An Unwanted Surprise
When my husband and mother-in-law casually announced a sudden trip to Hawaii, I didn’t expect to be left behind—especially not with Alan, my paraplegic brother-in-law. They dropped the responsibility on me like it was a bag of groceries. "You’ll manage," they said with a shrug, already halfway out the door. I was furious—not because I didn’t care for Alan, but because they assumed I had nothing better to do.
I mentally prepared myself for a long and likely exhausting week, already dreading the logistics. But what happened the next morning turned all those expectations upside down. As I walked into the living room, Alan rose from his wheelchair with ease, grinning from ear to ear. “Let’s go!” he said, as if nothing had ever happened. My jaw nearly hit the floor.
An Unexpected Proposal
Alan, practically glowing with energy, suggested we head out for a spontaneous adventure. It was so out of character for him since the accident that I was caught completely off guard. “Are you sure about this, Alan?” I asked, unsure whether this was a prank or a miracle. He just nodded, smiling with a confidence I hadn’t seen in years.
Despite my hesitation, something about the moment felt strangely right. His excitement was contagious, and I didn’t have the heart—or curiosity—to say no. As we loaded into the van, I found myself wondering what exactly had changed, and how long he’d been waiting to reveal it.
