Cabin Fever

Millie twisted, scrutinizing every inch of her outfit. Her shorts hugged her like a second skin, blouse was a bit loose but could be tied easily. Mira’s custom work was miraculous, the stitching was flawless, and even the simplest tweak, her sunglasses, looked pristine. “Pays to have friends into Cosplay…” She said with a sigh. Leaning back, Millie laid her head against the mattress. Groaning as she felt the pipe-roll of the mattress top digging into the back of her head. “This can’t get fixed soon enough.” 

Shaking her head, she walked to the closet. Stooping she pulled her shoe’s clear, the heavy plastic and wood felt thick, toy-like. Blushing, she winced. “I guess that’s accurate…” She hissed, clasping the band across her foot. Standing back up, she posed again, revelling in each of her four new inches. “Could be worse I guess…”

Turning, she plucked up a silk scarf. Wrapping it over her head, she slipped on her sunglasses and marched towards the door. Each step made her heart sink, watching the doorknob loom ever larger as she approached. “Nicole and Iva owe me BIG time.” Reaching up, past the knob, she seized the deadbolt and turned it to one side. 

“Whoa! What’s going on half-pint!” A voice boomed down the hall.

Bristling, she spun round. Jake was standing in the kitchen doorway, wiping his hands on a dishtowel. “Nothing! I’m just going for a walk.”

“You sure that’s a good idea? People are going to notice…”

Rolling her eyes, she tilted her head to one side. “No, they won’t. I’m wearing my camouflage.” 

“A scarf and sunglasses won’t work this time sweetie.” He said gently. “Not that, to be honest, they ever do.”

“You don’t know that.” She snapped, sticking her tongue out in his direction. “Besides, everyone will be looking for someone five foot three.”

“True…” He said, scrunching up his face. “Don’t you think that outfit’s a bit… attention…grabbing?”

“What do you mean?” She huffed, turning towards him and crossing her arms. 

Wincing, he gestured towards her. “I mean…not to be crass but you’re kind of…hanging out of those.” Leaning against the jamb, he smiled gently down towards her. “I think you’ll attract attention more than anything…”

“Knock it off Jake!” She growled. “I’m going insane stuck in here; I need to get out for even a few minutes.”

“Honey, Nicole said they’re nearly done. Maybe we should be patient here?”

Stomping forward, Millie craned her neck upward. “She’s been saying that for three months! I’m suffocating in here.”

Jake froze, slowly nodding. “If you really feel that way, ok. Just… I think you may be surprised by the…scale… of everything out there.” Lowering his hands, Jake lolled his head from side to side. “You want me to come with you?”

“I’m a grown woman; I can handle myself.” She said pouting, returning to the door. Moving forward, Jake pulled the door open for her. “You have your phone? Keys?” 

“Ugh, just leave me alone, I have everything.” She grumbled, marching through the massive portal. Stepping down the hall, she heard the door close behind her. She nearly skipped towards the stairwell, pausing only briefly when their neighbour got off the lift. Their dog on a leash, bounding through the hall, tugging her along. 

In its excitement, it didn’t appear to notice her. Even from a distance though, a chill ran down Millie’s spine. The dog couldn’t weigh more than thirty pounds, but it seemed like a red lion, or bear to her as it bounded around the far corner. 

Millie’s steps slowed, then stopped. A tension in her chest began to build, curling her forward. Leaning against the wall, Millie shook her head, turning and mincing back to her flat. As she reached the door, she fumbled with her skimpy pockets. The chill turned to a deep freeze; her pockets were empty. 

No phone, no keys. 

Nibbling on her lower lip, she curled her hand into a fist, banging sheepishly on the massive wooden panel. “Jake… lemme in…” She whimpered, looking furtively about the hall.