Scott adapts to some new clothing choices.
He discovers there's a reason why his body has been aching.
Lauren helps Scott learn how to move and hold himself as a woman.

A TURN OF THE MOON
Day Four
by
Jessica Drew

It was the following morning and I stepped out of the shower to grab my towel from the heated rail. I held it to my bare body for a moment, enjoying its plush warmth against my skin, before gently patting myself dry. I’d clipped up my blonde hair and felt glad that I didn’t have to wash it again today. Yesterday, between shampoo, conditioner, blow-drying and brushing, it had taken nearly twice as long to get ready. I had used Lauren’s floral-scented body wash again and had to admit it had left my skin feeling softer. I brought one of my wrists to my nose for a moment, inhaling the pleasant aroma.

I slipped into my white robe, wrapping it around my slender body and tying the belt at my waist. Leaning across the sink, I wiped a hand across the steamed-up mirror.

“Morning,” I said to the woman looking back at me.

For the first couple of days, the sight of my feminine reflection had caused my heart to leap up into my throat. I was still far from comfortable with seeing a woman looking back at me. But at least it no longer shocked me.

* * * * *

Lauren had already showered, and when I walked into the bedroom she was busy choosing some underwear from her top dresser drawer. The morning light filtered through a gap in the blinds behind her, outlining the shape of her body through the thin fabric of her bathrobe.

“Hey honey, have a nice shower?” Lauren said cheerfully.

“Yes, it felt good thanks,” I said in my high voice. I glanced down as she carefully laid a matching bra and panty set on the bed. They were both black, but with intricate lace detailing. My eyes widened.

“Relax, these aren’t for you!” Lauren winked playfully. Before I could say anything, Lauren shrugged out of her robe, letting it slip from her shoulders and onto the floor. She now stood fully naked and for a moment I didn’t know where to look.

We’d always been comfortable in our bodies around each other, but now I felt suddenly awkward, as if I might no longer be welcome to see Lauren in this way. I cleared my throat and quickly slid onto the vanity stool, busying myself by reaching back to remove my hair clip. I paused when I caught sight of Lauren’s reflection in the vanity mirror. She didn’t seem in the least bit worried by my presence. I watched as she picked up the lacy black panties and began to step into them. Her body was as smooth and slender as mine was now - maybe a little more toned, though she did work out. As she pulled her panties up, I saw a familiar curve to her waist and hips. It was little wonder that we’d been able to share her clothing, given the similarity of our body shapes.

Lauren’s breasts sat full and firm, shifting a little as she leaned down to pick up the bra. It caused me to look down at myself, seeing the curve of my own breasts, the valley of my cleavage visible by the slight parting of my robe. I looked back to Lauren. We even looked to have a similar chest size. The thought caused me to blush, but I didn’t look away. Something made me keep watching.

Lauren threaded her arms through the bra, reaching behind to fasten it with ease. She leaned forward, settling her breasts into the lace-trimmed cups. I watched as she rolled her shoulders, running her fingers briefly under the bra cups to settle them into place. She had always made it look effortless, but this time I noticed how it altered her posture - her shoulders were set back, she stood a little straighter, and her breasts were now lifted and shaped a little differently by the support of the bra.

Lauren looked up, catching my eye in the reflection of the vanity mirror. She stood there in her black lace underwear, planting her hands on her hips. “Were you just checking me out?” She grinned.

“Oh, err… well, I am your husband, remember?” I said, my voice wavering a little.

“I remember…” she answered, looking thoughtful for a second.

I quickly went back to brushing my hair, a little too forcefully, catching a tangle that pulled sharply at my scalp.

Lauren continued getting ready. She dressed in a fitted black short-sleeved top and a black-and-white checked pencil skirt that hugged her curves and ended just above her knees. It made her look both stylish and professional.

“You look nice,” I said, as she checked herself in the full-length mirror.

“Aw, thank you hun,” she looked genuinely pleased. “I’ve got a client meeting today, so I need to make a bit more of an effort.”

“Wait… you mean you’re going out?” I said, feeling unexpectedly shaken, clutching protectively at the bathrobe at my chest.

