Fat Camp (part 1)

"We're sending you to a weight loss program over the summer. You're leaving tomorrow afternoon." Olivia and her parents had been having dinner as usual, when Olivia's calmly interrupted the silence.
"I'm not going to some useless fat camp again. I've been there and it makes no difference. I'm fine just like I am." Olivia had always been overweight, mostly due to overeating as a form of rebellion.
"You're going, no questions about it."
"I'm 18, I'm an adult you can't make me."
"We can't really make you. But you either go to the camp, or you can move out tomorrow." Olivia's mother, Elizabeth interjected.
"Is this because I didn't get accepted into any university?"
"That, and your criminal record of petty and not so petty crimes, which for sake of brevity I will not list. And your total disregard for any rules in this house, and your total disregard for your own well being."
"The drug charges were not my fault, they were Leslie's! I don't do drugs!"
"Yes we know you don't do drugs, we have tested you plenty of times, but you still hang around with the wrong crowd. The bottom line is you're going."
"It's not like it's going to make a difference. It'll be like all of the other ones."
"Ohhh this one will be different, you can be sure of that." Margaret finished, as she stood up and removed Olivia's plate.

The next day, Olivia got in the car, expecting the usual drive to the fat camp in a boring idyllic village in the middle of nowhere. Olivia was most surprised when they instead arrived at Heathrow airport.
"What are we doing here? Where are we going?"
"We're not going anywhere. You on the other hand, are going to a very special place. Now let's hurry, your plane leaves soon."
Olivia was handed her passport and a boarding pass for Islamabad, Pakistan.
"Pakistan? You're sending me to Pakistan?"
"Yes, Olivia. This very special program is only available there. Plus, it won't be easy for you to escape from this one." At this point Margaret was physically dragging Olivia to the security line.
"You can't make go there!"
"You're right, we can't. But you already know, if you don't go, you'll have to move out right now."
Olivia, scared but without options, moved along. At the entrance of the security line, an airline employee was waiting to "accompany" Olivia to the plane. The flight was long and tiring, just over 8 hours. Reaching Islamabad Olivia was feeling disoriented, but there was another surprise.
Right outside the gate, there was another airline employee waiting to walk her through immigration and customs. Olivia was feeling pampered since the airline employee was guiding her through the priority lines. Olivia was still worried about what was going on, but she still felt that she would be able to handle this "camp" like all of the previous ones. She would find a way to sneak around and find out create some mischief as usual.
She was led to domestic terminal, and ushered into a small prop plane. She barely had a chance to see in the screen where the plane was headed: Skardu, Pakistan.

The plane was a small prop airplane, and it shook, rolled, and vibrated horribly during the short flight. Olivia was sitting at the window, but barely had a chance to look at the imposing mountains just outside. Olivia took a deep long breath when the plane touched down. She was glad the flight was over, but was starting to worry. Stepping out of the plane the chilly mountain air was a nice welcome. Also there to welcome her was a women covered head to toe in black, holding a sign with her name. Olivia kept staring at most women in the airport, who were dressed in a similar way. The women guided her to pick up her bag and then onto the back of a waiting van. Olivia was tired from the long trip, but at least she managed to enjoy the view. The pleasant green fields broken by tall rugged mountains. They drove, mostly uphill, for a good three hours. On reaching their destination it was dark. A small sign hung outside the gate read "Skardu Discipline Camp for Girls".
Olivia was quickly taken to her room. No one could be seen in the dark of night. She quickly feel asleep after a quick and simple meal, after a really long day.

