You look like crap.” came a soft, raspy voice.  Angela jumped.  Juliet was awake, her eyes blinking in the harsh hospital light.  

“Hey beautiful.  Yeah, having kind of a stressful day.”  

“You and me both.” Juliet said.  There was fear in her eyes.  “How bad?”

“Oh don’t you worry- “ Angela started to say.  

“I can’t feel anything below my neck, Ang.” Juliet said.  “Can’t move.  Don’t bullshit me.”

“It’s pretty bad, yeah.” Angela said, fresh tears streaming down her face.  “But we’ll get through it.”

“Will we?” Juliet asked, the emphasis ever so subtly on the ‘We’.    Angela stared at her.  

“Of course we will.  I’m not going anywhere, don’t you even think about that.” Angela said, her voice serious and shaking.  

“You didn’t sign up for this, Ang - I don’t want you stuck with - “

“Would you shut up?” Angela said, suddenly angry.  “In sickness and in Health is still applicable in gay marriages too.  I didn’t fall in love with your body, I fell in love with you, and I’m not going anywhere, so shut up and just focus on getting through this.”

Juliet tried to speak but just started to cry.  Angela held her hand, but there was no reaction at all.  

The following weeks were a blur.  Juliet went through two surgeries and spent a lot of time on her back.  There were a few complications but nothing too serious, and Juliet progressed quickly, Angela at her side every day. The day of the wedding came and went without a mention, but the following week Juliet brought it up as Angela was feeding her dinner.  

“So the wedding…”   

“Don’t worry about that.” Angela said, feeding Juliet another bite of pasta.  

“I am worried about that.  I might be a quadriplegic but I can still read a calendar.  Did we get the deposits back at least?”

Angela actually chuckled.  “That’s what you’re concerned about, the banquet hall deposits?”

“And the florist?  That was a big deposit, I wanted to make sure….”  

“Just relax.  We’re all set for that, Chris took care of most of it, and I made a few calls while you were in surgeries or otherwise occupied.  I’ve had my uncle talking to the delivery company too…”  

“Delivery company?  And what uncle?  George, the lawyer?”

“Yeah - the delivery company…. Oh god I don’t think I ever told you.  The truck that hit you, it was registered to a delivery company.”

“So I can literally say ‘did anyone get the license number of that truck…”  

“Cute…   yes, that’s the perfect icebreaker.  So yeah, Uncle George is talking to them, so don’t worry about any of that.  Just worry about getting out of here.”  

“And the wedding?” Juliet asked.  “What happens there.”

“Let’s get you - “

“No, I want to know.  What are your thoughts on the wedding?  I’m never going to walk down the aisle, right?”  her eyes flicked over to the hospital wheelchair that was always parked beside the bed now.

“I know, I just haven’t…” Angela stammered.   

“Haven’t figured out how to call it off ‘gently’?” Juliet whispered, voice shaking.  “Why would you want to spend the rest of your life like this, feeding me, changing me, bathing me… “

“Well, I don’t mind feeding you.” Angela said, voice shaking.  “And bathing and dressing you sounds kind of hot, truth be told...  and what I was trying to say is I just haven’t found a nice chapel that’s wheelchair accessible.  I’ve called about a dozen so far, and most of them have stairs.  There was one with a ramp, but I’ll be honest, they gave me a real ‘churchy’ vibe…”

“And you didn’t mention it was a lesbian wedding…” Juliet said, a reproachful tone suddenly creeping into her voice.  

“Well, I was just doing some initial research…  The chapel we had planned on has those stairs…”

“Yeah, first thing I thought of when they put me in the wheelchair, those stupid steps.”  Juliet said.  “So…  you’re not planning on leaving me?  Even after all this?”  

“I told you on day one, I don’t care about any of this, I love you, period.”

“And does bathing and dressing me really sound hot?”

“What do you think?” Angela said, and leaned in to kiss Juliet.  

Hospital life became the new normal, with Juliet making steady progress and Angela splitting her time between the hospital, work, and other things needing her attention - things she didn’t want to bother Juliet with yet.  Juliet was doing very well, getting stronger every day, but after seven weeks it was clear her paralysis wasn’t improving and the day was fast approaching for her release to a rehabilitation center.  

“The the nurses said they saw my transfer paperwork for The Baxter Center.” Juliet said quietly.  She was strapped into a dark blue and chrome hospital wheelchair, hands in her lap, her neck still in a brace, but a less extreme version.  

“Hmmm?” Angela said, looking up from her phone.  

“The Baxter Center.  It’s more than an hour from home, and there’s another rehab center that’s less than half that.  Want to talk about it?”

“The Baxter center is much better, it’s got better staff, better programs…”

“After seven weeks, I can’t even move my fingers.  I’ve already come to terms with that, with the fact that this is me now… “ she looked sad suddenly.  “I hope.. I hope you’re not looking for a miracle.”  

Angela sighed and looked at Juliet.  “No, not a miracle.  I mean, I hope that things will get better, but no, I’ve talked to all the doctors and I’ve been to a few meetings at the Baxter Center already - the rehab plan is more for me than you.  Learning how to be your caregiver, doing what’s best for you…”  

“So why so far from home, then?” Juliet looked at Angela, confused.  

“It’s only fifteen minutes from home, dear…   our new home.” Angela looked deflated.  

“New…  home?” Juliet said, the truth dawning on her.  “Our house…”  

“We couldn’t make it wheelchair accessible - not to the level you need.”  Angela said.  “I bought us a place in Rockport, just past Quinlans.”  

“Nice neighborhood.”  Juliet said, closing her eyes.  “Is it nice?  Our new place?”

“It is, yes.  Lots of sun.  I know you’ll love it.”  

“Is that why you didn’t tell me? Because you just knew how much I’d love it?” Juliet said, a hint of bitterness in her tone.  

“I just didn’t want - “

“You didn’t want to remind me how much I’ve lost - how much we’ve lost.  I’m a quadriplegic, I’ll need special care for the rest of my life, I need accessible housing…”

“Are you mad?” Angela asked, holding Juliet’s hand.  

“Yes.” said Juliet, but she didn’t sound it.

“Will a kiss make it better?”

“I don’t know - I guess there’s only one way to find out…”  Juliet said.  Angela moved in kissed Juliet gently, lips lingering against one another.  

“I know you can do better than that.” Juliet said when Angela pulled back.  Angela smiled and moved back in, kissing Juliet more passionately, her hands running through Juliet’s hair, feeling the rigid neck brace as she caressed the gentle slope behind Juliet’s ears and across her temples.  