“No, no, it’s online, baby. Don’t worry, I’ll be right here,” she said, reassuring me with a smile.

“Oh… right,” I said, trying to play down my relief. I took a hairband from the vanity table and pulled my blonde hair back. I threaded my hair through, twisted the band and looped it back again, pulling it tight.

“Hey, you did that pretty well,” Lauren said stepping over towards me and looking at me through the vanity reflection. “It’s hanging a little low though,” she said lifting my ponytail gently. “Try it again, I’d aim for the middle. Or you could wear it higher – I think that would suit you too.”

I nodded and pulled the hairband back out. I shook my blonde hair back over my shoulders and tried again, aiming to get it positioned closer to the middle of my head.

“Perfect!” Lauren smiled. I turned my head, checking my hair in profile and smoothing a hand back over it. “Hang on - face me a second?” Lauren said, and I swivelled on the stool towards her. Lauren reached up, teasing a few strands loose, and smoothing them down to frame my cheeks. “There we go…“ She paused as if choosing her words carefully. “Pretty,” she added quietly.

I froze in the moment, and when Lauren turned away, I brought my hands up to cover my burning cheeks.

* * * * *

Lauren stood at the dresser and picked up my folded NYC sweatpants and sweatshirt. “It’s about time these went in the wash, don’t you think?” she said. “You’ve been wearing them a couple of days now.”

I felt a pang of disappointment. I had become quite comfortable wearing them about the house, but now it felt like my security blanket was being taken away. Before I could answer, Lauren lifted the lid of our wicker laundry basket and tossed the clothing in.

“Don’t worry, we’ll find something else comfortable for you,” Lauren said, as if sensing my concern.

I sat there with my hands in my lap, fidgeting with my fingers, as Lauren opened one of the larger drawers of the dresser. “Hmm… I don’t really have a lot of loose clothes like those.” I watched as she reached in, pulling a few things out and sorting through them on the bed. “Yes… this should do for you.” She picked up a long-sleeved top and held it up in front of her. It was made of thinner material and looked much narrower through the body and sleeves than the loose sweatshirt I’d been wearing.

“Purple?!” I said, a little too loudly.

“It’s plum. And well… you can’t be the beige queen forever!” Lauren laughed lightly and tossed the top at me. I only just reacted in time to catch it. She rummaged through a few more items on the bed. “Aaand… yes, these would work well together.” She tossed a pair of dark grey leggings towards me. I caught them and held them up, stretching the thin fabric between my hands. They looked much tighter than anything I’d worn so far.

“I, uh… these look a bit… snug,” I said, the clothes cradled on my lap.

“They’ll be comfortable. After a while you won’t even notice you’re wearing them,” Lauren said, stepping towards me. “Okay, hop up.” She gestured. “You get changed while I put on a bit of makeup.”

* * * * *

I watched Lauren for a moment as she sat at the vanity table, dabbing foundation across her cheeks and beginning to gently blend it in. I took a breath and then turned away from her. I let my robe fall and stretched slightly, feeling the same stiffness in my back and shoulders as yesterday. I rolled my shoulders, wincing a little, before picking up the black cotton panties I’d chosen for today. They looked very plain in my hands – nothing like the intricate lace pair Lauren had just pulled on. I stepped into them and shimmied them up and over my hips until they settled comfortably into place.

Next, I picked up the dark-grey leggings, turning them in my hands as I tried to work out which way round they went. They seemed tiny. I wasn’t convinced they would even fit me! I bunched them up and carefully stepped into them. I tried to pull them up all at once but soon found it easier to work them up my calves first, then over my thighs, and finally over my hips. They sat high on my waist, reaching my belly button, and the fabric seemed to hug my body like a second skin. Looking down past my bare breasts, I saw how they contoured to my legs and followed the curve of my hips. I gave the waistband another small tug, not being used to how high they sat. My hands swept over my hips and thighs, smoothing the fabric.

I glanced back over my shoulder. Lauren was still occupied, leaning toward the mirror as she flicked a mascara brush over her lashes.

