Each morning her reflection was brighter, firmer, plumper. After a month, she looked twenty-eight again. She struck a pose for her husband, glowing with pleasure. 
‘What have you done? You look different... good different.' She felt different too, like she wanted a change.

* 
Her eyes fluttered open. His anxious face frowned down at her. ‘You fainted. Your nose was gushing blood.' 
She pushed him away. ‘I'm fine. It's just the Juvewyrm implant.' 
‘Those creepy leeches they found at the bottom of the ocean? I'll take you to hospital. Maybe they can get it out.' 
Her anger was sudden and fierce. ‘I can't believe you want to take this from me!' She slapped him. Five red digits on a pink cheek. 
He gazed at her in disbelief. ‘What the hell's gotten into you, Ruby?' 
* 
The divorce was tough, but she knew it was the right thing to do. It was just the next step in her transformation. She cut her hair and found a new hobby. 
Once a week she met with a group of women who swam in the winter sea. When she was in the water with them, an overwhelming sense of peace came over her. She looked forward to it with a yearning that was almost an ache. In her dreams she swam in the deep, where the sunlight was a memory. 
Today, the green water had never looked so enticing. She danced on her toes as she shed her clothing.