Content Warning | Transphobia & Deadnaming

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 Cecil, Shaelyn & Coral walk through the wide-open doors of Mr. Giglethyne’s Emporium of Casual Clothing. Their eyes are bombarded with a kaleidoscope of flashing lights. Their noses were filled with smells of leather, polyester & latex.

“This place is so nice,” Shaelyn says spinning around.

“Eh. It’s a bit aggressive for my tastes,” Coral says as they turn up the intensity on her shades. “You know with the light & all.”

“Yeah, I think I’m with Coral. This place gives me bad vibes.” Cecil says starting to back out the door.

Shaelyn grabs Cecil’s arm & says, “Cecil, c’mon. You said you wanted more guy clothes & we’re here to get you some. Diana’s buying you whatever you want. Just because this place makes you feel uncomfortable doesn’t mean you should throw that away.”

Cecil turns around. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“Of course I am.” Shaelyn flicks her jet black hair. “Now, do you need us to go with you?”

Cecil thinks for a little. “No, I...I think I’ll be okay.”

Shaelyn hugs Cecil & says, “I’m sure you will.” She walks back a little & taps her temple. “Plus you know how to reach us.”

Carol places their hand on Shaelyn’s shoulder, “I’ll go with you then.”

Shaelyn turns to Coral & grabs their hand. “Are you sure Coral? Don’t you wanna get some new clothes?”

Coral shakes their head. “Nah, shopping for myself here makes me feel dysphoric. I’ll help you though.”

Shaelyn grabs them by the hand. “Alright, let’s go.” They walk straight to the back of the store to the women’s section. Shaelyn immediately picks out a bright pink & yellow crop top & bell-bottom jeans. “What about these.”

Coral eyes them up & down. “I mean, they’re not up to my taste,” Coral holds up the end of their cloak, “but I think they’d look pretty good on you.”

Shaelyn shivers with happiness & wraps her arms tightly around Coral, “Thank Cori.” Then all the happiness drains out of her expression. She pulls back from the hug & says, “Hey, we have to go...somewhere. Like anywhere other than here.”

Coral furrows their brow, “Wait, why?”

“My mom’s behind you.”

Coral turns around to see Eladryn holding a black sundress with teal flowers. “Oh. Yeah, let’s get out of here.” They turn around & power walk away from her. However, as they’re about to turn the corner, they’re halted in place.

“Shaelyn, Madeline it’s been so long.” Eladryn walks up to Shaelyn & Coral. She turns them around to face her. “How’s your schooling these days.” Both of them look at their feet. Eladryn shifts her attention to Shaelyn specifically. “Shaelyn, this is no way to treat your mother.” She turns to Coral. “And Madeline, you were always so well behaved. I’m utterly shocked you’ve stooped to the level of my daughters.”

Shaelyn balls up her fists & says through her teeth, “It’s been fine, mother. Can we go now?”

Eladryn lets out a hearty laugh & turns her attention. “And what about you Madeline? How ha-”

“Their name is Coral. We’ve been over this a million times.”

“Oh. You're still doing that.” She puts her finger under Coral’s chin & pulls her head up. “Hopefully next time I see you, you won’t be so misguided still.” She turns back to Shaelyn. “Is Caitlyn here too?”

“Cecil mom. His name is Cecil.”

“You can call her whatever you want to her & so can I, now is she here?”

“No.”

Eladryn sighs. “Alright, well I see you to later don’t be strangers.”

Just before she negates her control over Coral & Shaelyn, Cecil walks up behind them & says, “Okay I’m ready to che-” He drops his bags. “Oh...mom.”

“Caitlyn, it’s been so long! Come & give your mother some sugar.” Eladryn magically pulls him toward her & kisses him on the forehead.

“My name is Cecil, mom.”

Eladryn lets out a chuckle. “Sure it is honey. How’s school been.”

“Can we not do this, please. I’ve already told you I don’t want to see you again. Ever. So let us go. You don’t even have custody anymore.”

“I didn’t raise you to be so rude Cai-”

Shaelyn yells, ‘His name is Cecil, mom!”

Eladryn glares at her. “Looks like you kids need to be taught better manners, but don’t worry, I’ll leave. I’ll be seeing you again. And hopefully, by then, you’ll be finished with this,” she pauses for a few seconds, “‘transgender’ phase. Ta-ta” She walks away & negates her control over Cecil, Shaelyn & Coral.

Shaelyn looks at Cecil crying & Coral staring at the ground still. “Hey...um...are you guys okay.” She gets no response. She stretches her arms out & hugs them both.