I bent over to pick up the purple… plum top, my exposed breasts shifting freely as I moved. I threaded my slender arms through the top and pulled it over my head. The fabric seemed to glide against my skin, lighter and softer than my sweatshirt had been. I tugged it down over my chest, feeling the top settle against my shape. I flicked my blonde ponytail free and pulled the sleeves straight.

I took a deep breath and stepped in front of the full-length mirror. What I first noticed was how my silhouette was no longer hidden. Instead, my new outfit closely followed the lines of my body. Whereas the beige sweatshirt had hung straight and shapeless, the plum-coloured top clung to the shape of my breasts and tapered at my waist. As I adjusted the hem, I saw that it widened just a little where it met the rise of my hips. The dark grey leggings were tighter still, clinging to my legs, showing the subtleties of my calves and the fuller shape of my thighs. The fabric dipped inwards at the crotch, following the smooth curve between my legs. As I stood there with my legs together, a small triangle of empty space showed between my thighs. Between the panties and the leggings that I now wore, the absence between my legs felt more pronounced and obvious than ever.

“Well,” Lauren’s voice came from behind me, “those look great on you.”

I spun round a little too quickly, my ponytail swinging about me and my breasts shifting under the thin fabric of my top. “Wha-err… really? I mean, it’s all just so… clingy!”. I self-consciously pinched at the fabric of my figure-hugging top.

“It’s just the style,” Lauren said, placing her hands on my shoulders, “besides, no-one’s going to see you in them other than me.”

“I know but… I just feel so… on display,” I said, looking up sheepishly.

Lauren’s eyes drifted downwards for a moment. “Hmm… maybe you are, just a little,” she said with a playful wink.

“What?” I turned quickly back to the mirror, my eyes scanning my reflection. My gaze settled on my chest, where the top had moulded itself to the outline of my breasts. My nipples were plainly visible through the thin fabric! “Umf!” I huffed in annoyance, my voice sounding shrill. “That’s it – I’m getting changed. I can’t wear this!”

“Wait, wait…” Lauren said, holding up her hands. “I think we can fix this.” I folded my arms protectively across my chest, watching as Lauren opened a drawer in the dresser and rummaged for a moment. “Here,” she said at last, handing me a plain black bra.

* * * * *

“I’m not wearing this!” I said, staring down at the bra in disbelief.

“Listen for a second,” Lauren said. “It’ll just help smooth the line of your clothes and keep too much from showing through.” Lauren stepped back, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “And there’s something else it’ll help with.” Lauren placed her hands on my hips, causing me to flinch slightly, but all she did was turn me sideways on to the mirror. “Here, look at your posture… you’re all hunched over.”

I turned my head and sure enough, I could see I was slouching.

“I didn’t really notice so much before, but now you’re in more fitted clothes I can really see it,” Lauren observed. “That’s why your back’s been hurting!” She placed her hands on my shoulders, pulling them back. Then she rested the flat of one palm on the small of my back and the other on my sternum, pressing gently until I actually heard a click!

“Ah!” I jumped, more surprised than anything else.

“There… hold that for a second,” Lauren said, guiding my head sideways so I could look back into the mirror. “See how much better that looks?”

“I mean… I guess…” I muttered, chewing on my bottom lip as I observed my reflection. My eyes drifted lower, seeing the curve of my backside in profile, full and prominent in the grey leggings.

“Do you want me to help you put it on?” Lauren said quietly.

“Hmm?” I answered, distracted for a moment. “Oh, er, yes… yes, please.” I found I had answered before my mind had a chance to catch up.

“Alright, just take your top off for me honey.”

I gave a whistling exhale and crossed my arms, pulling the plum top up and over my head. I immediately covered myself with my arms, feeling awkward. I’d not let Lauren see me topless yet... not directly anyway. I worried what she’d think.

“Well, this isn’t going to work is it?” Lauren teased.

