Zoe finally agreed to accompany him outside, but what awaited him in this new world was a shock to his system.
What had previously been a quiet neighbourhood was now swarming with operatives of the new all-women police force. Each officer was tall, and imposing with long shimmering hair cascading down the backs of their tightly tailored uniforms.
Jon instinctively felt himself shrink to his sisters side as they eyed him up and down like a piece of meat. The stark shiny boots of the officers clicked authoritatively on the pavement while his sister strode along nonchalantly in her own gothic leather boots, adding to the cacophony.
As Jon and Zoe rounded the corner, they were surprised to find a new checkpoint blocking their way.
One of the officers, a tall african woman with long tight dreadlocks, stepped forward. "And what do we have here?" she asked as her eyes raked over Jon's appearance.
Zoe simply flashed the officers a confident smile "Just taking my little brother out for a stroll,"
The officers shared a look, a smirk passing between them as if they were in on the joke. One of them chuckled, nodding at Jon. "Smile darling. It's a shame to see a boy looking so dishevelled. Maybe some new attire is in order?" The woman stated plainly, eyeing his shabby sneakers and jeans with disdain.
Jon felt a flush of embarrassment creep up his neck, with the awkward realisation that his appearance was now a matter of public discussion.
But before he could respond, Zoe let out a little chuckle and casually patted his head. "Could be fun" she quipped back.
The officers stepped aside, allowing them to pass through the checkpoint, but not without one last scrutinizing glance at Jon.
As they moved beyond the officers' gaze, Jon couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and lingering unease.
The exchange had been brief, but it was a potent reminder of his new status in this altered society.
Meanwhile, over at Karyn's house, she was watching events unfold with glee.
"Oh Jonny boy, welcome to my new world" she mused to herself, watching as Jon came into view from her bedroom window.