Olivia was summarily woken up by one of the maids. Ms Gadai stood next to her, watching intensely. Both of them were dressed in all black flowing robes. The maid had her face exposed, but Ms. Gadai had only a tiny slit through which her eyes were visible.
"Welcome, Olivia. I'm Ms. Gadai, proprietor of this establishment, and I'll be overseeing your first day here at the camp. Azra will help you finish get dressed."
Olivia looked at herself, she was wearing a large blue down filled garment. It was a one piece suit, and included a hood, leaving only her face, hands and feet were free.
"What is this thing that I'm wearing? How do I take it off? It's ridiculous, I'm not wearing this in the middle of summer." She tried to fumble with the zippers.
"Yes you are. This is your fat suit, and it's crucial for your weight loss regime. All of the girls here wear them."
"But it's summer! I'll be sweating like like crazy. I'm already sweating in this thing!"
"You will sweat, that is part of your weight loss regime here at the camp. Your undergarments are designed with that in mind. You are wearing wool undergarments that will wick your sweat away. The will be changed regularly throughout the day. Yes, the suit is very uncomfortable. We know that, so don't try to elicit any kind of sympathy. It's your own fault you ended were you are. But here we'll take care of your lack of discipline. Cooperate, follow the regime, and you'll be out of your fat suit in due time. Now I'll recommend you behave or you'll find yourself in bigger predicaments."
With her hands covered in woolen gloves, Olivia finally found the zipper to her suit, but she also found the lock keeping it closed. The lock engaged the slider of the heavy duty zipper of the suit and both ends of a chain. The hood had a chain instead of a drawstring to keep it in place. The locked hood was held tight around her head, leaving only her face visible. Olivia struggled, but neither the zipper not the chain were budging.
"Stop that. Believe me, you won't get far. The outside of the fat suit is made of a very strong Nylon Cordura. You're not the first camper to try to tamper with your suit " Ms. Gadai scolded Olivia. "Your best chance is to cooperate."
Azra took a pair of black, heavily quilted snow boots and put them on Olivia's feet.
A long black garment was taken out of a bag.
"We're still not done, your abaya is next."
The long robe was put over Olivia's body, completely hiding the down suit, except for the hood. The abaya was made of light cotton, cut in a very loose fitting pattern. A black tight fitting coif was wrapped around Olivia's head, covering the hood of the down suit. A long headscarf was then wrapped around the coif, leaving only the face visible. Black gloves reaching to the elbows in the same thin cotton completed the outfit, making Olivia look exactly like Azra.
Before Olivia had any chance to react, she was led out of her room by Azra. It was the first time Olivia had of admiring the tall mountains, half covered with green trees and topped by rocky cliffs. It was a sight she had never seen in England.
Ms. Gadai followed then closely. "Well well, you're now ready for your first day of camp. You'll begin with your morning march."

... part 2

Retail therapy

Going shopping with my girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon is not generally something that I look forward to. However, as it was the beginning of fall, the winter clothing collections were already being put in display. You see, I have a thing with thick long down coats, which this time of the year were appearing in stores. At least I could look at the displays as my girlfriend tries on top after top, asking for my opinion for each one, yet ignoring it every single time.
I was really surprised when upon entering the department store, Erin stopped in front of the coats section. She passed the more formal wool clothes, the fake fur coats, and ski jackets, going directly to display of long down coats.
I was ecstatic when I saw she was perusing the thicker long down coats. The type of coat that she would always, much to my chagrin,  refuse to get for herself, even for the most frigid days. They were not cute enough according to her.
One of the sales attendants approached us: "Erin, how are you? Great to see you. How can I help you today?" So Erin was such a regular that the sales attendant knew her on a first name basis... Not something that I would like to know about the girl I was soon  to propose.
"Hi Jackie, I'm looking for a long down coat. Something really warm for those cold windy days."
"Humm... Let me see."
I tried not to seem too eager as Jackie was shifting through the different coats.
"We have this maxi down puffy coat. It has a very elegant long length. It comes down just below your knees. Wear it with knee high boots and you'll be super cozy. It's very heavy weight, I would say it's the warmest coat we have in stock." It was truly something, long and thick, with a big hood. I tried to remain calm, but was already imagining Erin wearing such a nice thick coat.
"Humm, it does look nice and warm."
"Yes, the stretchy belt will show your silhouette. And the faux fur trim on the hood and the cuffs give it a very cozy feminine feeling." Jackie replied. The coat was definitely feminine. All of the hardware was gold toned, the zippers, the snaps, and also the metallic badge with the designers logo, sewn onto the upper sleeve. It also had epaulettes on the shoulders, giving it an air of military elegance.
"So what size do you need? Medium?"
"I think he's a large." What?
"Sure thing, I'll be right back."
I tried to mumble something, but didn't even know what to say.
"Don't give those eyes. I know what you like. I've seen you stare at the displays. I've seen you stare at women wearing coats like this. Plus you're always complaining how your legs get cold when waiting for the train or bus, and there are no long coats for men. I know you're too shy to get one yourself, but today I'm going to help you pick your long thick down coat."
Jacket arrived carrying the large brown feather and down garment. She opened the coat, and started sliding my arm into one of the sleeves. I immediately pulled away, mostly an involuntary reaction out of embarrassment.
Erin grabbed my arm and whispered into my ear.
"If you resist, you're going home alone. Understand?" Erin asked, with a dominant tone I had never heard in her voice. I nodded. Without releasing my arm, Erin proceeded to slip my other arm into the sleeve of the coat. Jackie took the zipper and closed it all the way up. The stand up collar was snug and cozy, reaching all the way to my chin. She fished closing the snaps on the placard covering the zipper, and buckling the belt. I was frozen. I could feel my face getting red. I wanted to run my hands over the thick quilting of the coat, but I restrained myself. The coat was form fitting, but my frame was slight enough that it wasn't too tight. Between my embarrassment and the heavy weight of the coat, I could tell it was extremely warm. Wearing a coat like this for the first time was quite an experience.
Erin asked me to turn around so that she could see how it fitted me.
"Just was I was looking for. But I'm sure you want to see for yourself." She grabbed my arm and dragged me in front of one of the mirrors. I kept my head down, trying to avoid eye contact with anybody saying.
"So what do you think?"
I looked in the mirror, but couldn't get my self to say anything. The coat was gorgeous, but the image looked bizarre to me.
"Come on, I'm pretty sure this is what you wanted. You can be more expressive. Now go ahead, run your hand and feel the material, feel how cozy and warm it is."
I tried to remain still, but the temptation soon became too much. It was warm and plush. A fantastic feeling, but still a mix of humiliation and excitement. I dared not look around, fearing people would be looking at me.
Erin came behind my back and put up my hood.
"Much better," she says. The hood was nice and thick, with the faux fur trim limiting my vision. I tried to move, feeling the weight of the huge coat, feeling the snugness of the down material against my arms. Feeling my legs trapped by the length of the coat.
Then Erin snapped her fingers in front of my face, and I came out of it.
"I guess that means a yes! I know you're enjoying the coat, but you'll have plenty of chances to wear it soon enough. Plus it's not cheap, so you better make good use of it. Let's go to the cashier." I took of the coat, which is not as simple given how long it was. I looked around and saw that nobody was staring, at least not currently. I wrapped the coat around my arm and headed to the checkout line. Walking out with coat neatly folded in a large shopping bag, I wondered if people knew what I had just bought. But more importantly, I wondered when Erin would have me wear it. I was sure this was only the beginning. But the beginning of what? But one thing was certain, I knew what Erin was getting for Christmas. After all, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