I reluctantly moved my arms down to my sides, growing conscious of the weight of my breasts as they rose and fell with my breathing. Lauren glanced down, but seemed surprisingly unmoved by the sight before her. “Yes, this should fit you,” she said, “And it’s just as well, I’m not sure how I’d feel if my husband had bigger boobs than me,” she giggled softly. The corner of my mouth ticked up in a half-smile.

Lauren held the black bra up in front of me. It was plain and unadorned, with shiny black cups and thin shoulder straps. I gingerly threaded my arms through the shoulder straps. I kept my eyes on Lauren’s as she guided me.

“That’s it… now hold it there a moment… good, turn around for me?”

I turned my back to Lauren, facing the mirror now, holding the bra loosely to my chest. I glanced over my shoulder, and pulled my ponytail forwards so it wasn’t in the way. I felt her tug the band, tightening it against my body. Her fingers brushed against my back as she carefully fastened the hooks.

“There we go, now turn back towards me,” she said softly. “Now, you’ll have to do this bit yourself. Just sort of lean forwards a bit and pull the cups down. I nodded, remembering Lauren doing the same thing when she dressed this morning. I held the cups of the bra out, and dipped my body a little. I felt gravity do the rest. “That’s it. Just concentrate on getting the girls in there first. You can adjust afterwards.” My eyebrows raised as I tugged the bra cups down. As I straightened my back I felt my breasts gently lift, sitting a little prouder from my body than before. The tension in the shoulder straps and waistband seemed to ease my shoulders back on their own. “Now, have a look in the mirror and use your fingers round the edges to even things out a bit.”

As I turned back towards the mirror I saw that my breasts looked a little lopsided, with my cleavage more prominent on one side than the other. I ran my fingers along the inside edges of the cups, trying to settle my soft flesh more evenly.

“Now, you’re a little bit smaller than me, so I’m just going to adjust the shoulder straps - bring them in a tiny bit,” Lauren said. My cheeks reddened and I felt the straps cinch slightly at my shoulders. “Alright, how’s that? Not pinching anywhere?” Whether I was answering her question or just shaking my head in disbelief, I wasn’t sure. After all, I’d just had my wife help me put on my first bra! I could feel the support immediately, and when I gently pivoted at my waist, they held firm. I could also see that I was standing straighter now, with my shoulders back.

“So, was I right?” Lauren said, stepping beside me to look into the mirror.

I paused for a moment. “You’re not always right you know…” I raised an eyebrow.

“But I’m right about this, aren’t I?” Lauren touched my arm and grinned.

I reached for my top and began to bunch it up. “Not necessarily!” I said. I slid my arms back through and pulled the top into place, smoothing it at my waist. I could see in the mirror how my curves were softened by the bra underneath. The plum fabric sloped gently out at my chest, and fell away towards my waist. And best of all, not a nipple in sight! I certainly wasn’t going to tell Lauren she’d been right about that.

* * * * *

I followed Lauren down the stairs to the living area. She held the washing basket in front of her, piled with clothes. Even with the basket full, there was an effortlessness to the way she moved. Her hips swayed in her checked pencil skirt and her heels clicked rhythmically against the steps. In contrast, I seemed to plod down behind her, watching my footing as I went. My new leggings stretched with each step, clinging to my legs as I moved.

I was consciously aware of the tightness of the bra around my middle and across my shoulders. At least there was much less movement in my chest. Everything just seemed contained and supported now.

Lauren set the basket down by the kitchen counter with a theatrical groan. Wait, I should be doing that. I realised that I would usually be the one to carry the washing basket down. It just made sense. But today… Lauren had just naturally taken it upon herself.

The kitchen began to come alive, as the coffee percolator whirred and mugs clinked. I clicked the radio on for a bit of background noise. Lauren fetched herself a yoghurt from the fridge, while I popped some bread in the toaster for myself.

We sat beside each other at the breakfast bar. Lauren checked her emails on her phone as she ate, while I crunched my toast, pausing now and then to brush crumbs from my chest.

“There’s nothing from Axis yet,” Lauren said. “If we don’t hear by this afternoon, then we’ll try calling. Maybe we can get hold of this Dr. Hartwell.”

“Hmm…” I said, letting my shoulders drop as I chewed.

