You break the news to Allison as soon as she's fully awake

Allison took the news about as well as you would have expected. While she was relieved to be alive, she realized that her life had just been ripped away from her. It was bad enough that she lost 27 years, with all those experiences of young adulthood. As she pointed out, she was now older than her parents! But what made it so much harder was the knowledge that she would be separated from almost all that she knew - school, friends, etc. - as she was **** to assume Mary's life.

"At least I still have mom & dad - and YOU," she told you, clenching your hand tightly. "I don't think I could make it without you, Tim. Your my lifeline..."

You smiled and comforted her, promising to be there for her. But inwardly you wondered what would happen. How could you maintain your relationship? You loved Allison dearly ... but this seemed like a different person. You had never been particularly interested in 'cougars' but you had to admit that Mary was very attractive for an older woman. And would she still want you? What if her tastes were different now?

You pushed hard to see Allison inside this new body, to still connect with the girl you loved. You weren't sure how hard it would be but you vowed to do everything you could to make your relationship work.

You stayed with her for hours each day while she was in the hospital. Tony and Linda were there as much as they could, but they had to keep up the charade that they had just lost their daughter - and so had to deal with all that entailed. They and your parents surprised you by expressing their admiration for your intention to carry on your relationship with Allison. "I know it's awkward for you, Tim," Tony told you, "but no matter how she looks, that's still our little girl in there...and I'm glad you can see that. You're already like part of our family and we want you to know that we're glad you're staying together."

The support of your families reinforced your desire to stay with Allison. By the time she was release, you felt your connection was stronger than ever - though you hadn't done anything more than hold hands while she was in the hospital. When she's discharged, Allison