“That’s more like it.” Juliet said, and Angela realized she felt the same way.  

Rehab was both much better and much worse than either Angela or Juliet imagined it would be.  It was better because Juliet got her wheelchair, a Permobil C350 power chair with a custom sip and puff drive system.  She was able to get around on her own and it definitely improved her attitude and confidence.  It was worse because it soon became clear just how dependent Juliet was going to be on Angela and others.  As expected, there was no improvement in her hands or arms, so she was unable to do even the most basic tasks like feed herself.  Angela was starting to feel overwhelmed as well, realizing just how much Juliet was going to rely on her.  From bathing to toilet routine to dressing - if Juliet even had a itch on her face, she needed help to scratch it.  

Over a month into rehab, and Juliet sneezed - such a simple thing, a sneeze - but Angela had just left the room to refill Juliet’s water bottle and Juliet couldn’t wipe her nose.  She could feel mucus slowly dripping out of her nose, she could feel it starting to flow, could almost picture the viscous snot dripping from her nose onto her lap, and there was nothing she could do about it.  By the time Angela returned to the room minutes later, Juliet was in full breakdown, crying uncontrollably, her whole body racked with sobs.  

“I can’t do this…” Juliet repeated over and over, Angela unsuccessfully trying to console her lover.  It wasn’t the first time Juliet had broken down, but it was somehow worse than previous times, threatening to break Angela as well.  

“Let’s get married.” Angela said.  Juliet stopped sobbing, taken completely by surprise.  

“What?” she asked between sobs, Angela drying her eyes.  

“Let’s get married.” Angela repeated.  

“When? Where?” Juliet asked.  

“Here, now.” Angela responded.  “There’s a chapel here, I can call a justice of the peace.  We already had all the other paperwork done.”

“I can’t even -” Juliet began to protest.  

“I know you can’t.  I can for both of us, and I want to, don’t take that away from me.” Angela responded, kissing Juliet.  

“OK.” Juliet responded.  

“OK?” Angela said, a smile starting to break on her face.  

“OK.” Juliet said firmly, nodding.  “Let’s get married.  But… not today.  Maybe this weekend?”

“Why the delay?”

“I want to wear my dress, and I want some friends here.  Just a couple.  Derek and Sabrina, and Chris and Carol…”

“Oh, and Lisa too!” Angela responded.  “So, let me talk to folks here, I’ll get it sorted out…”  

“Are you sure?” Juliet asked.  “Last chance to back out…” She looked up into Angela’s eyes.  

Angela rolled her eyes and kissed her deeply, then skipped out of the room.

Wedding Day

Angela stood by the altar of the small chapel, a bouquet of white roses in her hands and the dappled light from a stained glass window splashing across her white dress.  Her hands trembled as she smiled at the handful of friends gathered in the pews.  She had been so excited for so long for this day, even the dark cloud of Juliet’s injury couldn’t diminish her happiness.  The music began to play and Angela suddenly couldn’t breathe.  

Her eyes were moist as she watched Juliet wheel into the chapel and slowly down the aisle, her shimmering white dress looking perfect, her freshly manicured hands laying still in her lap, her hair freshly styled, her makeup immaculate - the rehab aides had done an amazing job getting her ready, and Angela saw them sitting in the back, smiling and puffy-eyed.  The Permobil wheelchair was nearly silent as Juliet reached the altar, proudly driving herself with the thin sip and puff tube, and Angela could see she was crying as well, tears of joy like hers.

The ceremony wasn’t anything fancy, as weddings go, but emotions were very high and each woman had written her own vows.  Angela promised to love and care for Juliet, to honor and appreciate her wife, to be with her forever…  Juliet got quiet for a moment, tears in her eyes as she looked up at Angela, drew in a deep breath, and spoke.  

“I have given these vows much thought.  This is me now, for better and for worse, and I cannot promise to care for you, I cannot promise to walk hand in hand with you, I cannot promise to hold you tight - these things I’ll never be able to do again, and yet you are still willing to be my wife, something that makes me happier than I ever felt I could be, and something that makes me feel that, with you by my side, I can survive this.  So my vow to you is to always be by your side, to never give up hope, and to love you with every part of me.  Be patient with me, my love, and I will always give you all that I can.”  

There wasn’t a dry eye in the chapel, including the officiant, as Angela leaned in and hugged and kissed Juliet.  It took several minutes to for everyone to regain enough composure to move on, and Angela wiped away Juliet’s tears with a silk handkerchief.  

“And now the rings.” the officiant stated, her eyes still puffy, her cheeks rosy with a rich smile.  

“Right, the rings - Chris?” Angela turned, looking to their friend.  He stood and presented the women with a dark, rich wooden box, ornately carved.  He opened the box and there, sitting on black velvet, were two exquisite gold rings.

“Oh they’re breathtaking Chris!” Angela exclaimed.  

“I knew you’d love them as soon as I saw them!” Chris said, beaming.  

Angela gently slid one gold band onto Juliet’s motionless finger, then took Juliet’s other hand, put the other wedding band into it, and then helped Juliet slide the ring onto her own finger.  She kissed Juliet again and held her hands as the officiant completed the ceremony, and then everyone headed to the rehab common room, where an impromptu reception had been put together.  

“That was so beautiful.” Chris said as Juliet and Angela sat together at the reception.  Angela was feeding Juliet cake and both women were beaming.  

“Thank you for all your help, Chris - I have to ask; where did you find these wedding bands?  They are exquisite!”

“I found them in this tiny little antiques shop - they were tucked in an old armoire, at least 200 years old.  The proprietor seemed surprised they were even in there.”

“They’re so intricately made - how did you get them sized?” Juliet asked. Angela was holding her hand up so she could get a better look.  

“That’s just it… I didn’t have to.  They were both just the right size.  Talk about karma, right?”

Angela hugged him.  “It was just meant to be, I guess.  After all this, we’re just meant to be.” She smiled at Juliet and kissed her hand.  

“And we have one more gift for the happy couple.” came a voice from behind them.  It was Doctor Ayera, one of the administrators of the rehab facility.  “With all the work you’ve put in, and a little extra convincing…”  He handed Angela a piece of paper.  “Here is your discharge order.  You can go home tomorrow, Juliet.”  

The whole room cheered and Angela hugged Juliet and kissed her again, both women laughing and crying at the news.  They were finally going home….

Finally Home.  

