The Park

I stepped into the shade of a tree, glancing around. The park was quiet, though there were still people wandering around. I sat down, leaning against said tree and closed my eyes. I reached into my pocket, pulling out a stick of gum, unwrapping it and popping it into my mouth. I began to chew, ad the taste of blueberries filled my mouth. I opened my eyes as I felt a bit bloated, though I assumed it was because of lunch. I glanced down at my hands, and then did a double take.

They were blue.

I was turning blue. I jumped up, checking my entire body. I began to panic as the bloated feeling got worse, and looked down with a sense of finality at my stomach. It ballooned outward, stretching uncomfortably, and I felt incredibly full.

People that were sitting by the pond began to look at me, staring unhelpfully as I swelled. I felt my back expand, knocking me off balance. I staggered, my legs beginning to fill as well, and I vaguely remember making a mental quip about literal thunder thighs.

Then my arms swelled as well, and I fell over, nearly immobile as my arms and legs began to merge with my torso. My neck began to get thicker and shorter, and my head was fighting to stay upright, out of my swollen torso.

I heard a siren approaching, and grimaced, watching as bystanders approached me from all sides, some poking me, others trying to offer words of encouragement. I’m sure about a half dozen photos of me ended up in weird forums by the end of the day.

Several men in uniforms approached me, looking completely confused, and I just stared back at them as they quarantined the area, mentally making a note to always check the label.