I awoke again to the smell of coffee and the sound of dishes clattering in the kitchen. Sunlight streamed through unfamiliar curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. For one blissful moment, I forgot where I was, who I was. Then it all came rushing back.
I was still Maggie.
I sat up slowly, running my hands through long blonde hair. The weight of it felt strange against my neck. I glanced at the clock—7:32 AM. Rob was already up, probably making breakfast. The baby would need feeding again soon.
My stomach churned with anxiety. How was I supposed to get through an entire day like this? I didn't know Maggie's routines, her passwords, her friends. I didn't know anything.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed, noticing how they looked—smooth, tanned, distinctly feminine. I stood up, still adjusting to the center of gravity in this shorter body. Everything felt different.
I caught my reflection in the mirror again. Maggie's face stared back at me, her eyes wide with my fear. I tried to arrange her features into something resembling normalcy, practicing a smile that didn't look terrified.
"Mags?" Rob called from downstairs, "Coffee's ready when you are."
"Coming!" I called back, wincing at the high pitch.
The layout of the house was different from what I'd expected. Our houses were the same model, but everything was flipped—a mirror image of my own home. I followed the sounds and smells to the kitchen, where Rob stood at the stove, flipping pancakes. The baby sat in a high chair, happily smashing bits of banana between tiny fingers.
"Morning," Rob said, glancing over his shoulder with a smile that made my stomach drop.
It was the smile of a man who knew every inch of the body I was wearing, "Sleep okay? You were restless last night."
"Just... weird dreams," I managed, reaching for the coffee mug.
“I fed Alvin,” he smiled, “Formula.”
I nodded, hoping my relief wasn't too obvious. At least I wouldn't have to figure out breastfeeding again this morning.
"Thanks," I said, taking a sip of coffee.
It was bitter, with just a splash of milk. Did Maggie take her coffee this way? I had no idea.
Rob slid a plate of pancakes across the counter.
"Thanks," I said, smiling weakly.
"So, are we still on for dinner at your sister's tonight?" Rob asked, sitting down across from me with his own plate.
Sister? Maggie had a sister? I chewed slowly, buying time.
"Um, yeah. Of course," I replied, hoping my hesitation wasn't obvious.
"Great. I told her we'd bring that wine she likes. It's in the pantry."
I nodded, wondering what else I needed to know about this sister. Her name, for starters. Where she lived. Whether we got along.
"Any big plans for today?" Rob asked between bites.
I shrugged, trying to seem casual, "Just the usual."
I assumed she was still on parental leave.
Rob nodded with understanding.
He reached across the table and squeezed my hand, "You okay? You seem a little off."
The casual intimacy caught me off guard. I fought the urge to pull away.
"Just tired," I said, forcing a smile, "The baby was up a lot."
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