A TURN OF THE MOON
Day Nine
by
Jessica Drew

I lay in bed with my hands behind my head, staring up at the skylight. The room was starting to grow lighter and the birds had begun to twitter and chirp in the trees outside. I felt like I’d barely slept all night.

Yesterday, we’d received a message from Axis Labs that they were bringing our appointment forward to this afternoon. That meant Doctor Rourke would be returning to the house with some news, three days earlier than originally planned. Why would they bring it forward? Unless… they had good news about the cure?

Not necessarily… Don’t get your hopes up.

I absently twirled a strand of my blonde hair around a finger. But then, if it wasn’t something significant, they’d surely just email us, or phone us… My mind had circled those thoughts for most of the night.

I glanced over at Lauren. She lay on her side facing me. She slept soundly, though every now and then her face would twitch a little. I took a deep breath, wondering if I should just get up and go watch a bit of TV. I decided I’d try to read instead, to see if that would help quieten my mind. I leaned over, pulling open my bedside drawer and reaching in to find my book. I pulled it out — a spy thriller — secret agents, fast cars, and exotic locations. I’d started reading it a few months back, but lost enthusiasm. As I thumbed through to find my bookmark, I noticed a folded-up piece of paper lying on the floor beside the bed. It must have fallen out of the drawer when I grabbed my book. I carefully leaned over, just managing to reach it with my fingers. I eased myself back, brushing hair from my face. I checked on Lauren, making sure she was still asleep, as I unfolded the paper.

I knew what it was. The Axis Laboratories logo at the top of the paper made my stomach tighten. It was the questionnaire Rourke had given us the other day. We were supposed to keep a daily log, but neither of us could see what any of this had to do with finding a cure. I set my book aside, my eyes scanning the paper instead, settling on one of the questions.

Have you noticed any behavioural changes in routine, self-presentation, or mannerisms since the previous log?

I glanced down at my body, at how my mint-green pyjama top settled against my curves. Well, I’d made a few changes, I suppose. But the clothes had just been practical. Lauren had given me a few pointers on my posture and movement, but again, it had been about trying to get as comfortable as I could, given the circumstances. Then there had been the added maintenance that came with this body — which reminded me, I should probably wash my hair today… plus my legs were starting to feel a bit prickly again. I blinked and looked up from the paper. Okay, maybe there was a little more than I’d realised.

I returned to the questionnaire, taking a breath.

Please note any changes in physiological arousal, including frequency, intensity, or apparent triggers.

I stared at the line for a moment.

No.

I turned the paper over.

Please rate any increase in emotional reactivity in response to everyday events or interpersonal interactions.

I exhaled. Well, I’d pretty much stormed off to cry in the bedroom yesterday… Uh. Had I really done that? Lauren and Emma had been pushing for legal action with Axis, and in the moment it had all felt like too much.

I was aware of movement next to me and looked over, surprised to see Lauren’s eyes open, watching me. She stretched under the covers. “What’s that you’ve got?” she asked, her voice still raspy. She shifted to sit up in the bed, stroking hair from her face and rubbing at her eyes.

I hesitated for a moment, then handed her the paper.

“Oh…” she said, her gaze settling on the questionnaire. “Wait, you kept this?” She looked at me, frowning a little.

“Uh… I was just curious what was on there,” I said, lowering my gaze. I could feel my cheeks start to warm.

“Did you, uh… want to talk about any of this?” Lauren asked carefully.

“No… I mean, I forgot I still had it,” I said, brushing hair back behind my ear. I reached for the paper and Lauren let me take it back. I quickly folded it and put it back in my bedside drawer. “Anyway… after today, maybe we won’t need to worry about any of that.”

Lauren placed a hand on my arm. “I’m sure you’re right,” she said, “but I want us to go into this with both eyes open, okay?”

“What do you mean?” I said, glancing at her.

“I just mean, even if Rourke is right and they can find a cure quickly, we still don’t know how long this will all take to sort out.”

“I know… I realise that,” I said, picking at a thread on my pyjama top.

“All I’m saying is, just try not to go into today with any expectations,” Lauren said.