A quick detour, and what this blog is about

What motivates me to write? I decided to start writing to keep a record of the things that interest me. Those things have changed through the ages, but the same themes keep recurring over and over.  Of course I also appreciate the opportunity of getting feedback regarding what I write.
So what interests me in general? For the most part I am attracted to confining clothing. Fashion that goes too far and restricts the wearer. Heavy coats that are cozy, but too tight, too heavy, or too voluminous. High heel boots that dictate the stance and stride of the wearer. Corsets, bustles, crinolines, heavy and cumbersome hats. A lot of these themes are particular to wintertime clothing, which tends to be more restrictive and onerous. But at the end, it's about the blurred line between fashion and bondage. And of course what motivates people into these kinds of fashion (willingly or unwillingly).
I'll keep posting as the inspiration surfaces, and hopefully some of you will enjoy some of my writings. I'll also try to find some more ways to advertise my stories and hopefully reach more people.

Deep freeze (part 7)

After an uncomfortable ride home in the tight and unforgiving straitsuit, I started to not fight the suit. There was nothing to gain, and I could do little more than squirm inside my tight bonds . Ela took me to my room, I was resigned to whatever fate may come my way. I imagined she would further tighten my already crushing sleeves. I even felt her grabbing the locked buckle that ensured my bondage, she was testing its tension. I just stood there, as still as possible. Suddenly I felt her lightly hugging me from behind.
"If you promise to behave, I'll let you change into your regular suit. I know you've been trough a lot. I still feel that your heavier suits do help to calm you down when you become agitated, but I really want you to feel as comfortable as possible. Tomorrow is the funeral, and if you promise to be good you won't be forced to wear the straitsuit." I nodded.
Getting released from the straitsuit was a great relief, but I knew that making the wrong move would soon get me locked in again.
"You can go to sleep wearing your inner suit. It will get cold tonight."
Funeral came and went like a whirlwind, for the most part I did not recognize the people that came to show their condolences, but it was nice to see my friends there. I assume most were dad's coworkers. 
Ela had me wear a new black winter outer suit that I didn't even know had been ordered for me. Despite its bulk, I was glad I was not locked in the straitsuit. I looked bad enough crying my eyes out. However, once we returned home, after the all of the fuzz had passed, it felt really quiet at home. I felt alone. I sat alone in my room. I called Jane, but really neither one of us had a lot to say. It was a short call. I called Leigh, and she was much more sympathetic, but couldn't bring up my spirits. Little by little I fell asleep. I had a restless asleep, waking up disoriented and crying. I started to panic. In no time at all Mary and Ela had me locked up in my straitsuit. Mary returned with my black cape, and started to put it around me, but Ela stopped her.
"She's had enough for one day. The straitsuit, as it is, should help her calm down."
I continued to cry, until I fell asleep again. When I woke up, and Ela was sitting in chair near my bed. I was dark, so I couldn't see well, but I imagined she was asleep. I was sweating, but otherwise not too uncomfortable. I shifted my weight around, as much as my down prison would permit, and quickly fell asleep again.
The next morning, Ela helped me out of my straitsuit, and into a regular suit. It was nice to be able to regain the use of my arms. I was served a light breakfast, and I realized I hadn't eaten since yesterday's breakfast before the funeral.
"My dear, I was so sorry we had to use the straitsuit last night, but we were afraid you would harm yourself. I'm here by your side, if you need to talk."
I wanted to talk, but didn't know what to say. I want to scream, but didn't have the strength. I wanted to kick off the cumbersome suit that was confining me, but I knew I would just end up in some thing worse. Without a word I went back to my room.  There lying in my room I caught a glance of a small booklet inside one of the massive garment bags that held my suits.

