This whole situation is messed up and stressful. Check the app to see if there is some way it can help you mentally adapt to the radical changes of the day

As Clara and David continue their conversation about weekend plans, you slip your phone from your clutch, seeking some kind of respite from the day's overwhelming changes. The screen pulses pink immediately, Becky's animated figure appearing with a knowing smile.

"Looking a little stressed there, gorgeous," she coos, her cartoon eyes widening with exaggerated sympathy. "First day as a total hottie can be sooo overwhelming!"

You glance up to make sure David and Clara are distracted before typing: "Is there anything to help me adjust mentally?"

Becky's avatar twirls excitedly. "OMG, I thought you'd never ask! That's what the Comfort Mode is for, silly!"

A new interface slides into view—a glowing pink button labeled "Comfort Mode" with a subtitle: "Eases mental transition through hormonal and cognitive adjustments."

"One tap and those pesky boy-brain anxieties melt right away," Becky explains, wiggling her hips. "It's like emotional bubble bath for your mind! Helps you lean into your new reality instead of fighting it. Most users activate it day one!"

Your finger hovers over the button. This could make everything easier... but at what cost?

"Oh, and there's different intensity levels!" Becky adds, a slider appearing beneath the button. "From 'Just Breathe' to 'Full Bimbo Bliss'! The stronger the setting, the more... receptive you'll be to your new feminine instincts."

The slider ranges from 1-10, currently set at 1. Below it, fine print reads: "Adjustments are cumulative and semi-permanent. Each activation adds 12 hours of effect."

"What exactly does it do?" you type hesitantly.

"Just takes the edge off, babe!" Becky replies with a wink. "Level 1 is super mild—just helps regulate those new hormones surging through your sexy little body. Higher levels... well, let's just say they make embracing your girly side much easier!"

You tap the info button, revealing more details: "Comfort Mode temporarily reduces cognitive dissonance by aligning mental patterns with physical form. Side effects may include: increased comfort with feminine behaviors, heightened sensuality, reduced stress about transformation, and temporary lowering of inhibitions proportional to intensity level selected."

"Everyone uses it," Becky insists. "Otherwise the transition is just sooo stressful! Just one little tap..."

You select Level 1—the mildest setting—and press activate. A warm sensation flows through your body, starting at your chest and radiating outward. Your tight shoulders relax, the knot in your stomach uncoils, and the persistent buzz of anxiety that's been your companion all day begins to fade.

"There we go!" Becky bounces happily. "Feeling better already, right? This helps your brain chemistry match your gorgeous new body. No more fighting what you've become—just sweet acceptance!"

You take a deep breath, surprised at how much calmer you suddenly feel. The constant internal screaming about how wrong everything is has quieted to a manageable murmur. You still know you're Matt trapped in Mia's body, but somehow it doesn't feel quite as terrifying anymore.

"Remember, sweetie," Becky adds as she begins to fade from the screen, "you can adjust the intensity anytime. Most girls find they want to turn it up after they see how good Level 1 feels!"

The app minimizes itself to a tiny pink heart in the corner of your screen as David touches your arm.

"Everything okay?" he asks, noticing your changed demeanor. "You look... more relaxed."

"I am, actually," you reply, surprised by how true it feels. The panic hasn't disappeared, but it's muffled, manageable. "Just needed a moment."

Clara raises her glass. "To new beginnings, then?"

You lift your gin and tonic, finding it easier to smile. "To new beginnings."

22:15 | Saturday 2 August 2025 | Fox & Crown Pub, Putney