“Hey, stop slouching!” Lauren smiled giving my ribs a poke with her elbow. I pulled myself straight again. “Alright, I need to go get logged in and ready for my meeting,” Lauren said. She got down from her stool and brushed herself down, smoothing out her blouse and skirt. “Do I look okay?” she asked standing before me.

She wore her hair in a ponytail, similar to my own, exposing her smooth jawline and graceful neck. I noticed how her eyes were more defined with mascara and eyeliner, her complexion smoothed with foundation, with a hint of pink on her cheeks. Lip-gloss shone softly on her lips. With her fitted black blouse, checked skirt and heels she gave off a no-nonsense business vibe.

“You look great,” I said from the breakfast bar. I couldn’t remember the last time she’d asked for my opinion on how she was dressed. Maybe when we’d been going out somewhere fancy, but not when dressing for work.

Lauren smiled at me and then we both said it at the same time – “Go get ‘em!”

It was just a little thing we did, whenever we had something big going on. Our way of giving each other a boost.

“Heh,” I laughed. It felt good to be normal sometimes, even if the harmony of our voices together sounded different now.

“I’ll use the office today,” Lauren said. “Then I’ll put the laundry on after I’m done.”

“It’s okay, I can do it,” I offered. I just wanted something to do. Something useful.

* * * * *

To get to the utility room I had to pass through the garage. I awkwardly balanced the washing basket between my body and the wall while I flicked the light switch. The overhead lighting flickered and thudded, illuminating the space. Our cars sat side by side, their polished bodywork reflecting the light. Lauren had always favoured the red convertible. It was small and sleek, sitting low to the ground. In contrast, I preferred the practicality of the black SUV. It was a more commanding presence and dwarfed the convertible. We hadn’t driven since Lauren brought me home from the hospital. She had been kind enough to bring the SUV, so I had a more comfortable ride back.

I placed the wash basket down for a moment and slowly walked around the cars. I stopped at my work bench, running a soft hand against its rough surface, pitted and marked from years of cutting, drilling and hammering. My lug wrench still sat on top, from where I had changed one of the SUV’s tyres a few weeks back. I picked it up feeling how heavy it was in my small hands. I carefully put it down, and rubbed at my fingers. They were now dirty with grease. My first instinct was to rub my hands on my jeans. But then I looked down, seeing instead the dark-grey of my soft leggings, the fabric thin and delicate. I managed to find a rag and wiped my hands clean. I looked back to the washing basket waiting by the door.

I walked through into the utility room and set the basket down next to the washer. I paused for a moment, rubbing at my hips. Scooping up the clothes, I stuffed them inside, closing the round door with a firm push. I pulled out the drawer and filled it with detergent and fabric conditioner, being careful not to get any on my clothes. I stared at the controls on the machine for a moment, trying to remember which temperature and spin setting to use. I settled on the default setting and clicked the “start” button. The machine clicked and gurgled, beginning to fill with water.

* * * * *

I returned to the kitchen to unload the dishwasher from the night before. The radio was still on and I recognised the Taylor Swift song that began to play. Lauren was a big fan, so her music was familiar to me.

I opened the lower cupboards, putting the plates away, murmuring the words at first.

“Can’t stop, won’t stop moving... something, something... it’s gonna be alright.”

I went to put the mixing bowl away, remembering I needed a little… assistance to reach the top cupboards. I pulled the stool out again from under the kitchen counter and stepped up onto it to put the bowl away.

“I shake it off, shake it off!” I sang louder this time, my soft, higher voice blending into the song. I paused and stepped back down, rubbing at my throat. That felt… different. I certainly wasn’t going to be singing along to Johnny Cash any time soon.

* * * * *

I carried the basket of freshly laundered clothes out onto the back porch. The sun had risen enough now to bathe the rear of the house in a pleasant warmth. The dampness in the clothes had made the basket heavier than before and I all but dropped it onto the wooden decking with a soft groan. I caught my breath for a moment and smoothed my top out. The plum colour looked even more vibrant in the direct sunlight.