Juliet wheeled out of the rehab into a warm summer day, driving her wheelchair confidently with the sip and puff straw, Angela by her side.  She wore a long patterned dress that Angela had dressed her in, plus stockings and slippers on her legs and feet. Her hands lay still in her lap, and her hair shimmered in the summer sun.  Angela led her to a nice blue van parked in front of the building.  

“What, no convertible?” Juliet teased.  

“No, but this baby’s got some sweet options…”  She hit a button and a ramp lowered smoothly so that Juliet could load into the van.  Angela helped load her wife into the van, locking down the wheelchair with rachet tiedowns and making sure Juliet was secure.  

They made the short drive home in silence - the first time they had truly been alone, on their own together, since Juliet’s accident.  There was a mixture of excitement and nervousness as they pulled into the driveway.

“Nice place.” said Juliet as she saw the house come into view, and she meant it.  The house was low, all one floor for accessibility, with large front doors at the end of a gently sloping ramp up.  There were lots of windows, as Angela had promised, and the lawn was well manicured and dotted with decorative flower beds.  As they parked, Juliet could see the smooth paved path that wound through the yard, clearly adapted for a wheelchair.  Angela had really thought of everything.  

Angela unlocked Juliet’s wheelchair and began the process of lowering the ramp and unloading the chair.  Juliet looked around the yard briefly as Angela raised the ramp and shut the doors to the van, and then both headed into the house.  

“The doors will open automatically for you.” Angela said as they approached the entrance and, sure enough, the doors swung open and let Juliet wheel her way into the house.  Everything was so well arranged for Juliet’s wheelchair, Angela was able to take her throughout the whole house, giving a thorough tour of each room.  As they reached the bedroom, Juliet sighed.  

“What’s wrong, wife?” Angela asked, sitting on the bed so she was at eye level with Juliet.  

“Our marriage bed…” she sighed.  “I had hoped we could…”

“We still can, lover.” Angela said softly, reaching out to caress Juliet’s face.  Juliet started to cry.

“I know physically we can, sort of…”  She said, clearly upset. “But I can’t hold you, I can’t touch you, I can’t feel your touch on my skin.  I’ve gone over it a hundred ways, our ‘wedding night’, and all I’ll ever be able to do is lay there.”

Angela took Juliet's hands in her own.  “My love, if I could take this burden from you I would.  In a heartbeat.”  

“I know it’s terrible to admit it, Ang, but right now, I would give it to you freely…” Juliet said.  Angela kissed her.  

“That’s odd.” Angela said suddenly, looking at her wedding ring.  

“What’s that?” Juliet asked, concerned.  

“My ring, it’s…  it feels warm.  Yes, it feels like it’s warming up.” Angela said.  “I feel so strange.”  She suddenly lay back on the bed.  

“Are you OK love?  Hold on…  My wedding ring feels warm too… but I don’t have any feeling… but… Oh my god!”   Juliet suddenly exclaimed as she rose her hand in front of her face, looking at her wedding band closely.  “Angela, I can move…” she said, both arms able to move on their own.  

“Well…” Angela said softly. “This is interesting.”

“Interesting?!?” Juliet said, undoing the waist strap that held her into her wheelchair.  “Angela, look at me, I can move, I can stand!”  She practically leapt out of the wheelchair.  

“Well, it’s interesting.” Angela said, still laying on the bed.  “Because I can’t move.  I can’t feel anything at all below my neck.  I’m a quadriplegic, dear.”  

The Wedding Rings

Juliet climbed onto the bed and looked at her wife, now lying unmoving on the large mattress.  “Are you serious?” she asked.  

“Very serious.” Angela said.  “I can’t feel or move a thing…. It’s like we swapped bodies.”

“Well we’re both in our original bodies, we just swapped…”

“We swapped your disability.” Angela said.  

“Right after we wished it to happen.” Juliet said. “After I said I would gladly let you take it from me,” Juliet said, starting to panic.  “Let’s try it again, let me take it back!  Oh god, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry Ang!” Juliet was beginning to panic.  

“Shhhh.” Angela said.  “Calm down.  We don’t know what’s going on here, but you have to admit, it’s a miracle of some sort, and to see you standing, walking, moving again, after the past months… I’m OK with this, whatever is going on.  Could you put me in your wheelchair, and we can talk about this more comfortably?”

“But Angela, I didn’t know - I mean, who could have known!  It’s crazy, we have to try to switch back…  I didn’t mean for this to happen, I swear.”

Angela started to laugh.  It was a quiet laugh, not her usual deep belly laugh, but it made Juliet stop talking and look at her.  

“What’s so funny?” Juliet asked.  

“You are.” Angela said.  “You realize you’re way more freaked out about NOT being paralyzed than you were when you found out you were paralyzed?”

“But this is different, I said I was willing to trade with you….” Juliet said, stroking Angela’s hair.  

“Right after I said I would gladly trade with you.  It was a mutual agreement, remember.  And I stand by that - yes, this is a bit scary, lying here unable to feel or move my body, but I know it’s what you’ve been dealing with since your accident, and just to see you like this, moving, healthy, happy…   It’s worth it, even if we can’t reverse it.  Now can you help me into your wheelchair?”

“I will in a couple minutes, but it looks like I need to fix a few things first.”  Juliet said.  

“Fix what?” Angela asked, trying to turn her head to watch Juliet as she stood up.  

“Well, first of all, I’m wearing a catheter and leg bag, and that is suddenly VERY uncomfortable.” she said.  

“Oh.” Angela said.  “Yeah, you’d probably want to take care of that.  Are you OK with it - I’ve been trained on it but…”  

“I know, you’re not much help right now.  I’ve watched it enough times, give me five minutes. I’m heading to the bathroom.”  

“Before you do that, love…” Angela said.  “Could you move me onto the bed more?  I’m kind of half flopped off of it and I’m afraid to fall.”  

“Oh god, yes, of course.” Juliet said, carefully lifting Angela’s now completely limp legs and gently moving them, sliding Angela around until she was laying flat on the bed.  She slid her a few more inches away from the edge of the bed for safety.  

“How’s that?” she asked.  

“Much better, thanks.  I’ll wait here.” Angela said with a wink.  

Juliet headed to the bathroom and, remembering all the times Angela or an attendant changed out her catheter, she was able to carefully remove the long tube that had been inserted into her bladder.  She emptied the leg bag and tossed the whole thing into a lined wastebasket by the toilet. She washed herself with a cleansing wipe from the sink and then looked through a few cabinets until she found what she needed.  She headed back into the bedroom, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of the low carpet under her toes - something she realized she didn't ever expect to feel again.  

