Chapter 2

Toby awakens after a fitful rest. Thoughts fly confusingly through him. His eyes remain closed. He thinks about dreams he had last night, full of surreal feelings that don’t quite have words to describe them. Things blend together. He recalls being hit somehow. Mel was there, and she had bossed him around, or something. There’s a sensation connected to that. Something that feels almost meditative. Not that he knows much about meditation; he’s always found spiritual stuff pointless and pretentious. But at some point, he felt disconnected from his body. Just existing and at peace. It wasn’t like most dreams he’s had. It feels vivid and corporeal. And for whatever reason, the memories have him aroused. Actually, very aroused. He has a painful erection, and he goes to grab it. But his right hand won’t move. Nor his left. He opens his eyes and sees himself in the mirror above him, bound spread eagle.

He can feel his body again. Thoughts return gradually. How much of what he remembers happened in reality? He recalls an overwhelming urge - a pleasure, even - at doing what he was told. Why? It had started with the woman in the mirror. He had been frightened of her. And then, things are blurry. Had he been whipped? Penetrated? It’s all a mix of images and feelings without any meaningful order. But he remembers feeling some sense of satisfaction. Of normalcy. Even if nothing is less normal than that.

Even his substantial strength isn’t enough to escape the straps, but the clanging and clunking sound he generates is enough to wake Mel. She jerks, then rolls over to face him. Seeing him tightly bound, she sighs, and enjoys watching him struggle. She wraps a hand around his bicep.