After two nights of restless sleep, my body is slowly adjusting. I’ve gotten used to not sleeping as deeply or continuously, and I no longer see it as disruptive—it’s just part of the deal.
The Morning: Taking It for Granted
When I got up, something new struck me: I didn’t notice the collar right away. It wasn’t a foreign object I consciously registered anymore, but simply a part of me. Just two days ago, every movement with it was on my mind, but now I barely think about it.
Unexpected Challenges
Despite this habituation, there are still things that bother me. The neck tensions keep cropping up. Another thing that stood out today was the collar’s warmth. It wasn’t an issue in the cool outdoor air, but it turned uncomfortable every time I stepped into a warmer environment.
People Are Staring
The stares are there. I feel them again and again. People look at me longer than usual, as if searching for an explanation. Some notice the collar immediately; their eyes linger on it briefly before moving on—curious, but reserved. No one asks anything.
Is this the special effect I’ve heard about? The unspoken authority that such a symbol is supposed to radiate? Or is it just unfamiliar to them?
And then there are the practical questions suddenly occupying my mind—what happens at the airport if I can’t remove it? Will there be discussions?
Then there’s still that sound. The ring on the collar clinks softly with every movement—sometimes barely noticeable, occasionally clear enough to snap me out of my thoughts. It almost acts like its own echo of my walk, a rhythm slowly weaving into my daily life. It’s still unfamiliar, but maybe one day it’ll feel soothing, a constant background hum that accompanies me without intrusion.
As I slip into latex and balance on ballet heels for the day, the collar feels less like a change and more like the start of a routine—one that’s evolving me in ways I didn’t anticipate.
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