“Ok, now for you.” she said, sitting on the bed and beginning to remove Angela’s clothing.  

“Hey now - maybe we should look into this a bit more before we go all ‘wedding night?” Angela said, only half jokingly.  

“Relax, love.  Sadly, this isn’t foreplay - you’re paralyzed now, and it looks like as soon as this happened, you, um….  Peed your dress.”  

“Oh, right… spinal cord injury thoracic level and above can lead to loss of bladder and bowel control - I remember that class now.  Oh and... ew.” Angela said.  She lay there motionless as Juliet struggled to remove her soiled clothing, wash her with the cleansing wipes, and then proceeded to pull and overnight diaper onto her.  

“Now I think to make things easier - where did you put my adaptive clothing?” Juliet asked.

“Oh good idea.  Yours is that closet… Oh right, I can't point.” Angela rolled her eyes.  “The closet closest to the door is yours. The newer adaptive stuff is all hanging to the right.”

“Got it.  Ooh, this is nice.” Juliet said, lifting a blue and white dress.  “I like this coral colored dress too.”

“I tried to pick out things I thought you would like.” Angela said.  “Though I never imagined I'd be modeling them.”  

“You scared?” Juliet asked as she slowly started dressing her now quadriplegic wife.  

“Yeah, if I'm being honest.  I feel selfish for that - you were a quadriplegic for months, I've only been like this for what - twenty minutes?” Angela said.

“Trust me - twenty minutes or twenty years, I doubt that feeling goes away.” Juliet kissed her gently. “But let's see what we can do about that?”

Juliet used the hoyer lift in the bedroom to carefully lift Angela from the bed and into the wheelchair.  “I really thought I was going to be the one to break this in.” Juliet said as she unbuckled the straps and strapped Angela into the wheelchair.  “So what now?”  

“Well, I was thinking.” said Angela.  “When this change happened, we both felt our wedding bands warm up, so I figure that’s the place to start looking - the box they came in.  Remember, it was so ornate, maybe there’s something on it.” Angela said.  

“Where is it, I’ll get it.” Juliet said.  

“The gifts and wedding stuff were all placed in the study, by the laundry room.” Angela said.  

“Great…. Where’s that?” Juliet said with a smirk.  “I’ve never been here before today, remember?”

“Oh right - I’ll show you the way…  Um, how do I drive this thing?”  Angela asked, eying the mouth control and the small digital screen on the wheelchair.

“Drive my wheelchair?  That took me the better part of two weeks to learn in rehab, I’m not sure I can give you the ‘five minute crash course. It all has to do with blowing air into the that tube and sucking air out of it at different pressures to make the chair do what you need it to do.  For now how about I just push you.”  Juliet said, activating the attendant controls on the back of the chair.   

“Oh fine, but you’re going to teach me how to drive this thing.”

“I’m hoping you won’t need it.’ Juliet said under her breath, still fixated on reversing the process.  The longer Angela was in that wheelchair, the more nervous Juliet became.  

“It’s the second door right there on the left.” Angela said, guiding her wife through the house.  

Juliet wheeled Angela into the study and then searched through the multiple piles of gifts friends and family had given them.

“Ooh, when can we try this?” Juliet teased as she opened a box containing an expensive strapon vibrator.  

“Oh god - that has to be from Jasmine. That woman!  What did she think we were going to do with that?!” Angela said, her cheeks turning pink.

“Well I've got a few ideas…” Juliet teased.

“I'm sure you do…” Angela smirked “but could we focus on the task at hand?”

“Of course love, just teasing. Oh, here it is - black wooden box, right?”

“Right.” Angela said, feebly trying to crane her neck to get a better view.  “Chris said it was in a really old armoire in an out of the way antique store.”

“Oh right. And, um - why did you have to buy new wedding bands? We picked bands out together, before my accident.”

“I know, but - this will sound dumb, but I kind of looked at everything related to our first wedding date as, well - cursed? Bad luck, at least.”  Angela said as Juliet sat beside her with the ring box.  

“After all that happened, I guess I don't blame you” Juliet said. “Now let's look at this box. It's old, that's for sure.  Look at these carvings - really exquisite.”

“Is there anything inside?” Angela asked, suddenly frustrated that she couldn't participate in the investigation.

“You mean like a users manual for your Acme Magic Rings? I don't see anything..,  wait a minute, what's this?” Juliet said. She got up and pulled the floor lamp closer to get more light.  

“Did you find something?” Angela said, excited.  

“There's writing carved into the inside cover.  It's black on black, very faded.” Juliet replied, staring at the box intently.

“What's it say?” Angela asked, trying to get a look.  

“I have no idea.” Juliet finally said with a sigh.  “I think it's Latin. I recognize ‘diem’ I think.  

“Oh, ok…  Use Google.” Angela said.

“And google what? ‘Old magic disability swap rings?’” Juliet asked, confused.  

“No, no - Google Translate. It can give you a rough translation - they added Latin last year.”

“Oh, ok - I never used that. Let me get the laptop.” Juliet said.  

“Actually…” Angela said.  “Since I'm the research editor, maybe…”

“We can try to swap back, and give you a better chance at figuring this out?” Juliet said.

“Yes. It doesn't have to be for…”

“No, it's a good idea.  Let me sit here in this chair and get more support and we can try it.”  

“Are you sure?” Angela said, hesitant.

“No…  But if we’re going to figure this out I think that's the right play.  Now, we were holding hands, right?” Juliet said, taking Angela’s limp hands in her own.  

“Yes, and then I said - “ Angela began.

“Oh, but I have to say that part now.  Let's see…” She looked into her wife's eyes.  “My love, if I could take this burden from you I would.”

“And I would give it to you freely.” Angela replied.  They waited.  

“Oh, wait!” Juliet said, then leaned in and kissed Angela.  

“Anything?” Angela asked after a long minute.  

“Nothing here - no tingling, the ring isn't warm…” Juliet said sadly.

“It's ok, we’re just missing something. Let's try to figure this out together.” Angela said.

“Ok - what's first?”

“Well, can you get another computer screen so we can both see easily?” She asked.

“I have no idea - first time home, remember?” Juliet said, looking around the new surroundings.

“Ah, right…   Oh wait! The living room. Take me and the laptop and the box to the living room.” Angela said excitedly.  “I just remembered something.”  

“Nice TV.” Juliet said as she wheeled Angela into the living room. There was plenty of space for her wheelchair right next to a nicely styled recliner. And Juliet parked her there.  

