Episode 2

I open my eyes and stare at a strange, vintage-style ceiling.

I thought I was dead… Could the cleaning lady have found me and taken me to the hospital?

I slowly sit up in bed, but it feels strange not to feel the severe back pain I was used to.

"That's weird… Did they give me strong medication or something?"

I rub my eyes to get a better look at the room, and I’m surprised to feel my face soft and without wrinkles.

"But… what…"

My mouth falls open as I touch my hair—soft, thick, and long. I’ve always kept it short because it made me feel hot… How long have I been here for it to grow so much?

My eyes go to my hands, and I see soft, delicate, very fair skin.

"I'm dreaming."

I murmur again. In one leap, I’m on my feet, looking at my body. I touch my breasts, which are very perky and rather full.

"My breasts were saggy… This has to be a dream."

I speak, and my voice is different—softer, more delicate. It feels strange.

I look for a mirror but don’t see one. I start walking, feeling strange not to feel the pain in my knees.

I look at my slender arm and, like the girls in K-dramas, pinch myself hard.

"Ouch, that hurt."

I complain, rubbing the spot, but before I can process what’s happening, the door is knocked on, and I jump in fright.

I stay quiet, but the knocking comes again, more insistent.

"Come in."

I say as I have said many times, but this time my voice comes out more delicate and soft.

The door opens immediately. A girl dressed as an old-style maid, her face serious, enters with her head bowed and curtsies.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mrs. Cortes, but it's been a month since you've left this room. The Master demands your presence for breakfast."

She says in a low voice, and I frown in confusion.

"What?"

"Madam, I know you said not to bother you, but those are the Master’s orders."

She gestures with her hand, and five girls dressed the same way enter and walk toward me without a word.

Not knowing what to do, I stay where I am. The women begin touching me, removing each garment I’m wearing, and then lead me to another vast room.

I see a beautiful bathtub with luxurious gilded edges.

"My lady, I am sorry it has to be this way, but I must follow the Master’s orders."

"Alright, Lidia."

I frown as I say her name, and fragments of memory come to mind, bringing a sharp headache. I have no more time to think as the women help me into the wonderfully scented tub and begin to gently wash me.

I close my eyes, feeling them pamper me, and relax, enjoying the moment.

"This is wonderful."

I murmur with a sigh of satisfaction.

"If this is a dream… I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest."

I murmur to myself.

The girls help me out of the water and dry me, performing a whole ritual that I truly love, surrounded by rich, delicate scents.

I don’t lift a finger, just letting them pat here, smooth there, give me light massages, comb my hair, and tend to my face until they finish.

"Alright, you may leave."

I hear Lidia’s voice and open my eyes.

"There is the mirror, my lady. I know you dislike looking at yourself, but please try."

She points to a large mirror. I walk toward it, my mouth falling open when I see myself.

Wow… I’m beautiful.