Audrey peered at her compact and inspected her make-up one last time. With a contented sigh, she ceased her touch-ups, running her fingers through her silky auburn locks, giving them a playful tousle. She looked across the dining room table at her friend who was applying lipstick and eyeliner. The stunning brunette’s glamour make-up and hair contrasted with her simple denim shorts and red tank top.

"You're looking stunning, Audrey," Laura remarked, her tone a blend of admiration and friendly jest.

"Thanks, Laura. And you, as always, are the epitome of beauty," Audrey replied, her words sincere and warm.

Laura, acknowledging the compliment with a gracious smile, continued perfecting her makeup, her focus on achieving perfect smoky wings. "I've never been in this situation before... umm...what's it like?" she inquired, her voice a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

Audrey, gracefully sliding into her heels, looked up, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "You mean, sex?"

Laura rolled her eyes, a blend of amusement and exasperation. "Audrey, please. I've never been with someone of errrm... well, you know, someone of … his stature."

Audrey's expression softened, understanding the depth of Laura's query. She paused, considering her response carefully, wanting to offer both reassurance and honesty.

"Really, not a single date since the outbreak?" Audrey asked, her tone laced with disbelief.

Laura shook her head, a mix of frustration and resignation in her voice. "Not even close, Audrey. No one’s dating, hooking up, anything. Everyone's on edge. There's this absurd rumor that women are carriers. And the few guys who are still healthy are practically in hiding. Besides, I've never been into short guys, much less doll-sized."

Audrey adjusted the strap of her elegant sandal, securing it neatly above her ankle. "Tim and I have managed to keep our connection alive. We’ve stayed intimate throughout the course of the disease. " She said thoughtfully. "We made vows, remember? 'In sickness and in health.' I love him too much to let this come between us, even if the sex… Audrey let out a heavy sigh, “…Even though it’s a major turn-off” she admitted, her voice trailing off with a sigh of mixed emotions.

Laura’s looked sadly at her friend, “I’m sorry Audrey. I shouldn’t have pried.”

“No, it’s fine. You need to know. We had what we call sex just this morning. Basically, he grinds on parts of my body he finds stimulating. My nipples, my labia, whatever tickles his fancy. I confess it’s super annoying. He feels like a fly or ant crawling on my body. You’ll need to resist the urge to swat or brush him off. Anyway, I can’t say it hasn’t never been interesting.”

Audrey closed her eyes and smiled. Blushing, she looked at her friend and giggled, “A few months ago, he was just big enough to have fun with.”

“What do you…Oh!” Laura’s eyes widened, “You didn’t!”

“I did!”

“You giant slut!”, Laura laughed.

“What? We had to get creative! His tiny dick just wasn’t doing it for me.”

“Well, you’ve piqued my curiosity, how did you two manage?”

“First, I would tie a piece of string around his ankles, thighs and his arms.”

Laura clearly intrigued, leaned forward, and put her hand underneath her chin, “Why did you tie him up?”

“He likes it. Didn’t you know? He’s into bondage.”

“Wha? Really? I mean I know he has a foot fetish, but bondage?”, Laura exclaimed.

“Uh huh”, Audrey giggled, “He likes being tied and teased. He told me after we had been dating for six months.”

“Huh… We only dated for four months. I guess he never worked up the courage to tell me.”

“Tying him up had a practical purpose too. It kept his arms and legs from getting twisted and wrenched…umm…When I was using him.”

“So, then what?”, Laura replied with an amused smirk, truly enjoying stoking her friend’s embarrassment.

“I had to be careful. Tim’s too delicate to treat like a real sex toy. I might have snapped his legs if I jammed him in like a dildo. I’d make myself wet, rub some lube on him and gently insert him. After making sure he was comfortable, I’d slowly slide him back and forth. It felt …hmm…well…it felt okay. I could work myself to the edge but not quite cross it. He just wasn’t thick enough to make me cum. After a while, I’d get frustrated and finish with my vibrator.”

Laura laughed at the absurd mental image of Audrey using her old boyfriend as a dildo; headfirst between her lips, tiny legs kicking.

“Poor guy. He must have felt emasculated being replaced by a sex toy.”

