Over the following days, Dan’s new wardrobe became a regular part of his routine. Claire made sure that his entire closet was replaced with similar outfits. Dan wore them, albeit with some discomfort, but the real challenge came when people at the dealership began to take notice.
The whispers started first. His posture had changed, his clothes were more fitted, and his behavior seemed oddly muted. But nobody dared to say anything outright—at least, not to Dan. Instead, they spoke in hushed tones, exchanging glances when he wasn’t looking.
One afternoon, Claire overheard two salesmen talking quietly near the showroom. "What’s going on with Dan?"
"Yeah, have you seen what he’s been wearing lately? It’s… different."
Seeing this as the perfect opportunity to turn what she had been telling Dan about people respecting his identity into a reality, Claire decided to step in. She approached the men calmly, a small smile on her face, her voice measured and composed.
"Dan’s going through a bit of trouble," she said, suggesting that the topic was sensitive. "He’s struggling with… his identity. So, we need to be supportive, okay?"
Both men exchanged uncomfortable glances but nodded quickly. "Of course! We didn’t mean anything by it."
"No remarks, please. We’re here to support him, nothing more."
Enjoy! Xoxo^^
Lara Lynn