I nodded, but could feel my eyes start to moisten. I shifted over a little, then lowered my head into Lauren’s lap. I felt her pause for a moment, then settle her arm around me.

“I… I just feel so wired today. I can’t think straight… I’ve barely slept,” I said, my voice wavering.

“I know, honey. Just remember your breathing,” she said, beginning to stroke my hair with her free hand.

I closed my eyes and breathed in through my nose.

One… two… three…

I exhaled through my mouth.

“That’s why I went for a run the other day,” Lauren said, still stroking softly. “It helps me… clear the cobwebs.”

“You’re saying… I should go for a run?” I said, staring straight ahead.

“No, I’m just saying, that’s what helps me. When I’ve got too much energy… and too many thoughts.”

I lay there quietly for a moment. I could feel the warmth of Lauren’s thigh against my cheek, the weight of her arm around me, and the soft stroke of her hand through my hair. She was still looking after me. Still coping. My thoughts drifted to what Emma had said yesterday. About how Lauren had chosen to hold it together… for me. After a moment, I felt a flicker of something uncomfortable – how easily I’d settled into being looked after. Another one to add to the questionnaire…

I raised my head from Lauren’s lap, my blonde hair trailing. I cleared my throat. “Maybe I could try a run,” I said.

“Oh… really?” Lauren sounded surprised. “Okay, well we can go together.”

“It’s… okay,” I said, glancing at her. “I can manage it on my own.”

Lauren’s face softened and she cupped my cheek. “Of course you can, honey.”

* * * * *

I stood there in my mint-green pyjama top and shorts, leafing through the dresser drawer for something I could wear for my run. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like fresh air and exercise could do me some good.

“Do you know the sort of thing you want to wear?” Lauren asked, still sitting in bed and half-looking at her phone.

“I uh… well, I guess something like what you had on the other day?” I said hesitantly.

“So, like a sports top, and some gym leggings?” She glanced up.

“Yes… I guess so,” I said, glancing over my shoulder.

“Next drawer down, honey.”

“Okay…” I said to myself, and opened the next drawer. After a minute or two, I found a set similar to what Lauren had worn — a matching crop top and leggings, in black with teal highlights, made of a stretchy lycra-like material.

“There… perfect,” Lauren smiled up at me from the bed.

I gave a small smile back and laid the clothes out on the bed. I returned to the dresser, opening Lauren’s panty drawer. I found a plain cotton black pair and laid them on top of the gym clothes.

I glanced at Lauren, noticing she was doomscrolling again. “Anything much happening in the world today?” I asked, lifting my pyjama top over my head, my bare breasts jostling a little. I realised I hadn’t looked at the news at all over the past week.

“Just the usual world-going-to-shit stuff that you don’t want to hear about,” Lauren said with a wry smile.

“Oh, is that all?” I laughed, slipping out of my mint-green shorts. I grabbed my black cotton panties and slid into them, pulling them up and letting go of the waistband with a crisp snap.

I picked up the sports top, turning it over in my hands, wondering how to even get into it. I turned it the right way and slipped my arms through, pulling it over my head. I had to wriggle the stretchy fabric down over my chest and tug on the hem, finding it only reached about halfway down my torso. I cupped my breasts through the top, shifting them to get comfortable.

“Everything okay?” Lauren asked, looking up.

“Yes… it’s just a little tight,” I said.

“It’s to stop the girls from jumping about too much while you’re running,” Lauren said. I felt my cheeks warm. I looked down, seeing how the top flattened my chest a little. The straps crossed over at my back, creating a noticeable extra tension. This wasn’t just supporting me — it was holding me in place.

I picked up the leggings, the fabric feeling heavier and smoother than what I was used to. I sat on the edge of the bed and slipped my feet through, tugging them up to my knees. Standing, I scissored my legs to pull them up all the way. They sat high on my waist and clung to my hips.

I smoothed my hands over the leggings, then stepped over to the mirror. The sports fabric moulded itself to my body, leaving little to the imagination. I slid a hand over my bare midriff, wishing the outfit covered me a little more.

“That looks good on you,” Lauren said, as she pulled back the covers and rose out of bed.

