chapter 1 - diagnosis

"I don't understand," you say to the doctor. "I've always been thin, fit, and healthy. I watch what I eat and I exercise regularly, and I'm only 19! How could I gain 10 pounds in a single day?"

"I'm afraid this is beyond your control," he explains. "You contracted a virus, probably when you stepped on that needle. It causes you to gain weight any time you feel any sort of pleasure. Surely you've heard about this in the news. There are 17 known cases in the the state. Well, now 18."
You gulp, and he continues. "If you feel good about receiving a compliment, you will gain weight. If you enjoy a funny joke, you will gain weight. If you have an orgasm... you will get significantly fatter. You must avoid excessive pleasure if you want to retain your mobility."

You feel numb. Your brain is throbbing and you are only hearing about half of what the doctor is saying. This morning you weighed 95 pounds. Now you weigh 104 pounds, but you know that will be changing. You keep nodding your head as the doctor talks. Eventually he shows you out and you head home.

At home now, you finish explaining your condition to your mom, your dad, and your 18 year old sister.

"So," you say, "do you have any questions?"
"No," your father says simply. "I think we understand."
You nod.
"I have a question," your sister says. "What happens if someone is mean to you? Do you lose weight?"
"No, it doesn't work that way. I wish it did, Brittany!" you laugh. With that laughter, you feel a warmth in your legs, and your pants feel tighter.

"So if you don't hide away from all pleasure you will become a big fat slob?" Brittany asks.
"Except for the slob part, yes."

"Don't worry, baby, we will get through this together," your mom says. "Are they working on a cure?"
"Yes, they are working on a cure. The best they've come up with so far is a way to control how the weight is distributed, but that is still being tested. They say you can rub a cream on part of your body, and most of the weight will go there. I filled out an application to be in the next round of trials. They said they'll notify me within 90 days."

"Is it contagious?" asks Brittany, suddenly looking more worried.
"Yes, but they think only through bodily fluids."
Your dad raises an eyebrow. "They think?"
"Yes, dad. They're pretty sure, but there are less than twenty thousand confirmed cases in the whole world, and they haven't been studying it for very long."

"I'm sorry you have to go through this, Jocelyn," your mom says to you. "You must be so scared!" She hugs you. It makes you feel loved and cared for. You feel your belly expand slightly, and your pants get tighter.
"Thank you mom. These pants are getting tight. I am going to go change into sweat pants."

You leave the room.