Do it for love
360 Words
“The pasta was… incredible,” Collins said, setting his fork down slowly. “I haven’t had anything that good in years.
And trust me—I don’t exaggerate.”
Juliet forced a small smile, her fingers tightening around the novel James had given her. She snapped it shut, the sound sharper than she intended.
“Doctor…” she called, her voice lower now. “Can he still walk?”
Collins exhaled, his gaze drifting away. “Yes. He can.” A pause. “He just… refuses to.”
Inside James’ room, the air felt heavy.
Juliet stood still for a moment, her shoulders slumped, exhaustion written all over her face.
“Babe,” James said, studying her. “What’s wrong? What do you want?”
She stepped closer, her eyes locking onto his. “Promise me something first.”
James smirked faintly. “You already know I’ll give you anything. Especially if it’s me you want.”
A slow smile spread across Juliet’s lips—but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“I don’t want you.”
The words landed like a slap.
James’ expression hardened. “Then what?”
“It’s your birthday in a few days,” she said, her voice trembling slightly despite her effort to stay firm. “I want you to walk.”
Silence.
Then—
“You want me to… walk?” James’ voice rose, disbelief turning sharp. “So that’s it? You don’t love me like this? You don’t love me because I’m in this wheelchair?”
“No!” Juliet snapped. “That’s not what I said.”
“Then what are you saying?” he shot back.
“I just want you to try,” she said, softer now, but more desperate. “I want you to live again.”
James’ jaw tightened. He looked away.
“I’m not ready,” he said coldly. “I’m not walking.”
The finality in his voice cut deep.
Juliet stood there for a second, her chest rising and falling. Then anger surged through her.
Without another word, she turned and stormed out, the door slamming hard enough to echo through the house.
- Writer