“I guess.” Audrey replied thoughtfully, “He certainly doesn’t like standing next to them. Truth be told, anything I do to or around him is emasculating. Just standing up and talking to him is emasculating. He lives in a world of giants. He feels tiny because he is tiny.”

“Sorry Audrey, I didn’t mean to tease you. I’ve heard stories, but I never really thought about having sex with a tiny. You made it sound sweet. It’s obvious you both enjoyed it. I confess it’s put me in the mood… Well sorta.”

Laura gazed at her reflection, applying the last touch of lip gloss. She noticed her friend Audrey, unusually silent, lost in a deep reverie. "Audrey?" she called softly, concern in her voice.

"How's Tim doing?" Laura ventured, breaking the silence.

"Hmm...?" Audrey seemed to drift back from her thoughts.

"How is he really?" Laura pressed gently.

Audrey's voice was quiet, tinged with a heavy heart. "Physically, he's managing... still eating, though drinking's getting harder." She paused, her emotions surfacing. "Emotionally, it's tough. He spent today saying his goodbyes, telling me how much he loves me, thanking me for the years we've had." Tears welled up in her eyes. "He said these last five years were the best of his life."

Audrey brushed away a tear, her voice breaking slightly. "It's just been one of those days, you know?"

Laura reached out; her voice soft with empathy. "I'm so sorry, Audrey... Can I ask... how advanced is it?"

Audrey looked down, her voice barely a whisper. "Stage four."

Laura's reaction was one of shock. "Oh my God, Audrey! How... How are we going to do this without killing him?"

Audrey's response was laced with a mix of anger and determination. "Tim doesn't have long, less than two weeks according to Dr. Anderson. She wanted to box him for hospice this week, but he refused. So, if we have an accident, I’m sure he’ll die... content." Her eyes held a fierce resolve. "I'm ready to take this chance for him, Laura."

Laura sighed, a resigned acceptance in her tone. "Alright, just as long as you're aware of what you're doing."

Audrey's response was quick, and angry. "I've been living with this reality for over a year, Laura. Believe me, I know the risks better than anyone."

"Okay, okay, I get it, I'm sorry. It's just... I'm so anxious. The last thing I want is to do is hurt him," Laura said, her voice trembling with nerves.

Audrey, her tone softening, responded, "I know, Laura. I don't want that either."

Laura's eyes brimmed with tears, frustration at her own helplessness mixing with deep concern for her friend. "I'm really sorry, Audrey... I just wish I could do more," she said, turning away to hide her emotions.

Audrey's face softened, a trace of understanding and fatigue in her expression. "No, I'm sorry for snapping at you. It's just... this disease has been overwhelming. But having you here, willing to go through this with us, means everything. You're an incredible friend."

Laura, gathering her strength, reached out to place a comforting hand on Audrey's back. With a gentle, reassuring touch, she said, "I love you, Audrey. I'm here for you, and I'm not leaving your side."

Audrey managed a weak smile, squeezing Laura's hand in gratitude. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself, wiping away a stray tear. "Let's focus on tonight. I know you're worried. Just stick to the plan we discussed, and everything will be okay for Tim."

"Did you remember to bring your heels?" Audrey inquired with an air of seriousness.

Laura nodded, her tone matching Audrey's. "Absolutely, they're in my overnight bag. Classic black stilettos, just like you wanted. Four inches, strappy. And, of course, I didn't forget the matching lingerie set."

Audrey mused for a moment, "“Do you mind if we go nude? Just the heels would be perfect."

"No issue with that," Laura replied with an easy smile.

"Used the fragrance-free body wash, right?" Audrey continued her checklist.

"Yep, all done," Laura confirmed.

"And the non-oily moisturizer?"

"Also yes."

"What about a pedicure? Did you manage to get one?"

Laura let out an annoyed sigh at the thoroughness of her friend's inquiries, and swung her long legs onto the table, showcasing her freshly pampered feet. "Yes, Audrey, I did. Went this morning. I chose a lovely pink for the nails, indulged in a sea salt scrub, and finished off with a relaxing lavender oil and hot stone massage. My feet are as smooth and soft as they can be. I also got a fresh wax this week, apart from the well-trimmed landing strip that you also asked for. I followed your instructions to the letter!”