“Yes.” Angela said. “It's a nice one, and I'm pretty sure there's a feature to project the laptop screen to the TV. I've never tried it though.”

“Oh, good thinking - let me see.” Juliet said, opening the laptop and turning on the TV.  After a few minutes, everything on the laptop screen was blown up on the fifty inch Samsung.  

“Perfect - now I need a better look at the inscription inside that box.” Angela said.

“Where's your phone?” Juliet asked suddenly.

“My purse - kitchen counter I think.” Angela said, and Juliet rushed out of the room, returning moments later with the smartphone.  She lifted Angela's limp right hand and pressed her thumb to the phones home button, unlocking it with her thumbprint.

“Clever.” Angela said, impressed, as Juliet took a close-in shot of the inside of the box with full flash, then mailed it to herself. Soon, they had a high definition blown-up version of the inscription.

“It's still really hard to see, but let's try to figure it out.” Angela said.  But first - I'm really thirsty.”

“Oh me too - in all the excitement we kind of lost track of time.” Juliet replied, getting up and heading to the kitchen. Angela heard her opening and closing just about every cabinet looking for glasses and finally returned with her own glass and one of the adapted cups with straw that Angela had, ironically, bought for Juliet.  

“Water?” Angela asked as Juliet moved the straw to her lips.  

“Electrolyte solution.” Juliet replied. “Just in case this is more…”

“Long term.  Understood.” Angela said, sipping at the straw.  “It's actually pretty good.” She remarked, sipping more.  

“You get tired of it after a while. I wish there were more flavors.” Juliet said as she sipped her ice water and helped Angela to drink.  

The pair sat and worked at understanding and translating the inscription for several hours. The challenge was that each word was faded and could translate to numerous meanings based on which letters they believed were there, and some were little more than guesswork.  

“I think this is as close as we’re going to get.” Juliet said, staring at the rough translation on the screen in front of them.  

“Agreed,” said Angela. “And it's pretty clear, kinda..  Share the burden in the heart and with body, as the day is bright so too will you be…”

“I still think it's closer to ‘heart and then body’...  I mean, it makes sense, right - we both wished in our heart to transfer my paralysis to you, technically, and then it did.” Julie said.  

“But we’re not ‘sharing’ the burden are we?  That phrasing is still a bit confusing.” Angela said, looking again at the screen.

“And I'm still not sure about the ‘day is bright’ part - it's some kind of metaphor but that doesn't seem right.”  Julie said, looking back at her notes.  

“I have a theory about that, actually.” Angela said.  “I don't think it's a metaphor, exactly. I think it means this only works once a day, after sunrise.”

“Where do you get that?” Juliet said, looking at the screen again.  

“Call it a hunch added to hopeful wishing?” Angela said.  “It would explain why it didn't work earlier when we wanted to swap back.”  

“I hope you're right.  Well I'm starving? How about you?” Juliet said.

“I'm not sure, actually.” Said Angela, sitting in the wheelchair.  

“Oh that's right - I didn't often feel hungry in rehab, it was more about keeping on a schedule, a routine.  I’ll make some sandwiches for us.” Juliet said.  

“And you'll have to feed me.” Said Angela.  “I never really understood the real impact of that.  I was always happy to feed you, even looked forward to it, but…”

“But you never understood what it did to me, to sit there, hands useless in my lap, wearing a bib as you spooned soup or pasta into my mouth.” Juliet said. “It was hard, every day it was a challenge, but seeing you there every day, seeing that it wasn't a chore for you, that you were ok with changing me and washing me and feeding me, even seeming to enjoy it. That kept me going, that kept me hopeful about my life, about our future.  I promise, no matter what happens, I'll be there for you, just like you were there for me.”

The women ate in the dining room, Juliet happily feeding Angela, both women laughing and giggling. It was Angela who finally said what both had been thinking.  

“So let's assume this switch works again, and we can actually do it every day.” She said slowly.  “What then?”

“I… Don't know yet.” Juliet said, putting down her drink.  “In my head I was thinking I'd swap back tomorrow and then just…  Stay paralyzed until I got really sick of it, and ask to switch out for a day.”

“That's…  Kind of dumb.” Angela said flatly.  “Why would you do that to yourself? I say we swap every day.  Today I'm paralyzed, tomorrow you are, then swap again.  Share the burden, right?”  Angela said earnestly.

“You would be willing to spend half your life paralyzed for me?” Juliet said, eyes wide.  

“I'd be willing to spend my whole life paralyzed for the woman I love. Share the burden, right?”  Angela gazed into Juliet's’ eyes.  

“Right, share the…” Juliet stopped.  She suddenly ran out of the dining room, then came back with her notes.  “Share the burden - share, that's a key phrasing here but we really weren't 100% on it, right?” She asked.

“Right, but…  I'm not sure what else it would mean.”

“I might, actually…  but we need to wait for tomorrow to check.  And I need to make a phone call.” Juliet said, eyes alight with excitement.

“And what can we do until then?” Angela asked.

“Well… It’s kind of our wedding night, right?” Juliet teased, then stood up slowly and started to kiss Angela deeply and passionately.  

“I'm not sure I can…” Angela started to protest, but suddenly Juliet was running her manicured nails through her hair, kissing her, caressing all the places she could still feel, setting her nerves on fire.  

“Oh god” she moaned. “I guess you're on top.”

The time it took Julie to get Angela to the bedroom, get her undressed, then onto the hoyer lift and slowly and carefully out of her wheelchair and then lowered to the bed did nothing to diminish the women's passion.  Juliet kept kissing Angela and touching her face, telling her how beautiful and sexy she was, how excited she was to have such an amazing wife.  

“Tell me what you were planning for tonight.” Juliet said between kisses.  

“What do you mean?” Angela said, distracted by her wife's caresses.  

“When we arrived home I was the quadriplegic, but it was still our wedding night, right? So what did you have planned for us?”

“I would have laid you in bed, comfortably.” Angela said, closing her eyes to imagine the scene.  “I would have undressed you, but then put some pretty lingerie in you.  White stockings…. Sexy lacy bra”

Juliet searched a little and found the lingerie, slowly and sensually dressing her paralyzed wife. She put her hand in one smooth white stocking and caressed Angela's face with it, making her moan.  

“I would have done a sexy strip tease for you.” Angela breathed, lying motionless on the bed, looking longingly at her wife.  

