Amelie Leroy

Himmerfjord froze in pre-New Year's anticipation when he walked in dressed as Santa with a large box in his hands.

"Surprise! We're celebrating the holiday in costumes!" he announced joyfully.

Amelie untied the ribbon. A short black maid's dress with a lace apron lay on the silk paper.

"Do you want me to wear this?" Her voice became quiet and even.

"It's going to be fun! I'm Santa, you're my helper!"

"Get out of the suit. Now."

He hesitated, but under her steely gaze he obediently took off his red and white outfit.

"Now put this on. You," Amelie handed him the dress.

“I won’t!” he tried to resist.

"You brought this costume. You think it's funny. Try your prank on yourself."

Gritting his teeth, he donned the humiliating outfit. Amelie tied his hands behind his back with a garland.

"You only see lace," she said, coming closer. "To you, it's a joke. To me, it's a reminder of how, for centuries, women have been dressed to suit the whims of others. This costume is about power. And today, I have it."

Putting on his Santa hat, she turned to the window, where a magical winter city shimmered. He stood there, bound, finally beginning to understand the depth of his mistake.