The Human Key

1567 calories daily.

2059 steps.

Daily measurements.

This is the clockwork-like regime of a human key. We of the palace sanctum called The Ring must perpetually be the exact right size to unlock our Door when summoned.

*        *        *

A hand over my mouth. Rough hands dragging me from bed.

I am being stolen.

I’m pushed into a keyhole, limbs fitting into place.

“It’s not opening!”

“This isn’t my door.”

He’s trying to make me fit, slamming me, then finally cutting.

They discover us, both covered in my blood. The would-be-thief is arrested. I am carried back to be healed and remade.