The Housewife

On a quiet afternoon, Felix, a mid-30s bachelor academic, found himself in the hushed environs of the university library, seeking research material for his latest scholarly pursuit. His independence was legendary among his peers, and he relished his solitary forays into the stacks, often spending hours engrossed in ancient tomes. However, on this particular day, fate had something unexpected in store for him.

As Felix scanned the shelves, his sharp eyes landed on an anomaly among the leather-bound volumes—a small, unassuming pamphlet titled "Guide to being the perfect housewife - 1952 Edition." Intrigued by the oddity, he plucked it from its resting place.

The moment Felix opened the pamphlet, a tingling sensation crept over his body, and he felt a strange pull unlike anything he had experienced before. The pamphlet's pages, slightly yellowed with age, held more than just words—they seemed to contain an ethereal power. As he began to read, his body and mind underwent a mesmerizing transformation.

His appearance started to shift, reflecting the ideals espoused in the guide. Felix's hair, once neatly trimmed, now grew longer, cascading in soft, pink-hued waves that framed his delicate features. His jawline softened, his cheeks took on a subtle rosy hue, and his skin became smooth and luminous. The transformation extended to his attire as well, and he found himself suddenly clad in a feminine ensemble, a soft floral blouse accentuating his slender waist.

As he continued reading, Felix's voice took on a lilting, melodic tone, his deep baritone transforming into a soothing soprano. His mannerisms became more graceful, his movements fluid and elegant. The guide's instructions on poise and deportment seemed to infuse every fiber of his being, and he found himself standing taller, exuding an innate sense of femininity and grace.

The transformation went beyond the physical. Felix's thoughts and desires shifted, and he felt a profound sense of fulfillment in embracing the traditional housewife's role. He yearned to create a warm, inviting home, to tend to domestic duties with meticulous care, and to bring comfort and joy to those around him. It was as if the pamphlet had unlocked a hidden aspect of his personality, one that he never knew existed.

Throughout the extraordinary transformation, Felix remained conscious of the changes occurring, his scholarly mind grappling with the inexplicable phenomenon. Confusion swirled within him, and he wondered if he would ever be able to revert to his old self. Yet, even as these thoughts crossed his mind, he felt an irresistible pull, a gravitational force drawing him further into his new identity.

With gentle care, Felix replaced the pamphlet on the shelf, his actions imbued with a sense of feminine precision. As he finished reading, the transformation reached its culmination, leaving him standing there, a vision of 1950s domestic perfection. He felt a strange impulse to leave the library and return home, an urge that he couldn't ignore.

Finding himself at home, Felix donned a crisp white apron, the domestic accessory feeling strangely natural. He moved effortlessly around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring a simmering pot with innate skill. Despite his confusion and lingering questions, he found solace in the familiar rhythms of domesticity.

As Felix pondered his extraordinary transformation and contemplated how he might reclaim his old life, the front door opened. A man entered, his features unfamiliar yet oddly comforting. "Mmm, Lisbeth dear, that smells amazing," he said, his deep voice resonating through the room. Felix felt an odd surge of warmth and affection for this stranger who seemed to belong in his new life.

With a soft smile, Felix turned to greet his unexpected guest, confusion momentarily forgotten. "Dinner is almost ready, dear," he replied almost by instinct, his voice laced with a gentle lilt. As he beamed at the man, he felt a sense of peace wash over him, a silent acceptance of his newfound identity. His academic mind knew he should be trying to find a solution to this dilemma but his newfound female persona was also equally concerned about tending to the potatoes on the stove.