I went to fetch the wooden drying rack from where it rested against the outer wall of the house. I unfolded it and angled it to make sure it would catch the most sunlight. Bending forward at the waist I reached down for the clothing in the basket.

“Well, that’s quite the view to greet me with!” Lauren’s amused voice came from behind me. Still bent over, I looked back, seeing Lauren with a hand to her mouth, stifling a giggle.

I quickly snapped upright and self-consciously reached back to clutch at my backside. My fingers sank into soft flesh. I twisted at the waist, looking back over my shoulder, seeing the rounded curve of my buttocks outlined by the tight fabric of my leggings.

“Ah! Why do the leggings have to this tight!” I said, blushing. “Is it… is it too much?”

Lauren planted her hands on her hips. “Are you actually asking me if your butt looks too big in those?” she teased.

Flustered, I turned to face her. I grabbed the first item of clothing that came to hand from the basket and tossed it at her. “Just help me hang this up, will you!”

“All right, don’t get your pa-“ Lauren stopped herself. “… don’t get all worked up.”

I gave her my best steely look, and we began hanging the clothes on the drying rack between us.

“So how did the meeting go?” I said, as I hung a pair of my boxer briefs on the lowest rung.

“Oh, really good, I think they might want to use me to consult on one of their new campaigns,” Lauren took her black skirt from the basket, shook it out and laid it over her side of the rack. “Scott… you don’t mind, do you? I mean… me working.”

“Why would I mind?” I asked.

“I just feel… I don’t know, a little guilty I guess - like I should be spending more time with you,” Lauren said, taking a deep breath. “Maybe I’ll take some time off, just until things are all sorted out and you’re back to normal.”

I picked a white vest top out of the basket. I wanted to tell her “yes”. Tell her that I needed her. I stopped myself. “No, you don’t have to do that… you shouldn’t,” I said, as I hung the vest. “This is your dream. You’re finally working for yourself. And you’re the one that told me the first six months are the most important for growing your client base.”

Lauren gave a half smile. “So you do listen to the things I tell you.” She placed her light blue blouse over the rack.

“I don’t want you to lose momentum, just because of me. And it’s like you said, I’m not sick or anything. I’m just a bit… female”. I smiled at Lauren, trying to let her know I was okay, even if I wasn’t. How could I be?

“Dear doctor, I’ve come down with a case of female!” Lauren said laughing, as she stretched a pair of white cotton panties between her fingers. She let go with a crisp snap, and pinged the underwear at me.

“Hey!” I jumped a little in surprise, only just catching them in time. “Well, maybe I caught it from you!” I laughed and flung them back at her.

With our laughter carrying on the breeze, we finished loading the drying rack with the washing, placing the beige sweatshirt and sweatpants carefully across the top.

I stepped back for a moment, looking at the rack. Boxer briefs, Lauren’s blouse, cotton panties, my beige sweatshirt. It was a strange sort of tapestry, mapping what had happened to me – what was continuing to happen to me. I reached up to hold my ponytail in place as the breeze picked up a little.

* * * * *

Lauren followed me back inside, but I sensed her pause in the doorway behind me. I turned back towards her and self-consciously swept my hands across my backside. “What? Is it my ass again?!”

“No, no!” Lauren laughed. “Just walk back towards me for a second.”

“Why do you—” I paused, huffed and rolled my eyes. I took a few steps back towards her. Lauren stopped me and placed her hands on my shoulders.

“Well, the good news is your posture is much better now,” Lauren observed. “Any back pain today?”

“Well, no... not really,” I said, but rubbed my hands lightly against my hips.

“But your hips are a little sore?”

“How did you--“

“You’re walking like you’ve got a broomstick stuck up your butt!” Lauren moved her hands from my shoulders and stepped back, her shoes tapping on the wooden floorboards. In her heels, Lauren had gained another few inches over me.

“So first I’m slouching, and now I’m not walking right?” I said, looking up at her.

“You’re standing nice and straight, but you’re holding yourself too stiffly,” Lauren said, her gaze sweeping over me. “Your body wants to move a certain way and you’re fighting it.”

