The medical treatment is probably considered as an option if either partner loses it. Would also be brought up if the Guide wasn't doing their job. (Maybe if they're a sociopath...?)

To schlep is to take a slow/long/tedious journey. I haven't heard it used in place of "to carry," but it makes sense, as in "to take a journey that is made tedious because you're carrying [thing]."

Tracey's slap was very satisfying :D

It makes for a pretty wild reversal of their usual dynamic, where Stephen is the most insightful and understanding person in the room.

Yeah, Stephen is the biggest spoon. He'll get to alternate some other night. The super-empathetic deserve extra cuddling, after all, surely?

Glad you like it!