Ms. Brightwood's professional advice to guardians of young ladies regarding the proper application of the helpless suit regime.
The suit is designed to protect the trainee, whether a young girl or a proper lady. This protection is on a physical level, due to the materials that will shield the trainee from the harsh elements. However, the suit also has a powerful and vital mental element, which helps protect the trainee from unladylike behaviors, instilling a sense of modesty and submission  and preventing undue physical activity. In order to ensure proper protection, the suit must be applied appropriately, all day, every day.
The prospect of wearing a strict helpless suit year in and year out will seem daunting to most girls, no matter how well the benefits of the regime have been advocated. Therefore consistency is of outmost importance. Ideally the girl will be kept in a suit constantly , day and night, day in and day out. Undoubtedly, the young lady will find this restricting and irksome, and will try to rebel. Constant wear will allow the wearer to get used to the suit and in no time will be become resigned and stop rebelling. In order to allow proper constant wear, it's important ensure that the girl has the appropriate wardrobe of suits for the different situations she will encounter. As a minimum, this wardrobe must contain:
Two regular day suits, to be worn regularly during the temperate months of the year.
Two under suits. To be worn during winter under a winner over suit. During the cold nights of winter the under suits can be used during sleep.
One winter over suit, to be worn during colder days.
Two sleep suits, to be worn during sleep during the temperate months.
One correction suit, even for ladies exhibiting willingness to submit to the regime imposed on them.
One formal suit, for special occasions.
Additional suits are appropriate depending on the social commitments of the lady. All suits must be fabricated according to the regulations of the Ministry of Modesty. Trainees and their guardians risk penalties if a trainee is found by the Modesty Police without a Ministry approved suit. Similar penalties exist for cases in which the suit is not properly applied. Proper discipline is, therefore, a matter of law.
Guardians must ensure that the suit is properly applied at all time.  All zippers in modern suits are designed to automatically lock once they reach their fully engaged position, providing great convenience in enforcing the regime. Once locked, only the key holder can grant respite to the lady contained in the suit.
It must be insisted the hoods be worn whenever outside. Indoor hood wearing is left to the discretion of the guardians, as the added nuisance might encourage submissiveness, and prove to be beneficial in the discipline regime. The added heat and more limited sight will certainly help prevent any physical activity inappropriate for a lady.
Now let's examine the reactions of the young lady once first placed in a helpless suit. Once the suit has been properly applied, the trainee will be limited by the design and cut of the suit. All regulation helpless suits are cut close to the body, so that the lady can't move independently of her garment. The sleeves of the suit are cut so that arms can't be lifted above the shoulders. Therefore ladies need the help of their guardians of servants to reach high places. All suits have integrated gloves (or mittens in more severe cases). These gloves cannot be removed, and reduce the fine motor skills of the wearer, preventing activities unbecoming of the lady. Also, the skirt of all the suits is snug enough around the legs to prevent unladylike long steps. Some suits might provide a walking slit that can be unzipped (with the proper key) to ease the restriction. 
The suit has not only a physical effect on the trainee, but also a psychological one. Therefore there will be reaction to these effects. She will resent her loss of freedom. The fact that the garment she is wearing is out of her control will cause resentment in all but the submissive girls. The loss of control and having to rely on others for even basic activities will have an unsettling effect on the trainee. The fact that here she can't remove her garments on her own whim, will intensify some of her negative feelings. Her boots will seem tighter, her heels more  pronounced, her arms more encumbered, and her apron more binding. She will sometimes feel the suit to be unbearable, despite fitting perfectly to her measurements. Even the most disciplined trainee will hold some level of resentment to the restrictions imposed by the suit.
Ladies subjected to a suit wearing regime might at times become restless in their suits and the accompanying restrictions of dressing like a lady, and plead, sometimes in cunning ways, for some respite from the suit. Guardians must refuse any such requests, and remember that the best way quell this restlessness is to adhere to the daily routine already established. The suit itself will soon instill a sense a submission, after which the lady will accept her fate, and any rebellious outbursts will cease. Soon after, the lady will become dependent on her suit, and feel incomplete without a well fitting suit. At that point the lady will eagerly request to be locked onto her suit, willing to submit to the inhering restrictions, in order to feel properly attired. The suit will become an irksome and restrictive necessity. Even after the urge to gain a little release by undoing a snap or lowering a zipper has subsided, it is imperative to still maintain the regime of locking all zippers and other fasteners.
In practical terms, the suit should always be completely closed, using the provided zippers.
While suits daily suits are designed to be as to not cause undue discomfort while  accomplishing the desired effects, the same cannot be said about correction garments. Correction garments are created with the purpose of preventing unladylike behavior. This can be achieved can be achieved in two main ways:
By actually imposing the garment when an offense has occurred, therefore deterring future occurrences.
By instilling the fear of a possible punishment, therefore preventing offenses.
It's vital to keep a clean separation between daily wear and correction garments. The correction garment should never be imposed without a clear violation, and as such any transgressions should be duly followed by the corresponding correction. The proper and strict application of correction garments, with all the burden it imposes on wearer, will be enough to subdue even the most headstrong trainee. The initial fear of having a correction garment fitted will undoubtedly lead to fits of hysteria and crying. The lady under correction will plead to correct any undue behavior in order to secure quicker release. This must be avoided in all circumstances. All corrections, regardless of how harsh, must be carried out to terms. Guardians must remember that while the lady in the correction suit might not be entirely comfortable, she is not in any sort of agonizing pain.  
For more information see the brochure "Ms Brightwood's complete line of corrective apparel for young ladies".

