The morning light slipped softly through my window as my body stretched lazily beneath the sheets.
I was tired.Really tired.
But it wasn't a heavy exhaustion… it was different. Light. As if something had shifted inside me.
Golden light filtered through the curtain, forcing me to squint as I sat up. I rubbed my face to wake myself and walked toward the bathroom, still half asleep.
I turned on the shower.
The water fell slowly over my skin, sliding gently down my neck, my chest, my back. The drops ran warm and fresh, tracing slow, shining lines across my abdomen and thighs.
Today I felt… good.
I didn't know why.
It was as if I had let go of an invisible weight.
I lathered myself calmly, enjoying every movement, every second beneath the water. There was no rush. No intrusive thoughts.
Just me.
When I stepped out and stood in front of the mirror, I observed myself with a calmness I didn't remember ever having before.
I didn't feel uncomfortable seeing the small fold of fat on my abdomen. I didn't lower my gaze shyly.
On the contrary.
My eyes traveled over my figure without judgment.
My firm bust, my young and soft skin, my waist, my hips. I turned slowly and observed the rounded curve of my body with a new kind of naturalness.
I felt… beautiful.
But when I lifted my gaze to my own eyes, something unsettled me.
They seemed slightly dimmed.
Not sad.Not empty.Just… different.
I didn't give it much importance.
I left the bathroom and put on an outfit I wouldn't have dared to wear before. A fitted tank top and short shorts I had always liked but felt embarrassed to wear.
Not today.
I didn't put on a bra.
And I left my room feeling comfortable in my own skin.
As I walked down the hallway, I ran into Iztli.
—Hi —I smiled naturally—. How's your morning going?
He looked me up and down.
And stiffened.
—Are you going out like that?
I let out a soft laugh and stepped closer, placing my hand on his chest.
—What's wrong? Don't you like how I look?
My palm pressed against his firm torso, tracing the outline of his muscles beneath the fabric. I had always been curious about touching them. They were hard… but warm.
His breathing shifted slightly.
He took a step back.
Then another.
He turned quickly and practically retreated into his room, closing the door before peeking out from the frame.
—What happened to your confidence and charm? —I teased lightly—. Did the little kitty get nervous?
It was adorable seeing him like that. So different from his usual protective attitude.
But although his posture didn't change much… something in his expression had.
I said goodbye and went downstairs to the dining room.
I prepared something simple for breakfast and began eating calmly.
Soon after, Bugambilia appeared.
—Good morning —Buganvilia said, taking a plate without asking.
—Hi. I didn't make much, just for myself —I replied without guilt.
The silence that followed was uncomfortable.
Then my grandparents arrived. My grandmother pushed my grandfather's wheelchair patiently.
My face lit up when I saw them.
I stood up and hugged my grandmother tightly.
She was surprised.
It had been a long time since I hugged her like that.
We shared breakfast, and then I took out the obsidian egg.
—Grandma, this is for you.
I placed it in her hands.
The instant she touched it, the black engravings began to glow with intense green symbols. A soft light traveled across her skin.
And I swear I saw her look years younger.
—You look incredible —I whispered, excited.
Then I handed her the envelope with my first payment.
It was a lot of money.
Enough to begin my grandfather's treatment.
—With this we can take the first step. Mictlantecuhtli will cover the bills.
I started speaking excitedly:
—We could buy those flowers you always wanted. Make a garden. Or save up so we don't have to use public transportation anymore. Or—
Suddenly, a hand grabbed my face.
My grandmother.
She gently squeezed my cheeks and forced me to look at her.
Her eyes turned serious.
Very serious.
—Shh… let me check something.
I felt a slight tingling in my head.
Like disconnected wires snapping back into place.
She sighed.
—What happened at work yesterday?
Her voice was no longer sweet.
It was firm.
I told her everything.
When I finished, she nodded slowly.
—That guest left you a special gift.
—Gift?
—He temporarily shifted your sense of fear toward an essential element. He partially disconnected it.
I blinked.
—Is that good?
—Not exactly. You still have common sense. But your boundaries are blurred. You don't feel shame. You don't feel normal caution. It's like being drunk on confidence.
That explained too many things.
—It will last about two weeks.
I looked at my hands.
I didn't feel bad.
I felt… incredible.
But not happy.
Satisfied.
That was it.
Satisfaction without deep emotion.
—When your fear returns, you'll remember everything you did with clarity.
I felt a small hollow in my stomach.
—For now, don't do anything reckless. And put on underwear.
I nodded.
I went upstairs to change, though inside I still felt powerful.
My phone vibrated.
A message from Iris.
"Holaa love, are you free today?" 🐰
I smiled.
"In the morning yes. I work in the afternoon."
"Perfect. Will you go shopping with me? There were no classes."
I thought about my grandmother's warning.
But I didn't see any danger in going out with my best friend.
So I agreed.
I started getting ready without imagining that this decision would mark the beginning of the most humiliating and embarrassing week of my life.