Juliet climbed onto the bed and did a slow, sensual strip tease over Angela as she lay there, staring, wishing she could reach up and touch her wife, feel her hot skin pressed against her.   She watched Juliet slip out of her dress, tossing it aside, then wriggle seductively out of her bra, her nipples erect.

“I would have…” Angela said, breathing heavy “helped you to touch me.  Taken your limp hands in mine…”

Juliet raised Angela's completely paralyzed hands and arms and began to caress herself all over, caressing her breasts, her face, her stomach.  Angela could not move anything, could not feel the caresses she was witnessing, but it was OK.  Seeing her beautiful wife - her beautiful wife who, until earlier that very day had been a quadriplegic, filled Angela with a passion and desire she had a hard time even comprehending.  

They kissed and caressed and, in their own way, made love. Gently, slowly, talking to one another, Angela sharing her desires verbally since she was unable to do so physically, and Juliet taking special care to make sure her quadriplegic wife was cared for in every way she could.

Angela fell asleep in Juliet’s arms, content for the first time in months.  

A Struggle Shared

“It is so strange waking up like this.” Angela said.  “I want to stretch and wipe the sleep from my eyes, but then I remember…”  She said to the ceiling.  

“Yeah, that took me a while to get used to. Especially when in all my dreams I was still walking.”  Juliet said, preparing things just out of Angela's field of vision.  

“So do we try…” Angela said, impatient.  

“We do not. Not until we’re both ready.” Julie replied.  

“Ready for what?” Angela said.  Julie appeared in her field of view wearing an adaptive dress and, Angela soon saw, a diaper.   

“Ready for anything, lover.  We have no idea if this will work or what's going to happen, so let's be prepared.  Besides, you need a change.”  Juliet began changing Angela's overnight diaper and washing her thoroughly.  

“Ok, we’re ready.” Juliet finally said, sitting in her wheelchair.  “I want to try something a little different though.”

“Different how?” Angela said, curious.

“Well I started thinking about the ‘share your struggle’ line again and I had a thought - what if we could literally share in the struggle? Instead of one of us always being a quadriplegic, maybe we could ‘share the burden’ equally?”

“And what would that mean?” Angela asked, curious.  

“If I'm right, it could mean we might both be able to use our arms and hands at the same time.  That's what I'm hoping it means, anyway.  Willing to try?” Juliet looked eager.  

“Sure - let's try. What do I have to do?” Angela asked, her head and eyes trying to keep Juliet in frame.

“Well, I'm going to offer to take half your burden, and you just need to accept that. Sound ok?”

“Sounds crazy, but the last time we tried this I lost the use of my body below the neck, so I'm willing to try anything.” She smiled.

They said the new incantation and kissed. Juliet felt her ring warm up, and then so did Angela.  Angela was first to move, waving her arms excitedly.  

“It worked! Well, it kinda did…” Angela said as she tried to sit up, her lower half not cooperating. She propped herself up on her elbows and looked at her wife, who was sitting in her sip and puff wheelchair, unmoving.  Juliet smiled wide and waved at Angela, her hands seemingly fine.   

“It worked pretty much as I expected - or at least as I'd hoped.” Juliet said.

“Your legs?” Angela said, peering over the edge of the bed.  

“Completely paralyzed from about…” Juliet felt around her abdomen and drew a line about an inch above her belly button.  “Here.  Yup - paraplegic.  You?”

Angela felt around and nodded.  “Same here, yeah.  So this is…  Better?” She asked Juliet quizzically.  

“Better than one of us completely paralyzed from our neck down, unable to do the simplest task?” Juliet said seriously.  “I… I think so. I mean, it seems it, to me.”   She looked seriously at Angela.  “What do you think?”  

“I’m…  Not sure yet?” Angela replied honestly.  “But I haven't had as much time, you know…”

“Totally paralyzed.” Juliet completed. “And all the time I was laying there in the hospital or sitting there in rehab with someone dressing me or feeding me, all I could think of was…”

“Was how much better life would be if you just had some use of your arms.” Angela said, nodding.  “I wasn't paralyzed long, but I understand what you mean.”  She smiled weakly.  “So, two paraplegic lesbians wheel into a bar…”

Juliet laughed and leaned in to kiss her wife.  

“ I hate to point out the obvious flaw your plan, my love.” Angela said as she worked her way to a sitting position.  “But-”

“But we only have one wheelchair.  Way ahead of you dear.  Oh, that reminds me - need to get ready. You wait here and don't make noise - too much to try to explain here.”  

Angela was confused as Juliet strapped herself into her wheelchair with the chest belt, properly positioned her mouth control, placed her hands in her lap, and headed out of the bedroom.  A minute later she heard the shower start and heard Juliet head to the living room.  

Around ten minutes later Angela heard the doorbell and heard Juliet welcome someone in.

“Oh don't worry - Angela just jumped in the shower, but you can leave those here. Thanks so much for bringing them - it's amazing how much my friends in the LGBT community want to participate!”

There was a friendly male voice that was hard to make out, then the door closed again and Angela heard Juliet slowly returning.   

“What the hell was…” Angela started to say, until she saw Juliet wheel in pushing a manual wheelchair.  

“I got us two loaners from Baxter - they said we can use them for a month, no charge. I figure we can order our real chairs today and, in theory, they'll be ready in under a month.”  Juliet beamed.  

“And what was the reason a quadriplegic woman and her able-bodied wife would need to borrow two manual wheelchairs?” Angela asked, amused.  

“LGBT community outreach for spinal cord injuries.” She said.  

“That's…. Actually really clever.  Well done wife.” She smiled.  “Now how do I get in this thing?”

“Carefully dear - they didn’t teach me transfers in rehab.” Juliet said.   “I’m going to get my chair now - I’ll be right back, in theory.”

Juliet wheeled back into the living room and clumsily transferred from her power chair into the sporty manual chair she had borrowed, shakily moving over to the lower seat and then pulling her now floppy legs into the legrests.  She straightened herself out and started heading back to the bedroom, but was met in the hallway by Angela, also in her new wheelchair and wheeling her way happily long.  

“That wasn’t too bad, and this thing handles great.” Angela smiled, turning left and right in the chair.  

“I have to admit, it’s already better than using a straw to drive around.” Juliet said, wheeling easily.  “Let’s have breakfast.”  

“Coffee!” Angela said, wheeling steadily behind her wife.  

The pair sat together at the table and ate bagels and fruit cups, talking about generalities, trying to seem as normal as possible, normal like before Juliet’s accident.  