This regime is a privilege, afforded to only a select number of girls, and the subject must be taught to appreciate and embrace this practice. It must be emphasized that the slight discomfort endured while wearing a suit better prepares the lady for her duties in society, and will get her in short notice the proper respect for the authorities in her life. The final result will be a charming, disciplined, compliant, and demure lady that will be a credit to her guardian.

Deep freeze (part 6)

... part 5
After waiting half an hour or more in the lobby of the shop, Ms. Brightwood finally emerged from the back office and excused herself
"Ashley, I'm so sorry. My most sincere condolences. I'm so sorry for the delay, we have been rushing as much as possible" She hugged me, and while I didn't doubt her sincerity, the whole scene felt unsettling. Mary helped me stand, as I was still encumbered by the heavy winter suit and the suffocatingly tight cape, plus I was also feeling a bit sore from having spent the night restrained in the heavy winter suit and the tight cape.
I was led into one of the back fitting rooms and my cape and winter suit removed. I was left wearing only my inner suit. I thought it was weird how good it felt to be only wearing my inner suit, even thought it covered me from head to toe. Would I ever get used to the sweltering encumbrance of my suits? Any way, I knew my respite would last very little. A big black mess was brought out by one of the attendants. I watched as the garment was untangled in front of me. I imagined what it was, but I was still in denial. Once the abomination was wide open I was forced inside its confines. First my feet were placed in the integrated boots, which felt similar to my winter suit. My arms were slid inside the sleeves, and they quickly began pulling the suit over my shoulders. My arms, encased in the relatively thin inner suit, slid easily into the thick suit, however a quirky feeling that the sleeves were too long confirmed my dreadful suspicion. I felt as if the sleeves went on and on forever. No mitten or any indication that these were the sleeves of a regular suit. Instinctively I started to try to grab through the thick material. A desperate and useless reflex to try to regain some of the mobility I felt was slipping away from me as they started to close the suit around me. I looked down and the straps dangling from the super long sleeves made it evident. they were locking me up in a straitsuit! The sleeves were not only thickly padded, but much stiffer than my regular winter suit. Even though it looked similar, this suit was built significantly different than the winter suit I had been wearing when I came in. It seemed to have an extra inner layer that made it stiffer. I could barely flex my fingers, and couldn't grab anything. Even if the zipper in my suit didn't lock, I was sure I would be unable to undo it by myself. The suit felt more constrained, leaving me no wiggle room inside to try to pull out my arms.
They began to cross my arms over my chest, just below my budding breasts. I saw that one of the straps had a complicated buckle, the other was a simple strap with metal eyelets. The straps where threaded through loops of fabric at the sides of my suit. Then I felt how the two straps were joined behind my back. I could instantly feel how constraining the suit was. I couldn't even struggle by moving my arms up and down due to side loops. And they hadn't even tightened the straps.
I just stood there, feeling defeated, even though I didn't have the strength to resist as they were locking me in. This was far from a regular article of clothing that you wear. The straitsuit is something you are put into and trapped inside.
"This is going to feel a bit tight." The assistant whispered in my ear, and I began to shiver in fear. The assistant pushed my elbows together, as Ms. Brightwood pulled the slack on the straps. My arms felt crushed against my chest. They waited until I exhaled, and pulled again.
"We're almost there." I began to cry.
They waited until I exhaled again, and pulled again and took the last bit of slack from my arms.
How much tighter could they make it?
"This should do for know," Ms. Brightwood declared, and I felt a faint relief. But it was tight. I heard a strong click. I was locked in, with no hope of release except by the key holder.
"Let her recover a bit, I'll look over her." The assistant exited the room and I was left with Ms. Brightwood. I was a mess. Crying behind my inner suit. My sobbing muffled by layer after layer. My arms pinned behind my back. Then Ms. Brightwood started talking...