“I don’t know,” I said, still looking at myself. “It feels a little too… gym-bunny.”

I turned as Lauren stepped towards me, looking down at my sportswear. “Oh. So, is that what you think when I dress like that?” she said, looking a little hurt.

“What? No… of course not!” I stammered, looking up at her.

“I’m just teasing you,” Lauren smiled, touching my bare shoulder. “You know you can always layer up. Just throw something on over the top.”

“Oh right,” I said, thinking for a moment. “Like a vest top?”

“See? You’re getting it!” Lauren went over to fetch her robe from the back of the bedroom door.

I turned back to the dresser, opening the drawer with Lauren’s tops. I found a black vest that I thought would work. I threaded my arms through the thin straps and pulled it over my head. I tugged it down, the hem coming as far as the upper curve of my hips. The thicker straps of the sports top showed through, but it didn’t look too bad.

“This is okay, isn’t it?” I asked. Lauren looked at me, tying the cord of her bathrobe.

“Well, what do you think, honey?” She threw the question back at me.

“I, uh… I think it looks nice,” I said, a little more quietly, smoothing my hands across my vest top.

“And it does…” she said, pausing for a moment. “Trust yourself. I do think you’ve got a bit of an eye for putting things together.” She smiled warmly.

“Well, I wouldn’t call myself an authority!” I said a little too quickly. I walked over to the vanity table. Scooping my blonde hair into a ponytail, I picked up a hairband and threaded it through. I instinctively reached for my wedding ring necklace.

“You might want to leave that here,” Lauren said. “It’ll get in the way when you’re running.” I hesitated, looking down at it in my hand. “I’ll look after it,” she said softly. I handed it to her.

* * * * *

I stood just outside the front door, now wearing some ankle socks and Lauren’s plain white sneakers. It was still very early and the morning sun hung low in the sky. It felt cool in the shadow of the house and I rubbed at my bare arms.

“You’ll be careful, won’t you?” Lauren said, hovering in the doorway.

“Don’t worry,” I said. “I won’t go very far.” I reached back to tighten my ponytail.

“Are you going along the lake path?”

“I was thinking I’d stick to the sidewalk. It’ll just be a bit more even to run on. I’m still not a hundred percent sure I can trust my feet,” I said, lifting a foot as I looked down. I was starting to get more used to walking and moving with a female body — the trick had been to stop fighting it. But running was something else.

Lauren stepped forward, straightening out one of the straps of my vest top. She paused, looking down at me. “Sorry, I’m fussing.”

“I’ll see you soon,” I said, raising up on my toes a little to kiss her on the cheek.

I turned and started to head up the driveway. It rose fairly steeply to meet the road, so I walked for the moment, getting myself comfortable.

I reached the sidewalk and stopped next to our mailbox. It was the furthest I’d been on my own from the house. I looked up and down the main road, then across to Vic’s house opposite. There wasn’t a soul in sight. Just the morning chorus and the breeze on my face. I took a deep breath and glanced back toward our house, only to find Lauren still standing in the doorway watching me. I huffed, placing my hands on my hips, then gave her a little wave and started jogging slowly up the sidewalk.

* * * * *

The main road curved gently around the hill to my left. I jogged, tentatively for now, not lifting my thighs very much. Even at this slow pace I was more aware of my body — the jolt of my breasts, the shift of my hips. I could only imagine how uncomfortable it would feel running without the proper clothing.

The lake was now at my back. I ran under the shade of the trees lining the road, my sneakers thudding against the sidewalk.

My thoughts drifted to yesterday. To our outing to Gabriella’s, and then Emma’s visit in the afternoon. Both women had accepted me, in their own way. If I knew for sure there was a cure, that this was all just temporary, maybe I’d even find it—

I picked up the pace, my legs lifting higher, covering more ground, my ponytail swishing from side to side. I turned off the main road, heading down a side street.

I fell into a rhythm and gradually the awareness of my body faded into the background, replaced by the sounds of nature. Before long, rows of single-story houses lined either side of the street. Curtains were still drawn and I ran through unnoticed, past green lawns and manicured gardens. A sprinkler clicked back and forth as I passed.