“We’re going to need to talk about this.” Juliet said, and both women knew what she was talking about.  

“Life as a paraplegic, you mean?” Angela said.  “At least most of it - I guess we could swap to full paralysis on each other’s birthdays…” she smiled weakly.  

“It’s asking a lot, I know.” Juliet said.  “It’s crazy, it’s…”  

“It’s OK.” Angela said, holding Juliet’s hand.  “You’re right, it’s crazy, and life as a paraplegic can’t be an easy one, but…”  Angela squeezed Juliet’s hand.  “If it’s a life with you, I think it will be a happy one…”

“But you’d be giving up so much…   I’m not sure I can ask that of you, to be honest.” Juliet said, and Angela realized she was on the verge of tears.  

“Yes, I’d be giving up the use of my legs, that’s true, and I’ll admit, it’s a bit scary.” Angle said, shifting nervously in her wheelchair.  “More than a bit scary, truth be told, now that I’m sitting here in a wheelchair and can’t feel a thing below my belly.  But look at what I’d be gaining.”  She held Juliet’s hands, kissed them, caressed her face with them.  “I’ll have a wife who can touch me, who can feed herself, dress herself…” she kissed Juliet.  

“But now instead of one handicapped spouse there would be two…” Juliet replied, seeming to get more agitated.  “Now we’ll both need extra help, extra care…  Paralysis is a lot more than just not being able to walk... “

“Yes, there will be two handicapped people in this house, and yes we’ll need help, but we’ll actually be able to help each other.  When I brought you home, as my quadriplegic wife, I was so happy to finally have you home, but I was also terrified.  I’m sure being paralyzed from your neck down was scary for you, but it was terrifying for me too, because I had this incredible responsibility to take care of your every need - the woman I love most in the world, and I’m responsible for everything from feeding you to wiping your bottom…” Angela said in a rush, as if it was something she had been holding in for months.  “It was so scary - what if I made a mistake, what if I hurt you, what if I just needed to go out for an hour but I couldn’t because I couldn’t leave you?”  Angela now had tears in her eyes.  “I would do anything for you, my love - I’ve known that since the day we met.  As a quadriplegic, I would take care of your every need and make sure you were the happiest I could possibly make you… I promise to take care of you always, but don’t think that life as an able-bodied woman caring for her quadriplegic wife is any less scary than what we’re talking about now, with both of us paraplegics.  You’re right, it’s scary, and it’s definitely crazy….  But this way, we’re both in this together, 100%, as equals. “

Juliet looked at her with such love.  “I never realized…  I was so wrapped up in my own fears, my own situation, I never fully realized what this marriage meant for you.  And you married me anyway.”

“Of course I did, silly.  You’re my girl.” Angela smiled.  

The couple leaned in and hugged and kissed one another deeply, each running her fingers through the other’s hair, the kisses growing steadily more passionate.   It was Angela who made the first move, sliding her hand up Juliet’s shirt and cupping her firm breast.  Juliet let out a low purr and bit Angela’s lip.  

“I like this way more with working arms.” Angela said, and Juliet agreed by unsnapping Angela's bra and running her hands across Angela's sensitive nipples.  She moaned.  

“So…” Juliet breathed as the pair continued to kiss.  “How is this going to work?”  

“Do you remember the first time you had sex?”  Angela asked, still caressing Juliet’s breast.  

“Mmm - Sara Moore.” Juliet teased, a warm smile on her face.  

“Very funny.” Angela said, kissing Juliet again.  “We can take it slow, figure it out together. I mean, I've got nothing happening here…” She indicated her paralyzed lap. “But up here I'm… very happy.” She squeezed her breasts.  

“So…  Bedroom?” Juliet said, pulling her wheelchair away from the table and slowly wheeling towards the bedroom.  

“Just what I was thinking, wife.” Angela said, wheeling her way behind Juliet, hands pushing eagerly on the wheelchair rims.

Juliet parked by the bed and locked her wheelchair, then stared at the gap between her wheelchair and the bed.  “Hmmm.  I've only ever done this with a lift or three nurses carrying me…”  

“Try this.” Angela said, parking her wheelchair directly parallel to the bed and shoving herself physically with her arms.  She got her butt onto the bed, then fell over a bit, righted herself, and was able to drag her paralyzed legs up. Juliet watched how they flopped.  

“Showoff.” Juliet teased, then tried the same maneuver. Once she got onto the bed she fell to her side, but Angela helped pull her legs up.  

“Teamwork.” Angela smiled as she began undressing Juliet.  

“That's right, teamwork.” Juliet said, then leaned in to kiss Angela and begin removing her shirt and bra.  

The pair were soon topless and Juliet struggled to get closer to Angela, press against her, feel her warm skin against her breasts, smell her shampoo, all the things she had longed for while laying in the hospital, unable to move or feel anything.  They kissed more, hands caressing each other's bodies, but both avoiding going below their paralysis until Angela ventured a hand between Julie's legs, feeling the padded diaper there, a reminder that things were different. There was a pause.  

“You want me to take it off?” Juliet asked.  “We could take them off, get naked.” She ran a finger around Angela's aeroela.  

“No, not yet…” Angela replied, leaning back in for another kiss.  “We’ll take it slow, remember?”  

Juliet kissed her and then lowered her head to begin kissing one hot nipple.  “Whatever you say, wife.” She said in between kisses and nibbles, and Angela ran her fingers seductively through Juliet’s hair.  

They remained that way, entwined lovingly in each other's arms, for the entire morning, then worked together to figure out a workable bathroom routine for two paraplegics.  Fortunately, since the large bathroom was specially equipped for care if a quadriplegic, Angela and Juliet were able to handle their bathroom needs without much difficulty.  

“We should get a second shower chair.” Angela remarked as Juliet finished in the shower.  

“I was thinking that too- plenty of room for two in there.” She smiled. “And I hate to admit this, but I kind of miss you washing my hair for me.”

“I'll wash your hair every day if that's what you like, my love.” Angela laughed.  “And you can give me pedicures.”

“Ooh yes, I definitely want to give you pedicures!” Juliet practically squealed.  “What color wheelchair do you want?”

“Hmmm - I have no idea. I guess I'll need to see what's available. Maybe white.  Or just bare metal, like titanium?”

“Is that why my power chair is white?” Juliet asked. “Not very fashionable.”

“And not a lot of options there. I think white, black, and blue were all they had.” Angela replied, putting on eyeshadow in the large mirror.

“White was fine then, dear.” Juliet replied, drying her hair.  