"Try not to fight the straitsuit. This suit not
only binds your body, but also your mind. The sooner you realize the limits of your bonds the sooner you'll start to relax. It will be much better after that. The less you struggle, the less confining it will feel."
I was just numb, standing in place without being able to move. My arms were held immobile in their puffy but tight sleeves. It felt cozy but claustrophobic at the same time.
"It pains to see you like this. You might think I'm a hypocrite, but believe it or not, working allows me a certain amount of freedom I wouldn't have otherwise. Ever since the ministry got involved in my business, the buyout we received was significant enough that we wouldn't have to worry about money. However I was still able to keep my position here. My husband was always kind of a dead beat, so he didn't mind the extra income I was bringing in. However he did take advantage of the guardianship law, and applied based on the fact that I already owned several suits. So it went through and he received the guardianship. That means I'm basically at his mercy. It might seem hypocritical, that I'm here complaining while at the same time creating restrictive suits for young ladies like you. But if I didn't some one else would. And I would spend most of my time in worst restraint than you can imagine. I already do so during the nights and weekends. My husband will lock me up in a winter suit like yours, then add a full length cape, even thicker than a winter suit. My cape has internal sleeves that lock my arms to my sides. By this stage I'm basically completely immobile. However, more often than not, he will also impose on me my mantle. Oh, how I regret that time when I designed and had that infernal garment made. And I did so out of my own will, way before the guardianship was awarded. Back then I still enjoyed the feeling, and always a wanton for extremes, thought that it might be something fun, something to play in. Something to relax in, during cold winter days. That was before the control was taken away from. Then I ended up in the same position as any girl, forced into the regime against their will. Ohhh the irony. Now a days I'm mostly resigned, and use my job to have a little bit of freedom, even if I work weaving the strings of my own misery. My husband says he has a couple of new ideas he wants me to design. I shiver just thinking how much more restriction I will be forced to endure. "
Ms. Brightwood put my hood up, which fortunately yielded no surprises, it was just as thick and burdensome as the one in my winter suit. She held me by the arm and led me outside where Ela and Mary where waiting for me. They already had large bag, which I preferred not to ask what it contained.
"She's ready to go. She's still getting used to it, but after a few hours the arm strap can be further tightened. Just make sure it's not too tight. If her arms are held fast around her torso and she can't wiggle her arms around, then the suit is properly adjusted."
Ela stepped up and examined my suit, front and back. She tugged at the strap, and tried to wiggle my arms. Ela seemed satisfied by my immobilization. She opened the bad that was resting by Mary's feet and removed a black cape.
"We also decided that you should have your own cape, so that Mary can have hers back."
Ela wrapped the cape around me, and put up both of my hoods. I can't say I felt more restricted, since the straitsuit didn't leave much room, but it was heavy, and I'm sure it would get hot. I felt like resting on a soft mattress, and being covered with soft pillows... and having an elephant sleeping on top of the pillows.
Ela grabbed my arm and led me towards the door.
"By the way, remember that her kick pleat is completely open. If fully closed, she won't be able to walk at all."
Then I knew how things could get worse.

Deep freeze (part 5)