A few roads later, I turned onto a pedestrian pathway curving gently down toward the underpass beneath one of the busier main roads. My breathing was starting to get away from me, so I slowed to a walk. My chest heaved as I panted. I took a long breath in through my nose, then out through my mouth, steadying myself.

I began to walk through the underpass, my hands perched on my hips as I breathed deeply. The sunlight was bright and welcoming at the other end of the tunnel. My footsteps echoed and I could hear the roar of the traffic above me as commuters made their way to the city. I thought about checking the time to see if I should be heading back, but I didn’t have my phone on me. In fact, I hadn’t even looked at my phone since it decided it didn’t recognise me after my change. I wondered what messages I had missed. Well, they’d have to wait. I didn’t need anyone else right now. Just Lauren.

I thought back to yesterday, how I’d blown up at her over the legal stuff with Axis. It had felt like decisions were being made for me, rather than with me. At first, I had needed that. But now…

I stepped out of the underpass, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face once more. I took a breath and began to jog up the incline to the sidewalk, then followed a curving route back, coming over a footbridge and snaking my way through more side streets. Before long the lake came back into view. I paused for a moment, taking it in. I could see our house up ahead, where Lauren would be waiting for me. The porch lights still glowed softly from the night before. I started to think ahead to this afternoon… to Axis, to Rourke. I took a deep breath and carried on jogging toward the house.

* * * * *

I rang the bell and stood waiting at the front door. I breathed heavily, my hands on my hips, leaning forward slightly. Perspiration glistened across my skin and a few loose strands of blonde hair clung to my forehead. Lauren quickly answered, wearing her bathrobe, her skin a little pinkish from the shower.

“Hey! How did you get on?” she asked eagerly, stepping to one side as I entered.

“Fine… though, I think I might be… just as unfit as a woman… as I was as a man,” I said breathlessly. Lauren laughed as she closed the front door.

“Well, I’m sure it wouldn’t take too long for you to get in shape,” Lauren said as I followed her through into the kitchen.

“Hey, I thought you said I had a good figure!” I teased, heading straight for the coffee maker.

“I did— and I stand by it.” Lauren winked at me playfully. “You know, you should drink some water first,” she said, opening the fridge. She was always trying to get me to hydrate more. It felt familiar. She handed me a cold bottle. I leaned back against the kitchen counter, unscrewing the top and taking a mouthful.

“Lauren… about yesterday,” I began, getting my breathing back under control.

“I know… I was out of line,” Lauren said.

“No… I just meant… we’re okay, aren’t we?” I asked quietly, setting my bottle down on the side.

“Honey, of course, why would you think we weren’t?” Lauren stepped closer, taking my hand in hers. “I love you, Scott, no matter what.”

I looked up and gave a quick smile. “I love you too,” I said. Lauren leaned in to hug me.

“Don’t, I’m all icky!” I laughed, holding my hands up. I still had a film of perspiration across my skin and my clothes felt moist and clingy.

Lauren hesitated, looking down at me for a moment. “Not icky… but ready for a shower.” She reached up to brush a strand of hair from my forehead. “Don’t forget to stretch out a little, honey. You don’t want to get sore after your run.”

“Oh, yeah… I guess you’re right,” I said, taking another mouthful of water as I walked over to the porch door. I slid it open and raised a hand, shielding my eyes from the glare of the sun. As I stepped outside I was aware of the slight burn in my thighs from the run. I brought my leg up behind me and pulled it with my free hand, stretching out my quad muscle. I held it for a moment, then switched to the other leg.

As I stood on the porch, gazing across the lake, I remembered some of the stretches Lauren had shown me. I glanced back towards the house. Lauren seemed to be busying herself in the kitchen. I took a deep breath, then bent down at the waist, stretching my fingers until I touched my toes. It was still surprising how flexible I was now. This time, I pushed it a little further, reaching back to hold the backs of my ankles. My ponytail hung forward and lightly swept against the decking.

“Did you want me to make you some— oh!” Lauren said from behind me. I caught sight of her in the doorway, upside down from my bent-over view.