I held my hands up in silent defeat.

“Look, just try walking over to the kitchen and back,” Lauren suggested.

“Okay, okay...” I shook my head and plodded over towards the kitchen counter.

“Try and feel the rhythm in your body... in your hips.”

I turned at the counter and began to walk back towards Lauren. “You... want me to walk... but sway my hips... like this?” I began to jut my hips from side to side.

Lauren all but collapsed in fits of laughter. “Oh, Scott!” she said clasping my arms as I reached her. “I want you to walk like an actual human woman!”

I tried not to laugh, but an amused smile spread across my face anyway.

“Here, put your hands here,” Lauren took my wrists and positioned my hands so they hovered either side of her hips. “This is what you’re aiming for,” she said and began to gently rock her pelvis from side to side, tapping my palms in turn with each of her hips. “Bap, bap, bap... like that, see? Imagine you’re just swinging from your waist. Let gravity do the work. Bap, bap—”

“Okay, okay, I get it...” I pulled my hands back, suddenly flustered, though I wasn’t entirely sure why. I brushed a strand of hair back behind my ear and tried again, walking back to the kitchen. “Bap, bap, bap...” I muttered to myself as I walked, trying to let the sway of my hips come more naturally.

“That’s better,” Lauren said from behind me. “Keep your legs a little closer together. Not too much - you don’t need to strut!”

I tutted as I tried to bring my legs in, feeling the soft fabric of my leggings brush between my thighs. I reached the kitchen counter, placing my palms on top, before turning round and making my way back to Lauren. I tried to imagine myself as a pendulum, as if I were being held at the top and swinging freely.

“That’s it!” Lauren held her palms together. “But you’re losing your shoulders. Keep them back.”

I breathed in, bringing my shoulders back, trying to let my body do what it needed to do. I stopped in front of Lauren, who now seemed to be looking at me differently.

“What is it? Did I get something wrong again?” I asked.

“No... no honey, you did great,” she said, smiling a little more briefly this time as she cupped a hand to my cheek.

* * * * *

We took our lunch out on the porch that afternoon. As I settled into my seat I noticed that my body felt less tense... looser. Like I’d just had a massage. Maybe there was something to this whole hip-walking thing after all. For the rest of the morning I’d tried my best to let my body move the way it wanted, all the while keeping half an eye on my posture. But it had all felt like I was trying to pat my head and rub my tummy at the same time.

The house across the other side of the lake was quiet today and we could hear all the sounds of the lake. The water, the birds, the breeze in the trees.

“Maybe they’re washing their hair today,” I joked as I gazed across the lake, idly stroking my ponytail.

“Ha! Maybe,” Lauren laughed. She reached across the table for my hand, squeezing it gently. “I like it when you’re like this. Being funny. It’s like I can see you,” she said sincerely.

I felt the softness of her hand in mine. “You mean... you don’t always?”

Lauren turned towards me slightly in her chair. “Sometimes... I see... a young woman that needs my help. And then it’s like... well... I need to remind myself.” I felt Lauren’s thumb rub softly against my ring finger. “I’m sorry...” she sniffed and sat back, holding a finger under each eye.

“Lauren—“ I placed a hand on her shoulder. Suddenly her phone vibrated on the table between us, playing a musical chime neither of us recognised. “What was that?” I asked.

“Huh?” Lauren took a breath to steady herself, then picked up her phone. “It’s Axis Labs! They emailed back. I’d set up an alert for it!” She leaned forward in her seat.

I felt my heart drop into my stomach. “Wh-what does it say?” I said quietly.

I watched Lauren as her eyes scanned her phone, her lips murmuring to herself. “They... they want to send someone over to see us... tomorrow... to discuss progress and next steps.”

“That’s good... isn’t it?” I said, my voice wavering.

“Yes, honey... I think that’s good!” Lauren beamed. We rose from our seats and embraced each other. For a moment neither of us spoke. A breeze stirred across the porch, rustling the clothes on the drying rack beside us.

* * * * *

CONTINUE TO DAY FIVE