Beautifying Stool
man.
In our village and the ones nearby, my mom was famous for her craft, but she only made glamour stools
Not only were they outrageously expensive, but they also came with strict conditions. She’d only make one for a woman who’s been heartbroken by a
I was lounging in a rocking chair, half–asleep, when a tall, bulky woman came to our door. She wasn’t exactly easy on the eyes
I knew immediately she was here to pick up her glamour stool Just a few days ago, she had come by with her husband and another woman. When they left, she was the only one who walked out the door.
To make a glamour stool, there must always be one man and two women involved. That was the rule
“Mom, someone’s here for you, I called out.
My mom appeared, smiling warmly. “Selene, your stool has been ready for a while. Come inside and try it out.”
Selene blushed and followed my mom upstairs
The door to the second floor slammed shut. I crept up the stairs quietly pressing my ear against the door.
My mom had been making glamour stools for as long as I could remember, but I had never actually seen one. Every time a customer came to pick one up, she would lock the door. Soon after, a woman’s groan came from inside.
A few moments passed, and I heard Selene’s voice, softer and strangely more feminine than before.
My curiosity was killing me. What did these stools really look like?
But before I could think more about it, the sounds stopped
I rushed back to the courtyard, pretending to water the plants as if nothing had happened..
A few minutes later, Selene emerged, carrying a large box, her face flushed.
Was it just my imagination, or had she slimmed down a bit? Her skin seemed smoother, too.
I knew that in a few days, Selene would fully transform into a beautiful woman. That was the magic of glamour stools.
As she passed by, Selene paused, then turned to my mom. “When are you going to teach your daughter your craft?”
My mom glanced at me, frowning slightly before letting out a sigh. “She’s not ready yet. Once she has a boyfriend, I’ll pass it on to her. I’ve been wanting to retire for a while now”
If my mom taught me, I’d finally get to see what these mysterious stools looked like.
Truth be told, I already had a boyfriend. We were madly in love. But my mom had always forbidden me from dating, so I never dared to tell her,
The moment Selene left, I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Mom, I actually have a boyfriend Teach me how to make glamour stools!” I said, barely able
to contain my excitement.
In my head, I was already planning it out. Each stool was sold for 200 thousand dollars. If I could make three a month, I’d be set for life after just a few years. Then, I could retire with my boyfriend and live peacefully
I thought my mom would be thrilled to hear about my boyfriend. But to my surprise, her face clouded over with worry. The sadness in her eyes was
unmistakable
“Have you slept with him?” she asked bluntly
My face turned scarlet. I never expected her to ask such a direct question, especially given how strict she’d always been with me. Part of me was scared she might blow up.
11’s okay, you can tell me. You’re an adult now I won’t punish you like I used to when you were younger.”
Embarrassed, I nodded.
She smiled softly and ruffled my hair. Despite the smile, I could see the sadness still lingering in her eyes, as if she was holding back tears.
“You’ve grown up. Bring your boyfriend over sometime. I want to meet him. If he passes my test, then you can start leaming how to make glamour stools. The first one you craft will be for yourself.”
Her words left me pondering. I had never seen the stool my mom made for herself. I’d have to sneak into her room one of these days and see if
could find it.
Feeling a surge of excitement, I called Zephyr Gray to tell him the news. He was thrilled and promised to come meet my mom as soon as his work let
I couldn’t help but spill the secret that once my mom passed the torch, I’d be making a fortune.
Zephyr was even more excited than I was, dreaming up plans to buy a house in the city and bring my mom along to live with us.
A month later, Zephyr came to visit my mom.
I woke up early and waited at the intersection for him.
When he finally showed up, his expression was dark and stormy.
