October hung over the discount store like a damp shroud. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting everything in a sickly pallor. The air smelled of plastic packaging, cheap candles, and floor cleaner.

Jeremy had been in a foul mood since he walked through the automatic doors. When the soft-spoken employee named Lori couldn’t find the specific battery size he needed within thirty seconds, he snapped.

“You’re useless,” he hissed in the narrow aisle. “What the hell do they even pay you for? Standing there looking stupid?”

Lori’s hands trembled as she checked the shelf again. Her voice cracked. “I-I’m sorry, sir. Let me check the back-”

“Don’t bother. You’re wasting my time.” His voice rose, sharp and ugly. “You’re probably too stupid to even read the labels.”

By the time the manager arrived, Lori was sobbing, unable to speak. The manager, a tired woman in her fifties, sent Lori home immediately.

Then she turned to Jeremy.

“Since this is your fault,” she said calmly, “you’ll be covering all of Lori’s shifts until she’s emotionally ready to return.”

Jeremy laughed-until the world tilted.

---

One moment he was standing in his jeans and hoodie. The next, fabric shifted across his skin like living things. A cream-colored knit top. A pastel yellow cardigan. A floral daisy print skirt that brushed against his legs. Black leather Mary Jane shoes pinched his feet. His hair had become a neat strawberry-blond bob. Makeup clung to his face-foundation, blush, mascara, soft pink lipstick. Small hoop earrings. A delicate necklace. The lanyard with Lori’s name and smiling photo now hung around his neck.

His body was still male. Still *his*. Just… wearing her.

The manager smiled pleasantly. “Thank you for stepping in, Lori. You’re on register three today.”

Jeremy opened his mouth to protest.