“So is this it, then?” Angela asked.  “Just us, putting on makeup and doing our hair and talking about our wheelchairs?”  She looked at Juliet, who was struggling to dry her limp legs.  

“I suppose so.”  Juliet said.  “Before we got married we'd do our makeup and talk about shoes…  Oh, and drool over Ruby Rose and ScarJo…  so…  Not that different.  You ok?” She looked at her wife, sitting in her wheelchair by the sink.

“Yeah…” Angela said, returning to her makeup.  “Yeah, I guess I'm ok.”  

The End

Epilogue - Vignettes

Doctors Visit

“Oh crap oh crap oh crap” Angela was wheeling through the house in a panic.

“What's wrong?” Juliet said, rolling out of the kitchen.  

“It's Wednesday!”  Angela said, pulling out her phone and pulling up her calendar.

“Oh crap. Doctor Waller.” Juliet said, her face going slightly pale.  

“Yes, your appointment with Doctor Waller, who knew you as a high level quadriplegic when you saw him last week.”

“And we already used the rings today… so then I'll get in the power chair, maybe he won't notice.” Juliet said, wheeling towards the bedroom.

“Juliet, do you really think a trained medical doctor is going to be fooled just because you're sitting in a different chair.  Do you have any idea how much you fidget? And besides - the van was for able bodied me to transport quadriplegic you - no hand controls.”  

“So what do we do - reschedule for tomorrow?” Juliet said, looking agitated.  “We can use the rings, I can go as a quad, you can…”

“No.” Angela said, grabbing her phone again.  “I'm calling us a cab, I'll make sure it's accessible. We're both going to the appointment.”

“And then what?” Juliet asked, looking concerned.  

“And then, we’ll tell him the truth.”

Juliet stopped in her tracks, eyes wide.  

“The truth?”

“Yes, we tell him the truth.” Angela said firmly.  “You might be better off now but I'm facing life with paralysis, I'd kind of like some medical advice, and it's not like we can pretend forever…”

“So…  The truth. We tell a man with two PHDs that I'm not a quadriplegic any more because we wished on magic rings.”  Juliet said, now searching for proper shoes.  “I'm gonna need a lot of wine…   Can we put in a wine cellar?”  

“Sure, just need one on this floor or it has to have elevator access.” Said Angela, wheeling into the bedroom to look for socks.  “The cab will be here in 20 minutes.”

The pair barely turned heads as the entered the medical center; seeing people in wheelchairs was commonplace when you were in proximity of a large rehab center.   Doctor Waller’s receptionist was very polite and after a short wait, Juliet and Angela wheeled into an exam room and a nurse began taking Juliet's vitals. Angela noticed the double-take the nurse gave while reviewing Juliet's chart, but she didn't say anything, she just finished up and said the doctor would be with them shortly.

“Hi Doctor Waller.” Juliet smiled and waved vigorously as the elderly, bearded physician entered the room.  He smiled and then froze, the door closing slowly behind him.  He looked carefully at both Juliet and Angela, then sat heavily in the desk chair by the wall.  He took a few calming breaths before he spoke.

“Did someone toss an Antique coin into an oddly glowing well?” He asked.

Both women looked strangely at him, but neither spoke.  

“Did one of you inherit a middle eastern rug depicting three men dancing around a -”

“Um, no… no rugs.” Angela responded, starting to understand the odd line of questioning.  “And no genie in the lamp either.” She added.

“Oh, I didn't suspect it was a Djinn - you're both still alive, after all.   Ah, I see - the rings!”

Juliet broke the stunned silence.  “Yes, yes it was these rings, our wedding bands!”

“Hold on - why are you not freaking out?” Angela asked the doctor.  “And are saying that stuff like wishing wells and magic carpets are real?”

“Very real, actually.  I've had experience with the former, I've never encountered the latter, but these rings you are wearing, well….” The doctor got up and examined Juliet's wedding band.  “These are the stuff of legend.  The first mention of these bands is 225 ad, I believe. Let me guess - they require a reciprocated wish and a bond of love? Both participants must agree to the result?”

“Something like that.” Angela said, now more fascinated than worried.  “The first time it happened we had no idea, and I ended up totally paralyzed.”

“Fascinating.” Doctor Waller said. “And you eventually figured out this partial transfer?”

“Juliet figured it out.” Angela beamed.  “She figured out how to ‘share the burden’ as referenced in the box the rings came in.”  

“And this-” the doctor indicated Angela's wheelchair.  “This is what you have chosen? To live as a paraplegic so that your wife is no longer completely paralyzed?”

“It's a decision we made together but, yes.  I would gladly live my live in a wheelchair if it allows her more freedom, more joy in life.”  She reached out and held Juliet’s hand.  Both women smiled.

“That is a bond stronger than many I have seen.  I can help you, now that I know what I'm working with.”

“Help us how?” Juliet asked, curious.  

“Well, first we’ll need to modify both your medical records. Can't very well keep coming in here with ‘quadriplegic’ written all over your charts, can we?  And you, Angela - we’ll need to modify yours to cover that skiing accident…”

“I hate the cold…” Angela said with a smirk.

“I meant that terrible cycling accident that put you in that wheelchair.”  He continued, taking down notes as he spoke.  

“You can do that?” Juliet asked, surprised.  

“We aren't allowed to put ‘magic ring’ into our diagnosis, but we can make other arrangements as required. Helps with the insurance billing.” He nodded.

“Oh - wheelchairs!” Juliet practically shouted.  “Sorry… We need wheelchairs. These are just loaners.”  

“Of course - I have already modified your equipment prescription, Juliet, and will create one for Angela as well.  You can get measured and choose your chairs this afternoon, they should be ready in a couple weeks.  I'm also prescribing at-home occupational therapy and rehab for both of you. I'd have it here at the center but Juliet made quite a lovely impression on all the staff during her stay, and I'm afraid there would be too many questions asked.”

“Wow, thank you doctor.” Angela said, amazed at the bizarre turn of events.  

“I will also need to start seeing you regularly, Mrs.Snow. You are now also my patient, along with your lovely wife.”

“I'm your patient…” She said, momentarily confused, then remembered the wheelchair. “Oh, of course. I look forward to it. Need to keep healthy, right?” She smiled.  

“Of course.” Doctor Waller said.  “One final caution, ladies.” He added, stroking his well manicured white beard.  “There are many magic rings in the word- none of them should be used lightly.”

With that, the doctor left and the two women headed to their wheelchair fitting appointment.