The news came as a shock, even today I have trouble believing it happened to me. I was home one afternoon talking on the phone with Leigh (gossiping basically) when Ela came into my room and with a stern voice asked me to finish the call and sit down. I quickly hung up and sat down, from that moment on I knew the news were not good. A well dress man I had never seen came in the room.
He looked at me and slowly spoke. "Miss, I'm so sorry to inform you about the tragic..." I do not remember much more after. I fainted, and when I woke up I was lying on my bed. Ela was sitting by side. Father had been killed in a protest that had turned violent in one of his business trips to Africa. It wasn't unheard of, but it was something I never though would hit this close to my sheltered reality.
Ela started softly caressing my head. She started to say something to try comfort me, but I could only cry. I was despondent, and my sadness turned to hysterics. I don't remember exactly what happened next, but I do know I lost control and began wailing around. Ela tried to control me, but unable to control me, she summoned someone that had been waiting outside my room.  Between Ela and this young girl I had never seen, they were able to subdue me in my wild behavior, and wrapped me in the thick comforter of my bed to bring me under control. While Ela held me down, the new girl went out of the room, and came back with some large bundles, which I could not distinguish from where I was lying in my bed.
"Ashley, I can't even begin to understand the pain you're going through, but you need to calm down." As she kept talking and trying to soothe me, my crying subsided into a sob. They began to unwrap the thick down comforter from around me, and I began to feel a bit better. But in an instant I saw Ela and her helper girl spring to my side and in a flash grab me arms.
"This is for your own good," Ela said.
They quickly unlocked my brown day suit and expertly peeled it off me.
"Please cooperate, it'll be easier for all of us."
They extended the dreaded inner suit and slipped me into it without even lifting me from my bed. I started to panic and cry in hysteria as my face was stuffed inside the full face hood and the zipper was locked in the back.
The thick winter suit was next, and in no time I was locked tight inside. I could hardly move, but I tried to protest anyhow. Ela just pushed me hard into the bed, as the other girl wrapped something brown around my body. I felt a zipper close, and soon my arms were pinned to my side, and legs were tangled together under so many layers of thick padding. Yet another hood was placed over my head. This brought the hood of my winter suit even lower. I could bare see out of my hoods.
"Mary was kind enough to lend us this cape. It's a bit small for you but it will do for now. Now my dear, I need you to calm down." Ela left the room and came back with a cup of water.
"Drink a bit, tomorrow you will feel better. You need to rest, but I'll be your side."
I drank some of the water and tried to calm down. There was no point in fighting my confining clothing, it was too much and too tight. I wanted to claw and crawl my way out of my restraints, yet knowing that it was impossible brought me a bit of calm. Ela took the comforter and tucked me. I could hardly move without the comforter, but Ela was always thorough. She took a scarf and wrapped it around my faces, blinding me. In this state I sleep a bit, waking up crying several times. Every time Ela would start caressing me through the many layers I was wrapped in, until I fell sleep again. I can't say I slept comfortable trussed up as I was, but at least I slept.
The next morning things were a bit less foggy, but I was still in shock. The man who had visited us was one of father's managers. As a employee, father had a very significant life insurance policy, but since he died in the job I would be entitled to a partial pension. They will also take care of repatriating the body, as well as the funeral arrangements. As Ela was my guardian, she would handle most of the remaining issues, and would remain my guardian, paid by a trust set up by father's estate. Given the new situation, Ela had hired a new girl, Mary, to help her around the house and with me. Several men passed by the house the next day. There were lots of little details, most of which were handled by others, as I was still bound by the Guardianship Law. I just sat there, still crying, still in my winter suit. At one point I started to have another panic attack, so Ela instructed Mary to take back to my room. In my room Mary took the down cape and fastened it around me. It was hot and tight, but I knew there was no point in resisting. She left me alone to calm to down a bit.
Ela and Mary came into my room and without saying a word led me out to a waiting taxi. I had lost track of time, but it was already dark. I can't say I was surprised when we arrived at Ms. Brightwood's shop. An attendant welcomed and let us into the deserted showroom. She politely expressed her condolences and then disappeared out the back. I just waited in silence trying to control my sobbing, held mostly immobile under the tight undersuit, the super thick winter suit, and the too tight cape. I was sweating sealed in my sweltering clothing, but I knew that struggling would just make me hotter and more uncomfortable.  I preferred not to ask why we were there, but it did surprise me that it took a long time for Ms. Brightwood to see us.
... part 6

Deep freeze (part 4)

