THE PRICE OF inHERitance

A New Reality Unfolds

Elliot woke up with a start, his body tangled in the unfamiliar softness of his new bedspread. Blinking groggily at the morning light filtering through the pastel curtains, he realized with a shock that his room had been completely redecorated. The familiar blue walls and sports posters had been replaced with floral wallpaper and posters of fashion models. His room now felt like a dollhouse rather than the place he had called his own.

Sitting up, Elliot's hand brushed against the soft, frilly duvet. His heart raced with a mix of confusion and anxiety. He had fallen asleep in his usual pajamas, but now, the unfamiliar surroundings made him question whether he was dreaming.

After a few moments of disorientation, he dragged himself out of bed and shuffled downstairs. The scent of breakfast—freshly baked pastries and coffee—wafted through the house, but it did little to ease his growing apprehension.

At the breakfast table, his father, Robert, and stepmother, Vivian, were already seated. Lizzie, his older sister, was also there, looking unusually solemn. The sight of their faces did nothing to calm Elliot's nerves.

"Good morning, Emma!" Vivian greeted cheerfully, her tone completely at odds with Elliot's inner turmoil.

"Emma?" Elliot repeated, his voice trembling. "What's going on?"

Robert's expression was stern. "We've decided that from now on, you'll be called Emma. It's part of your new life."

"But—why?" Elliot's voice cracked with frustration. "I don't want to be called Emma!"

Vivian's smile didn't waver. "It's not a choice. You're going to need to adapt to your new role, and that includes accepting your new name. If anyone calls you by your old name and you respond, there will be consequences."

Elliot felt a lump form in his throat. "This isn't fair!"

Robert's gaze was unwavering. "This is necessary for you to adjust to your new identity. You're no longer a boy in this house. This is part of your transition."

Lizzie glanced at Elliot with a mix of sympathy and frustration. "Come on, let's get you ready. You won't be going to school today."

Lizzie led Elliot upstairs, where she handed him a pair of soft, pastel pink panties and a white training bra. Elliot's face turned beet red as he looked at the garments. "Why do I need these? I don't have breasts."

Lizzie sighed. "Even if you don't have breasts yet, you need to get used to wearing them. It's part of the process."

Reluctantly, Elliot put on the panties and training bra. The fabric felt foreign against his skin, and the training bra was snug and uncomfortable. Lizzie helped him into a pair of denim shorts and a pink t-shirt with a heart design. Each piece of clothing seemed to emphasize how out of place he felt in his own body.

As they prepared to leave, Vivian and Robert discussed their plans. "We have a couple of appointments today," Vivian said. "Emma won't be going to school. We're starting with a doctor's visit, then heading to the salon."