Dr. Saunders looks uncomfortable before continuing. "As a student, you've just finished your studies. That was the cause of her body being available. A celebration that went wrong, allowed her body to be available in the brief window when a transplant was possible."
"But,... I'm a woman... I'm an arabic woman!" the hysteria colouring your wife replied, her throat rasping. As you take in your protests, and the pitch she delivers them in.
Raising a hand, you fixate on the skin tone before getting your train of thought back on track. "I ... I mean, I don't want to sound racist... But, I wasn't raised for this."
Dr. Saunders reaches out a soothing arm, but as he does, you see the hesitation, and even his arm shift awkwardly. He already considers you a woman, and physical contact inappropriate beside with your new body's religion, you see the same concern in his eyes, that prompted your own quick clarification.
Reaching out a hand, you clasp your wife's hand. Patting it reassuringly as you do. "Whatever lies ahead, we'll face it together."
- - - - -
Again, the awkward look passes over the doctor's face, as he looks ready to raise a difficult subject. "She's ... she's ... you've finished her studies, and the student visa expires soon."
"I'm not... Yarah... Not really, I mean... sure... I guess. But, I can't just steal her life..."
The doctor's head shakes, slowly but clearly, "No.".
"This procedure is new, and the legalities are untested. But, we have your former body, and a cause of death. It couldn't be saved, any more than Yarah's brain trauma could be survived."
The idea of regaining a few years were a bonus. Turning back to address you as her husband, he adds, "She's due to be sent home. We received a phone call from her family. Specifically her father." He swallows and continues. He glances to his notes, just to confirm he's got the right words.
"She's been 'indulged and corrupted enough.', it's time to end this."
Yarah looked horrified, "I... I can't be deported!" her voice shrill in horror. "I don't speak the language! I don't even know... is it Arabic?" she asked starting to babble, her mind racing wildly ahead with fears and insecurities.
"I can't be a woman there! Not there!"
"He also had arranged a suitor and marriage to help you adjust back to a modest routine, and help you rediscover your proper place in society." The doctor delivering the message, with a reluctance that was clear.
"Marriage!" Sarah's eyes widened in horror, as her breathing became shallow and rapid.
"Marriage!" Sarah blurted out. This time her tone entirely different. "If we marry, me as Yarah, and you then I'll be able to stay, and we'll be together." Her other hand clasping desperately to yours now, as if drowning and clutching at straws. Her eyes pleading, her head nodding, willing with every fibre in her body for you to agree.
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