Deep freeze (part 1)

Prologue 

The global cooling scare had mostly died off. No catastrophic ice age wiped human civilization, even if the average temperatures had plunged by around 30 degrees Fahrenheit .  But the effects on society were to remain. The lowered temperatures had caused a flood of refugees from northern and southern areas to the more temperate equatorial areas. These countries, already dealing with their own internal problems due to lack of infrastructure to deal with the climate change, were overwhelmed with the shift in migration patterns. Millions of northern Europeans were crossing the Mediterranean to reach northern Africa. Similar patterns were seen elsewhere. In the Americas, coyotes were now trafficking into Mexico. The waves of refugees led to a mushrooming of shanty towns around the larger equatorial urban areas, leading to social unrest and ultra nationalist calls. Mexico City was the first to impose martial law to control the migrant population of American and Canadian citizens, heightening tensions with U.S., and leading to military clashes in what was dubbed Rio Grande War. Yet the economic decline in both countries prevented a full blown war.
In Europe things were no better. Russia and the Scandinavian countries became barren wastelands, inhabited by a few survivalists. North African countries declared a non incursion zone around the coast of Africa, which soon led to skirmishes for control of the Mediterranean. Meanwhile refugee camps grew along the southern coasts of Spain, France, Italy and the Balkans.
Other areas fared better in the midst of crisis. England saw a significant population decrease, but was able to retain its industrial output, and was even able to increase it through the use of automated robots and computer systems. Coupled with the protection provided by its island geography (and it's sizable Royal Navy), the United Kingdom became one of the leading powers in the new convoluted world. London was the hub of this British Renascence, a city were a select elite (and their servants) lived a life of privileged calm under strict security. And it's in this metropolis where our story begins.

Part one

Today was the day I was getting my first helpless suit, a special day for any girl, as it signaled the blooming of a lady. I was excited to say the least. The suits were made just like all encompassing puffer coats. Quilted in small sections, each section filled with down. The suits were designed to keep the wearer warm, and were worn exclusively by women, since it was widely believed that females were more susceptible to the colder temperatures. While early on during the scare some suits were also quilted with synthetic fibers, now a days only natural down was used. Getting into a suit was a fairly easy affair. Getting out, not so much.

I walked into Ms. Brightwood's stored with Ela, my governess. Ever since mother passed away, father insisted that she accompany me to all such endeavors, for me to have some female influence. We were greeted by Ms. Brightwood herself, as she always liked to take care of first time customers. She was a very elegant lady, dressed herself in a brown helpless suit. She led me to the back fitting room, where my suit was already hanging, still covered by a garment bag. One of Ms. Brightwood's assistants entered the fitting room, she was dressed in a typical servant uniform dress, similar to Ela's, a long plain woolen dress in dark gray, with a high neck and long sleeves. The assistant stripped me down to my under wear, and took away my regular clothes. It was early fall, so I was just wearing jeans, a thin turtleneck sweater, and light down jacket.
The suit was in black, very classic, with gold toned hardware. In a single piece it combined a long hooded coat, reaching below the knees, with quilted pants. I had seen plenty of ladies in the street wearing similar suits, however, looking at "my" first suit, it looked thicker, heavier, a bit intimidating. As usual with all suits, integrated boots and gloves completed the suit. The integrated boots were done in same quilted material, and sported a small yet smart wedge heel, 2.5 inches. The insides of the shoe portion were thickly padded, both the sole and the inside of the vamp. All suits had what was called an apron, the long part of the integrated coat, hanging below the waist and reaching below the knees. The apron was fully fully closed with the front zipper, but had a kick pleat on the back to allow walking. Elastic sections around the waist and a belt gave the otherwise puffy garment a feminine shape. Of course the belt had another purpose.
As I was helped into the suit I could feel the smooth lining caressing my skin. The quality of the luxurious workmanship was evident, the fit was surprisingly comfortable and flattering. It was like a soft and warm hug. My feet felt warm and cuddled inside of the thickly padded boots. No more cold feet for me! Ms. Brightwood started zipping up my suit and snapping the flap into place, my hands were pushed into the integrated gloves. Finally, the thick puffy neck of the suit closed, with a muted but ominous click.
"There you are, you look like a real lady. All locked up and ready to go. I'll give the keys to your governess," said Ms. Brightwood. "...Hold on... I almost forgot to do up your belt. You have such a nice waist you almost don't need the belt... But I can't let you go around all loose, can I?" A quick tug of the belt and another click and I was really in my first suit. The belt did give the suit a nice silhouette, but it felt a bit overkill. The belt itself was at least there inches wide and the buckle was quite heavy. The belt was wrapped in scrunched fabric, like belts of some regular coats. However, unlike those belts, this one had no elasticity whatsoever. And while it wasn't tight, I couldn't but feel it was a bit too snug.
Ms. Brightwood led me outside, where Ela was waiting.
"You look great my dear. Ms. Brightwood, would you mind putting up her hood?" Ela ask after seeing me emerge from the fitting room in my suit.
"It's a bit warm today..."
"I just think she should start getting used to it..."

... part 2