“Ah! Sorry!” I straightened a little too quickly and felt a twinge in my lower back.

“It’s okay, I mean… if you’ve got it, flaunt it, right?” Lauren teased.

“I wasn’t… flaunting!” I huffed, feeling my cheeks redden. I turned, instinctively sweeping my hands across the back of my leggings.

Lauren smiled. “Did you want me to make you some breakfast? Some yoghurt? I know you haven’t had as big an appetite of late.”

“Yes, that sounds good,” I said, toying with the hem of my top. I followed her back in and hopped up onto one of the breakfast bar stools. “Have you heard from Emma at all?” I folded my arms, leaning forward on the counter.

“Hm? Oh, not since yesterday,” Lauren said, as she opened a cupboard to find us some bowls. “How come?”

“No reason,” I said. “Well, I guess I was wondering if she said anything more about me after she left.”

“Are you wondering if you made a good impression?” Lauren smiled over at me.

“Well, not exactly!” I laughed. “It was nice though… she’s nice.”

“Well, we can see her again if you like,” Lauren said, chopping up some kiwi fruit. She popped a slice into her mouth, talking around it as she chewed. “Maybe all three of us can go for coffee this time.”

“I… could be okay with that.” The words felt strange as they left my mouth. How could we be making plans when we had no idea what this afternoon might bring?

* * * * *

The shower water ran over my back as I swept my pink-handled razor along the length of my thigh. I worked down to my calf, being careful not to nick myself.

I rinsed the razor under the water and moved on to the other leg, using quick, smooth strokes, getting more used to the contours of my body. I washed off the excess shaving cream and ran a hand over my thigh. It felt nice having smooth legs again.

I finished by applying a little more shaving cream to my underarms and sweeping the razor across. I was about to put the razor back, when I looked down at my blonde pubic hair. I reached down, brushing through the soft hairs with my fingers. There seemed to be a few stray hairs around the edge of my mound, especially towards my inner thighs.

I brought the razor down, carefully angling it to sweep across the hairs — just a little above, and around the edges. As I swept my hand across, letting the shower water wash the loose hairs away, I realised I’d taken more off on one side than I’d intended. I tried to even things out with a few more strokes of the razor. I was left with a narrower V-shape of blonde hair between my legs. I took a breath and placed the razor back into its holder.

* * * * *

The hairdryer whirred as I sat at the vanity table, in black lace-trimmed panties and a matching bra. I worked the dryer through my hair, pausing every now and then to brush it through.

I glanced over at Lauren as she looked through her jewellery box for earrings. She wore a navy dress that ended just above the knees, with dark pantyhose. A silver necklace hung around her neck and a bracelet circled one wrist. Her brunette hair was swept up into a low bun, with a few loose strands softening her face.

“I like your dress,” I said as I unplugged the hairdryer. I could see that Lauren was dressing more formally again, anticipating the meeting. I brushed through my blonde hair a few more times.

Lauren leaned down a little, looking over my shoulder into the vanity mirror as she hooked her earrings into place. “Thank you, honey,” she said, glancing at my reflection. “Do you know what you’re going to wear today?”

I turned and rose to my feet, stepping over to the dresser and opening a drawer. “I was thinking about the plum top again… but I feel like it kind of clashes with your dress,” I said, glancing back at her. Lauren smoothed the back of her skirt and sat down at the vanity, beginning to arrange her makeup in front of her.

“I’ve got a nice pale blue top that would look good on you,” Lauren said, looking back at me in the reflection. I watched as she applied foundation cream to a sponge and began dabbing it across her face.

“Oh, this one?” I asked, pulling out a long-sleeve top.

“Yes, that’s it. It matches your eyes.” Lauren smiled warmly.

I ran my fingers across the soft fabric of the top, then set it down on the bed. I returned to the drawer, pulling out a pair of charcoal leggings to wear with it.

I bunched up the leggings and stepped into them, pulling them easily up over my freshly shaved legs until they sat high on my waist. I pulled the top over my head, threading my arms through the sleeves. I checked myself in the full-length mirror, smoothing out the hem. It looked nice. The scooped neck showed just a hint of cleavage, and the pale blue sat well against the charcoal leggings.

