Life Interrupted

Chapter 13

Depending on how Deanna felt, Tuesday was tentatively set as an "explore the island" day and Mike had hunted down a bicycle where Deanna could ride in her wheelchair and still enjoy a "bike ride."

It was a little after seven AM on their third morning on the island. Deanna leaned back gratefully as she grasped the warm mug. Mike was amazing. Not only had he been the best caregiver, but he had also sought out Deanna's morning coffee and brought it to her in bed.

"Thank you." Deanna whispered as she took a few sips of the warm drink. Mike smiled at her, crossing the room to join her in bed for a few moments. "You're welcome, my love. What do you want to do today?" Deanna's face fell and Mike knew there was something she wasn't saying. "What's wrong?" "Oh, I don't know... I guess I just wish there was a way to go for a bike ride." At that a broad smile crossed Mike's face.

"Well...."

Deanna's eyes widened. "Well what? You're getting me nervous..."

"No need to be nervous, darling. I do however have reservations with a place that has handicap bikes. They've got a few contraptions with a platform on the front where we can hook your wheelchair in and I can bike you around."

"Seriously?"

"Very much so. I've already made reservations with them for this week, so we can do that this morning if you'd like." "Yes, yes! I would love that!" Deanna's enthusiasm shone like the sun on this drizzly morning and it made Mike's heart soar to see that she was that excited.

Mike had packed a picnic lunch, their rain gear and of course, Deanna's new camera. After her injury, and reacquainting with her love of writing and photography, and with the upcoming trip, Mike had splurged and bought Deanna a new camera.

Their pre-ordered picnic lunch arrived via room service and Mike helped load their items into a couple of bags and Deanna into the chair and they were off to explore the island.

"Where are we going?" Deanna questioned. Mike smiled and chuckled. "It's a surprise." He said, a tinge of laughter teasing the back of his throat. Deanna could hear his smile and see the lines forming around his eyes, which in turn made her smile. They sailed past a park where the kites ran rampant, a colorful assortment in the cloudless blue sky. At that point, something Mike said turned her smile into full blown laughter. He continued to pedal as she threw her head back, unkempt curls flying through the breeze as they continued the trek to the secret location. 

Eventually Mike stopped the bike and dismounted. "We're here." He announced proudly. She glanced around, seeing nothing but trees. "Okay..." "Well, we still have a few more steps before we stop." She glanced back at him suspiciously. "Trust me. You're gonna want to see this." He unstrapped the basket, handing it to her and releasing the brakes on the chair. The last few feet were a bit bouncy, but suddenly he stopped. "Alright now we're here." The view was nothing short of breathtaking. "Oh Mike." Deanna breathed, "this is... beautiful!" Mike smiled, "I thought you would enjoy it."

After setting the blanket on the ground, he helped Deanna out of the chair and set her on the ground. Mike had ordered their lunch from the Grand Hotel's kitchen and it was nothing short of superb.

They returned to the hotel physically exhausted, but emotionally full. The day had been perfect for them. Mike helped Deanna sponge bathe and change for bed. Before long she was asleep and Mike was on his way too.