chapter 3

It took a few days for Dylan to really notice any changes. Sure, every night, his weight was considerably higher than that morning, but that was just due to the food he'd eaten. By the time he woke up the next morning, aside from some residual bloating, he was pretty much next to normal.

He'd arrived on what he'd assumed to be Tuesday and by what he assumed to be Sunday, he was sure his abs were looking less defined. He wasn't sure if it was bloating, just in his head or if he was actually beginning to gain weight, but his shorts did seem tighter.

He'd been keeping himself full at all times. Delilah had been a huge help so far and she was determined to help him as much as possible. She'd told him that it took an excess of 3500 calories to gain one pound of fat, on average. She'd suggested that he aimed to hit that target every day. So far he'd been averaging out at about 4000 calories a day but it had been steadily climbing.

Delilah had also said that due to his lack of activity, he wasn't burning as many calories so he'd probably only need to eat around 5000 calories a day to gain one pound a day.

The idea of that was terrifying to him. He'd assumed it was going to be a much slower process but if the second screen on the wall was to be believed, any progress he was making, his rival was doubling it.

By "Sunday" morning, Dylan weighed 154.0 lbs after waking up. His rival weighed 161.1.

Delilah began making a note of everything he ate. She'd come by periodically to clear out any food wrappers he left behind and to chat. He'd gotten used to her presence and really wished she'd stay for longer.

By that evening, he'd managed to eat 4100 calories and that was before he'd had dinner.

"So, are you feeling like anything in particular?" Delilah asked.

Dylan shook his head. He'd done well for the day but the idea of eating anything else was sickening. He just wanted everything to stop.

"I don't think I can manage anything else," he said.

His shorts were getting so tight, but he couldn't unbutton them with Delilah there. He had other clothes, provided by the man in the mask but they were all the same size. He guessed it was part of his sick game.

"Come on, I know you can," she said. "I'll stay with you."

"Can you help me?" he said. "I think I'll need it."

Delilah looked away.

"You want me to feed you?" she asked.

He nodded.

"Yeah, just get me anything. Whatever you think is necessary."

Delilah gave him a small smile. His heart leapt when she did. Her eyes sparkled before she left the room.

She returned a while later with a large box. He knew from the packaging and smell exactly what it was.

"I thought something sweet might help break up the task," she said with a smile.

She sat across from him and put the box of a dozen glazed donuts on the table.

"Eat what you can and then I'll help you when you need me to," she said.

Dylan ate three donuts before he had to stop. The pressure in his stomach was agonising.

Even with Delilah's words of encouragement, he couldn't bring himself to pick up the next donut. She stood up and moved her chair closer so she could feed him.

Two more donuts down and Dylan had to ask her to stop.

"Oh, look at you," Delilah said. "No wonder you can't stand it, your shorts much be so painful."

Dylan looked down and realised how obviously tight they were. The button was straining visibly.

"Do you mind if I -"

"Just undo them," she said. "There's nobody here but us."

Dylan did so and the relief was immediate. He felt the fabric of his vest stretch as his swollen belly had more space to surge into.

"Better?" she asked.

Dylan nodded.

"Good. Now, one more donut and that's an extra 1140 calories for this meal."

Dylan opened his mouth and let her feed him. He felt sick but he knew it was for the best. He shut his eyes, taking bites when she held the donut up to his mouth. After a few more bites than he'd expected, he opened his eyes.

"Sorry to trick you," Delilah said. "I gave you an extra one. I hope that's okay."

Dylan nodded. They agreed that he'd had enough for the day and she helped him out of his chair. The scale read 157.6 lbs before he waddled back to his bed, cradling his aching belly.

"Well done for today," Delilah said. "You've done really well."

"Thanks," Dylan said.