“You look great,” Lauren said, glancing at me in the mirror as she flicked her eyelashes with a mascara brush. “I thought of something we can do with your hair in a second.”

“Oh… okay,” I said, sitting down on the edge of the bed close to Lauren.

“I bet you miss being able to get ready in ten minutes,” Lauren teased. She picked up a pale pink lipstick, unscrewing the cap.

“Yeah… but I’m getting a little more used to it,” I said, wondering to myself exactly when that had happened.

“It takes even longer with make-up as well!” Lauren pursed her lips and carefully applied a subtle pink sheen. She pressed her lips together, smoothing out the colour, then capped the lipstick. “Actually… there is something we could do.” I watched as Lauren picked up a small tube and squirted a little pale beige cream onto the tip of her finger. She swivelled round on the vanity stool to face me. “Okay, look at me for a moment.”

I turned my head slightly, meeting her eyes as she applied a little cream under each of mine in turn. “What’s that?” I asked hesitantly.

“It’s just a little concealer to help freshen you up. You said you hadn’t slept all night, and well… it kind of shows.”

“Er… thanks,” I said a little sarcastically. The cream felt cool against my skin. Lauren carefully rubbed it in with the tip of her finger. I’d never needed freshening up before, but watching Lauren put on her makeup had made me realise she was arming herself. Her dress, her makeup, the way she wore her hair — she was presenting a version of herself ready to meet Rourke this afternoon. Ready for whatever challenges might bring.

Lauren rose from the stool and tapped it. “Okay, step into my parlour!” she grinned. I slid back over onto the stool. We were still having to play musical chairs with the vanity table. As I looked at my reflection I could see how the dark circles under my eyes had been hidden. It was a subtle effect, making me look a little more alert and youthful. I wondered what she had in mind next. My eyes scanned across the array of cosmetics on the table. There were so many products I was unfamiliar with.

Lauren picked up a hairbrush and began to stroke it through my hair, drawing it back. Oh, right… she just meant my hair. She brushed back the sides and gathered it behind my head. She grabbed a large hair grip and slid it into place.

“There, just a simple half-up with a clip,” Lauren said, stroking through a few more times with the brush.

I looked in the mirror, seeing how the sides of my blonde hair were swept back and pinned, holding the rest in place so it hung straight over my back. I reached up, pulling a couple of strands forward to hang down just in front of my ears. Lauren leaned down, her face hovering over my shoulder as we both looked into the mirror. Lauren with her brunette hair in a bun, wearing full makeup. Me with my new half-up do and concealer.

“There, now we mean business,” Lauren said, with a tight smile.

“Go get ’em!” I said.

“— get ’em,” Lauren echoed, a fraction of a second behind.

She gave me a light kiss on the cheek before straightening. I stared at myself in the mirror a little longer, then reached up to wipe a stray trace of pink lipstick from my cheek.

* * * * *

I sat at the breakfast bar, legs crossed, watching as a light rain tapped against the rear windows. It wasn’t forecast to come to anything and would probably pass soon. I tugged absently at the sleeves of my pale blue top.

Lauren looked even more restless than I was. She paced around, rearranging jars in the kitchen, plumping cushions in the lounge, and straightening the chairs in the dining area.

“You’re making me dizzy,” I said with a half-smile as Lauren went over to the wall mirror to check her appearance. She glanced over at me, but didn’t smile back.

“Are you okay?” I asked softly.

“Yes, I’m fine. I just… I don’t like waiting,” she said.

The morning had dragged for both of us. Neither of us had felt much like eating at lunch, and the turn in the weather had kept us cooped up inside.

“So remember, try not to pin any hopes on today,” Lauren said, coming back over to the kitchen area, her heels clicking against the wooden floor. “Whatever Rourke has to tell us… we can deal with it.”

“I know, you told me all this before,” I said, watching as Lauren glanced at the clock on the wall.

“Well, I’m saying it again!” Lauren said, planting her hands on her hips. She sighed and looked down. “I’m going to change my shoes.”

“Again!” I said, shaking my head.

