The next call of the day came in, and Raven took a deep breath before answering.
"Hello, welcome to the 'Oh-No, I'm a Woman Now' Helpline. This is Raven. How may I assist you today?"
The caller’s voice trembled. “Hey there. My name’s, um, Harmony... Lord, I hate saying that. Tried to say my real name all day, but it just won’t come out!”
Raven clicked her pen in anticipation, “Alright Harmony, why don't you tell me what's been going on?”
“Well, I, um...” Harmony choked on her words, the newly high-pitched voice seeming to betray her. “I’m a professional skateboarder, right? Or I was, when I was a man. I may have called some of the female skaters...well...weak.” A few sobs broke through the line, “And then I heard the girl I mocked the most say something under her breath. Something about 'being fragile.'”
The tears came again, “And now I’m just...I'm so tiny and frail and I'm scared I'll break a nail, and I can't skate anymore! And I don’t know what to do. Plus, my boobs are huge! They’re so much bigger than I’d ever imagined they'd be!”
Raven tried to hide her smirk, “Oh, Harmony. I understand this is all very overwhelming for you. Let's take this one step at a time. It sounds like you're worried about your nails and how they might impact your skating. Have you considered our Glamour Goggles?”
“Your what now?” Harmony asked through sniffles.
Raven described, “It's a revolutionary product that projects a perfect makeup tutorial onto your mirror. You'll be able to apply eyeliner like a pro in no time!”
“I...I guess that could help.” Harmony mumbled, “But it's not just that. I'm just so small now, and I can't...I can't...” The sobs took over again.
Raven, tapping into her nurturing side, offered soothing words. “Harmony, I understand. This is a big change. You’re allowed to be upset and confused. There are also resources for physical conditioning and self-defense courses if you're feeling vulnerable. Perhaps yoga or Pilates could be good starting points, but it’s essential to remember that being smaller doesn’t make you any less capable or powerful.”
She continued, “And your...well, your new attributes can be a source of empowerment too. They're a part of you now, and there's no need to feel ashamed of them. There are plenty of professional athletes who are also women, and they have found ways to manage.”
“Really?” Harmony asked, sounding a bit hopeful.
Raven nodded, “Absolutely, Harmony. Remember, it's okay to be both feminine and strong. Those aren’t mutually exclusive. You can be a powerful skater and still care about your nails. It might take some time, but you'll get there.”
As the call came to an end, Harmony sounded less tearful and a bit more determined. Raven couldn't help but feel satisfied. Sure, the job had its ups and downs, but hearing the resigned acceptance in Harmony's voice was its own kind of reward. As she ended the call, she couldn't help but revel in the little victories. After all, as far as Raven was concerned, these men were getting a taste of their own medicine, and maybe they’d come out on the other side a bit more understanding and respectful.