When I woke, I found myself laying on a thick muscled chest, beside me 1 and 2 were laying down with eyes closed.

I looked down and realized I was covered only by a thin white silk cloth, a dress. I stood up out of bed and noticed the bedding covering the surface of the egg had shifted.

It revealed a polished metallic surface that was reflective. I saw myself in it. My face had more fat and my skin and cheeks were rosy. I put my fingers on my skin and it was soft.

I noticed my dress. It was sleeveless and gathered at the neck. Below my armpits, the sides were held together with metal chains and bells that jingled when touched. The back was very low cut. I stared at the man in the reflection. He didn’t look like Valentine at all.

I looked closer. The man gazing at me had softer features. I was also fuller in places and my arms were no longer thin sticks.

I was jolted by Nox speaking.

Do you like what you see? Nox asked, synchronized.

I flinched and turned to look at them. They smiled at me.

Then I heard whimpering and my body shook. I ran outside to the egg’s entrance. The bells on my side jingled and the wall immediately cracked open to let me through.

Outside, I looked around for my puppy, my eyes darting fast.

I heard a familiar whine to my left. When I looked, a brown mass of wrinkly skin lay on the ground and showed its belly, wagging its tail enthusiastically.

Puppy, I asked, and the mass responded with a whine. I crouched down, shoulders shaking, and burst into laughter.

Syphyllis had become rounder and almost as big as a short dog, about three quarters of my forearm.

I rubbed his body, the dirt scent and musty odor stronger.

You’re a stinky baby, I said, rubbing the now smooth, wrinkly skin of his back.

He whined happily at me, licking my hand.

From within the egg, 3 playfully teased, Didn’t I deserve a prize for taking care of your baby? He said smiling at me.

My body froze and I rubbed my arm as I walked towards the egg.

Nox looked at me and his smile vanished.

We can stop if you don’t want, 1 said.

My eyes widened and I bit my lips.

It’s not that, Ganhys always wanted wives.

You matter more than that, 2 replied.

We only meet once, it doesn’t matter, 3 said.

What if I don’t get pregnant, would you hate me?

Nox then replied collectively, I thought it was a genetic obligation.

There’s something in my chest I cannot explain when I see you, 1 replied.

It’s lust, I said, weeping.

I thought so, but I wanted to hide you away like a precious resource, 2 replied.

I don’t know what it is, 3 replied again.

Then you don’t love me, I screamed crying.

Outside, Syphyllis must have started to hear. He began growling and clawing at the egg.

Love? they said at the same time.

You don’t love at all, you don’t want to be with me forever, I said.

If it means caring for you, 1 replied.

Making you smile, 2 replied.

And it makes my chest tingle without explanation, 3 replied.

Then I love you, they all said.

I just stared at them.

If it isn’t, then teach me, they all said.

I broke down crying while they wiped my tears, hugged me, and held me until Im ready continue.