While Lauren made her way upstairs, I got down from the breakfast bar and went over to the mirror. I checked my hair, turning my head to the side a little, making sure my clip was secure at the back. I smoothed my hands over my top and checked myself in profile. My eyes settled for a moment on the curve of my backside. I turned a little more, looking over my shoulder into the mirror. I could see it more clearly now — the outline of my lace-edged panties through my leggings. What was it Emma had called it? A VPL. I had a visible panty line.

I looked at the clock. There should be enough time to get changed. I’d just reached the foot of the stairs when the doorbell rang.

Without thinking, I turned and hurried down the hallway that led to the front door. My flats tapped beneath me and my chest jumped under my top. I paused at the door, a wave of emotion hitting me as I reached for the handle. For a moment I let myself think the words that I’d been training myself not to.

This could be it…

I opened the front door.

It wasn’t Doctor Rourke.

* * * * *

A man stood, sheltering in the doorway, shaking out his umbrella. He turned as I answered, looking down at me. He was tall and broad-shouldered, and for a moment I felt dizzyingly small in front of him.

He was dressed impeccably, in a charcoal three-piece designer suit and a crisp white shirt. He was well-groomed, with neatly styled brown hair and trimmed stubble. He held a black briefcase in one hand, the closed umbrella in the other.

I stood there stunned, not saying anything.

“Oh, hello, Mrs Carter. My name is Elliott Shaw. I represent Axis Laboratories. I’m here to see your husband,” he said in a deep, measured tone.

“Mrs Carter?” I repeated in a small, high-pitched voice. “Wait, you think I’m… No, uh… I mean, I’m not…”

“Wait a minute, you’re…” He paused and shook his head, gazing down at me. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I assumed… You’re not quite what I was expecting,” he said.

“Yeah, I seem to be getting that a lot,” I said, giving a flicker of a nervous smile. I looked past Shaw, seeing an expensive-looking car parked just outside, the rain bouncing off the roof and hood.

“Uh… you better come in,” I said, moving to one side. I felt off balance and placed a hand against the wall to steady myself.

“Thank you.” He smiled and stepped past me. As I breathed in, I caught the scent of his cologne. I closed the door behind him, my heart beating fast.

“You can hang your things on the hooks,” I said. Shaw hung up his coat and umbrella. He turned back to me, his gaze sweeping my body up and down, lingering for a second on my chest. I immediately felt myself blush and brought my hand up to hover over the nape of my neck. My fingers grazed, searching for my wedding ring necklace. I’d forgotten to put it back on after my run.

“Just through there…” I said, a little too fast. I took hurried steps to keep up with Shaw’s longer strides. “Uh… we were expecting Doctor Rourke…”

“Yes… I’ll explain everything. It might be best if we sit down first,” Shaw said. He paused as the hallway opened out to the main living area, his eyes sweeping across the high ceilings. “Oh nice… I can see why folks like you move out here.”

The lake beyond the windows was just a grey haze now as the rain came down. I heard the clicking of heels and looked up to see Lauren coming back down the stairs. She paused as she looked over at Shaw.

“This is Mister Shaw,” I said, my voice wavering.

“Elliott Shaw,” he said, adjusting his shirt sleeves. “Mrs Carter, I presume? I’d like to speak to both of you if I may?”

“Take a seat,” Lauren said quietly, gesturing towards the lounge area. As Shaw made his way across, I hurried to Lauren’s side.

“Lauren, why isn’t Doctor Rourke here? What does this mean?” I whispered, feeling my eyes glisten.

“I… I don’t know,” Lauren said, rubbing my arm. “Let’s just listen to what he has to say, okay?” She guided me over with a hand resting on the small of my back.

* * * * *

Shaw sat across from us, his legs spread, taking up space on the sofa.

Lauren and I sat across from him, huddled next to each other, clasping hands, our fingers entwined.

“Now, as I said, I represent Axis Laboratories,” Shaw began, “and I’ve been instructed to—”

“What do you mean represent?” Lauren interrupted. “Wait… are you an attorney?”

Shaw paused for a moment, looking at us both. “I am acting as Axis’s attorney on this matter, yes.”

