People forgot about the vortex risk when months go by without
an incident. Men wander far away from shielded areas even though the risks are
well documented: if hit by a vortex, men transformed into women. Alex, like
most men, took no heed of the vortex problem. Out of sight, out of mind.
Alex felt the vortex risk was small and he was right.
Vortexes coming out of space are rare and when they strike only a small number
of men are affected. Alex grew tired of living in the shielded part of his
home. He wanted to take his girlfriend, Beth, out on the town. And so he did.
Alex took Beth to the nightclub and enjoyed an evening of
friends, dance and drink. Alex, Beth and their friends left at closing. In the
parking lot people started looking up at the sky pointing to a blue glowing
light growing larger each second. Someone yelled, “VORTEX!” The men started to
scramble. This part of town has no shielded shelters so the men were defenseless.
Alex knew there was nothing he could do. He held Beth’s hand
and watched as the vortex sped closer. It was clear the vortex was very small
as it approached. It moved so fast it was impossible to calculate a move out of
the way. Alex looked down and closed his eyes. He heard a hum as the vortex
raced by. A gasp went up from the crowd. Alex opened his eyes to see everyone
looking at him, Beth still holding his hands. Alex was the only victim.
Beth hurried Alex home and reported the vortex incident.
Alex was given a new identity immediately. Beth printed out his new papers with
his name: Rhonda. Alex looked at Beth and said, “Will you still love now that I’m
a girl?” Beth smiled and kissed her best friend passionately, then said, “What
do you think?”
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