I didn't get far.
I emerged from the cave, leapt over the stream, and ran into the woods. I was in a blind panic. I didn't care, and just went on each time I stumbled or cut my feet on sharp rocks. My clothes had vanished, so I was running naked and barefoot. But the last time I stumbled, I found I couldn't get up.
I just lay there for awhile, struggling for air. It took me a long time to catch my breath. Too long. This body didn't seem out of shape, at least it had looked fit. Either I had much less endurance as a...as a woman, or whatever I was now wasn't as efficient a breather.
I tried to rise again, but I still couldn't. I was too weak. But I'd only run a few hundred feet, and besides there was no way my arms shouldn't have been able to prop me up. I looked at them. They were undeniably thinner, softer, more feminine, but I could still trace the lines of muscle with my fingers. Something was wrong.
I crawled forward, but every inch was harder than the one before it. Soon my breathing became labored again, every intake of air a struggle. I stopped, but this time I couldn't seem to catch my breath. Something was very wrong. My head hurt, and suddenly there were stars popping into my vision.
I don't know where the thought came from, but I knew with a sinking despair that it was the right one. I had to go back.
Slowly, I turned around. I had to crawl at first, but soon I was able to get back on my feet...flippers. Whatever. Every step I took back towards the cave I seemed to grow stronger. The pounding in my head faded. My vision cleared, but still I went on. Drawn forward against my will. Finally, as I knew I would, I found myself back at the pool in the grotto.
I understood now. I can't explain how, but I just knew. I was bound to this pool. I couldn't leave it. At least, not very far. I wouldn't find Karyn. I wouldn't go home. I knew with a terrible certainty that this was my place now. And it would never let me go.
I lay down, curled into a ball, and softly wept.