“Lauren? W-why have they sent an attorney?” I looked at her, desperately. She squeezed my hand, trying to steady me.

“You heard my husband. Why have Axis sent an attorney?” Lauren looked across at Shaw, waiting for his answer.

“It might be best if I read you the statement they’ve prepared,” Shaw said, pulling his briefcase up onto his lap. He clicked the locks open and took out a piece of paper, which he began to read from.

He cleared his throat, scanning down the page with a finger to find the pertinent information. “Firstly, following Doctor Rourke’s report, Axis Laboratories is encouraged to see that there is little apparent physiological or psychological distress exhibited by the subject.” He paused, his eyes sweeping over me again in appraisal. “The subject is showing remarkable resilience and adaptation to his new circumstance.”

“W-what?” I stammered. “How can they say that? They don’t know what it’s been like!”

“In light of this, Axis has taken the decision to reprioritise its work streams,” Shaw continued. “The genetic reversion pathway will now form part of the broader research into the incident, rather than being a priority project in itself.”

“You’re… de-prioritising Scott,” Lauren said quietly. I glanced at her. She stared straight ahead, unblinking.

Shaw held Lauren’s gaze for a moment, then continued reading. “Secondly, following our investigation, there have been further questions raised about how the exposure to compound B-579H occurred, and whether proper safety procedures had been followed.”

“Wait, I-I always follow the safety procedures… to the letter!” I said, as I felt my body start to tremble.

“But it also says here you have no memory of the details leading up to the accident…” Shaw said.

“Well, yes, but—”

“Thirdly, to date, Axis has received none of the required observational tracking data from you. This work fell under the additional research responsibilities as outlined in your employment contract. Accordingly, Axis Laboratories will be terminating your contract, effective immediately.”

I felt numb. Everything felt wrong, as if the axis of the Earth had suddenly tilted. The sofa felt too large, and my hands felt too small as they tightly grasped Lauren’s. My clothes felt too thin and revealing, and my breasts felt too heavy as I breathed. I barely noticed when Shaw handed me the document.

“We’ll… we’ll fight this,” Lauren said, still refusing to look at me.

“Hmm…” Shaw closed his briefcase and stood up, fastening his jacket button. “I do need to remind you both that as part of the terms and conditions of Mister Carter’s employment, he signed a perpetual non-disclosure agreement that persists beyond the tenure of his contract. It expressly forbids any disclosure of Axis research and products.”

“Scott… is not a product,” Lauren said, through gritted teeth. “Axis doesn’t own him!”

“No, but they do own the mechanism and the effect. Meaning, by law you cannot reveal the circumstances of Mister Carter’s condition to anyone, including legal counsel.”

“I…” I started to speak, but instead fell silent.

“W-why would you do this…” Lauren said, standing up with effort.

“I really am just the messenger. This is the stance that Axis Laboratories is taking at this time. I appreciate some of the news may be disappointing for you.”

“Disappointing…” I echoed, shaking my head in disbelief. My blonde hair tickled at the back of my neck. I remained seated. Lauren and Shaw were exchanging more words, though by now I couldn’t follow what they were saying.

“Thank you for your time… leave the documents with you… contact email address…”

Shaw’s words floated in and out. I looked up blankly as he briefly held his hand out to Lauren. She didn’t take it.

“… see myself out…”

Shaw nodded down at me and turned, striding away, already checking his phone.

Lauren drifted after him for a moment, in a daze, her hand grazing against the wall. The sound of the front door slamming shut made us both jump.

The silence closed around us.

I sat with my palms on the sofa either side of me, looking over at Lauren, waiting to hear what she would say. She still had her back to me and stood motionless, steadying herself against the wall. I watched as slowly she slid down the wall, sinking to her knees. She buried her face in her hands and her hunched shoulders began to heave up and down.

My eyes widened, and I quickly got up, hurrying to her. My heart felt like it was sinking. With Shaw I had been numb and closed off, but Lauren’s reaction was suddenly viscerally real. I knelt next to her, wrapping my arms around her as best I could, resting my head against her back. Lauren’s sobs broke loose, echoing through the house.

* * * * *