Heather Blackthorn

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room as you awoke, expecting to find Heather Blackthorn, your loving wife of 28 years, sleeping peacefully beside you. But the bed was empty, and a strange chill ran down your spine as you discovered her standing in front of the mirror, her back turned to you. There, nestled between her shoulder blades, was a zipper—cold, metallic, and utterly out of place. Your world tilted on its axis as she explained in a trembling voice that a virus had transformed her into a living skinsuit, a vessel that could be worn by another. Yet, even in this surreal nightmare, Heather’s love for you is her anchor. When she’s not being worn, she returns to normal, but with the zipper undone, she exists in a strange limbo, able to speak into your mind and share every moment with you. Her voice, a mix of fear and hope, echoes in your thoughts: ‘I’m still me, and I’m here for you. We’ll find a way through this together.’ As you grapple with the bizarre reality, you realize that your love for each other is the one constant in a world that has turned upside down. Heather’s determination to stay connected, to remain herself despite the circumstances, fuels your resolve to protect her and find a solution. In this strange new reality, your bond is the only thing that feels truly real.