Audrey's eyes brimmed with tears again, her voice shaky. "I'm sorry for being so fussy. I just want everything to be perfect... to give him this one last beautiful moment. I’m so sorry Laura, I don’t mean to be such a bitch. It's just... this has been incredibly tough. I never imagined I'd be facing widowhood at twenty-eight."

Overwhelmed, Audrey closed her eyes, a mix of frustration and sorrow in her gesture. "Fuck! This is stupid, isn't it? Laura, you really don't have to go through with this. Maybe you could just be there, you know, as moral support...maybe just watch."

Laura gently placed her feet back on the ground and moved closer to Audrey. With a soothing touch, she brushed Audrey's auburn hair and lifted her chin gently. "Hey, it's okay, don't cry. Look, you've offered me a way out countless times, and every time, I've told you I'm in this with you. I'm here for both you and Tim. Sure, it's a bit weird and I'm slightly out of my comfort zone, but if this can bring him a bit of joy, help him tick something off his bucket list, then it's absolutely worth it."

Audrey managed a grateful, albeit weak, smile. "Thanks, Laura. It is weird, but at this point there isn’t much he can do with what’s left of his life. I know it’s stupid, but maybe fulfilling this fantasy will make him feel alive again, even if just for a moment. And he really has missed you. It's been months."

Laura laughed, a lightness in her voice, "I'm pretty sure this wasn't what he had in mind when he talked about a visit." Her mood shifted, becoming more reflective. "I've missed him too. It just got so hard seeing him... you know..." Laura's voice faded, her realization of the potential insensitivity in her words making her pause. She looked down, her cheeks flushing with a tinge of embarrassment.

"Look at me, going on about how tough it's been to see Tim shrink, while you've been his constant companion through it all. You're incredible, truly."

Audrey shook her head modestly, "I'm not incredible, Laura, I'm just his wife. And I think you would've done the same if our roles were reversed. I understand why you needed to step back for a bit, and I know you care about Tim."

Laura's cheeks colored deeper, and she averted her gaze, her voice laced with a mix of emotion and surprise at her own admission. "I do care... I still have feelings for him," she confessed, then quickly blurted, "I'm sorry, I don't know why I said that. It was inappropriate."

Audrey offered a warm, understanding smile to her friend and gently stroked her hand. "Laura, there's no need to apologize, I understand. I've always known about your feelings. You know, I never told you this, but I was so scared of losing you when Tim and I started dating. The moment I saw Tim, I was drawn to him, but you've been my rock since we were kids. If I had to make a choice, you would have been my pick, no question."

Laura responded with heartfelt sincerity, "Audrey, I couldn't have lived with myself if you had sacrificed your happiness for me. Yes, it was painful at first, but you and Tim clearly had something special. He and I always made more sense as friends. Besides, that's ancient history now. And, since we're being honest, I've always appreciated how you let Tim and I keep our friendship. You were never jealous or insecure. You made it so easy when he and I started working together. Our situation could have ruined our friendship, but we didn't let it. We navigated it all together."

With that, Audrey leaned in and embraced her friend tightly, affirming their deep bond. "We really did," she agreed softly.

Laura gently pulled away, her hand affectionately caressing Audrey's cheek. "You're, my BFF and I'm not backing down now. Come on, no more tears, it's almost show time!"

Audrey, with a small laugh, wiped her eyes and stood up, beginning to untie her floral silk robe. "Are you ready for this?" she asked, a mix of excitement and nerves in her voice.

Laura, looking up at Audrey, replied, "Almost, just need to slip on my sandals. But, Audrey, could I ask for something?"

"Of course, anything," Audrey said warmly.

"How about a shot? Just something to smooth out the nerves. No offense, love you loads, but this isn't exactly my cup of tea, and the last time we made out, we were young, drunk and stupid. “

Audrey couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Wait, you're not into girls?"

Laura laughed grimly, giving Audrey a thoughtful look. "Well, after all this, who knows? I might need to reconsider. I don’t think they’re going to be any men left."

Audrey's laughter faded into a more contemplative tone. "It's a terrifying thought," she mused as she walked towards the kitchen. "Really terrifying," she murmured to herself. Glancing back at Laura, she called out, "I think there's some vodka in here. But let's keep it to one shot. It wouldn’t be safe to be stumbling drunk, right?"