...part 3
My first winter suit left me terrified when I laid eyes on it for the first time. Ela took me  to the shops without telling me why, which increased my suspicion. By the time we got to the shop, suspicion was turning into dread. I was welcomed by Ms. Brightwood. She preferred fitting girls that were getting their first full winter suit. I had seen a few ladies on the streets wearing winter suits, but until now I never fully understood what that entailed.
The suit was composed of two parts. The first part was the inner suit, which functions as underwear. It was very plain, just plain nylon, covering from head to toe, including attached gloves and soft booties. It had a full face hood, having only two small slits for the eyes, two tiny holes for breathing, and a small round hole at the mouth, big enough to fit a straw but not much else. It had a rear entry zipper going from the crown of the head to the waist. Another zipper went around the crotch area. This zipper allowed the girl trapped inside to do her bodily functions without being released from her down prison. Both zippers locked in the back, using different keys. I was told to undress completely, even removing my bra and underwear, the inner suit is worn directly next to the skin. Ms. Brightwood started putting the horrible garment on me, first the legs, then the arms. By the time Ms. Brightwood started pushing my head into the full face hood, tears were running down my cheeks.
Ms. Brightwood tried to calm me. "My dear, try to calm down, it might not be pleasant in the beginning, but you will get used to it in time. We all do. Believe me, Ashley, I've worn one and it's not as bad as it seems."
I could only reply with my now muffled sobs. I looked at my self in the mirror, and I could hardly think that alien figure was me. I had been reduced to a shadow, encased in thick featureless down.
My vision was severely limited by the thin slits present in the mask. My hearing was limited. I could not touch or be touched. I could see the world through the eye slits, but I was in a different place, my own portable prison from which there is no way for me to escape. The inner suit was very snug, I could feel elastic around my chest, holding tight the integrated foam bra cups sewn into the suit.
"Do you want me to let you settle into your inner suit first? Or do you want to try your outer suit right now?"
The outer suit looked similar to my first regular suit, however in a dark brown color that Ela had chosen. However, as I expected, it was thicker, heavier, more intimidating. Was I going to be locked inside that? We'll, the answer was obvious. This is what I had "wanted", before I really knew what it was and how things would unravel.
It was obvious that Ms Brightwood was struggling to remove the suit from its bag. It was that heavy. Once the front zipper was opened, Ms Brightwood signaled me to come forward. She started easing my left foot into the outer suit, all the way into the integrated boot. The outer fabric of my under suit slid easily against the smooth lining of the outer suit. The integrated boots were significantly larger than the ones in my other suits, to account for the extra padding of the under suit's booties as opposed to bare skin. Walking in the suit proved to be quite challenging, due the increased width and weight of my new boots. Also, because of the thickness of the two suits, flexing my ankles and knees was harder, making me walk stiffly. I felt as if my feet were encased in concrete blocks! The apron of the suit was much longer than in my other suits reaching all the way down to my ankles. It also felt tighter, but that could have been just caused by the bulk of the three layers, the under suit, the pants off the outer suit, and the apron. At this point I was just glad that Ms. Brightwood left my kick pleat unzipped.
The outer suit was made of three layers. The outer layer is made of rough nylon material, water and wind proof, quilted with a thin layer of insulation. They innermost layer is made of soft silky material, also quilted with a thin layer of cotton batting. The purpose of the quilting of the outer and inner layers is not to provide warmth to the wearer, but rather to protect the middle layer, which is composed of very thick chambers of fabric filled with down. Instead of gloves, the outer suit had attached mittens. A heavy duty zipper at the cuff secured the sleeve of the suit, and ensured that I wouldn't be able to pull out my hands. Not that there was any wiggle room inside the suit, it was a snug fit. Between the gloves of my under suit and the outer mittens, my hands were mostly useless. But a true lady is expected to be helpless, so I shouldn't have been surprised.
Once the suit was fully zipped up around me, the feeling was overwhelming. I felt like I was in my own little world, behind a soft but thick wall. When I had seen ladies on the street wearing suits similar to the one I had on, I had thought that they were only using it to brave the extreme cold outside, but now I realized these suits were meant for long term wear. My mobility was severely limited. I could walk, but barely. The boots were so big, each step took a lot of concentration to lift up each boot and move it without hitting the opposite boot. The thickness of the layers also made the suit very confining, the inside soft, yet suffocatingly tight. The sleeves were stiff, and  I could barely move my arms. The fact that it was locked and I had no access to the key  made it feel worse. But thinking it through, even if I had the key, I doubt I would be able to manipulate it with my hands bound inside thick gloves AND mittens. And it was hot! I had just been trapped in the thing for a few minutes and could already feel the heat building in. And completely sealed in the suit except for five tiny holes in the full face hood, the heat had no where to go.
The extra thick hood had two flaps attached, that closed over my face. Once closed the flaps completely covered my mouth, and the hood was pulled down right to my eye brows, barely leaving my nose and eyes free. Of course my whole face was covered by the under suit. The hood itself was thicker than my other suits, probably a good two inches, leaving me with only a tunnel vision. Once the hood was in place, Ela fastened the three heavy duty snaps that held the hood in place. They were solidly locked in place. No respite for me without the key. A key I had never even seen, and surely was tucked away from my reach.
After we left, Ela decided it was a good time to go for a walk for me to get used to my suit. Window shopping, she said. However with my complete lack of peripheral vision I was barely able to see forward to not trip or run into something. With every step my discomfort grew. The weather was chilly out side, but I was still way over dressed and the heat was building up inside my suit. The stiffness of the boots made every step a monumental feat. The weight of my ensemble, coupled with the extra effort needed to move my arms, had my shoulders very sore. After twenty minutes we had just advanced three blocks, I was holding back my tears, sweltering under layers of thick down. Ela had a wide smile. She was enjoying this a lot more that I was.
It took us a good hour to get home. When I got home I was exhausted. Wearing the suit was oppressing, it was hot, tight, bulky, and stiff. I was relieved and surprised that Ela unlocked me shortly after reaching home, and allowed me to change into one of my regular suits. It was surprising how one of my regular suits now felt liberating compared to the winter suit. She took the suit away and I did not see it again for a few days. However, there was a question I couldn't get out of my mind: how much worse can this get?