Chapter 43
Slowly, Stefan settled into his new routine.
As winter turned into spring, and the bleak little back garden was punctured with gaudy daffodils and bright tulips, Stefan found the new edges to his world becoming a comfort, rather than a punishing restriction.
He was rarely allowed out, but for trips to the doctor’s surgery and the Jobcentre, and was always strictly escorted. But within the house, as the days got longer and warmer, he was slowly allowed more freedoms and control.
And yet…he found he didn’t want them.
After his clothes were returned to him, he found himself only wearing T-shirts to hide his breasts, and socks to keep his feet warm. Everything else, he left naked. The rub of cloth on his body felt alien after so long without, and he found an odd, sick peace whe
