The office was all polished steel and white walls. The faint scent of antiseptic clung to the air. Ania glanced at Mateusz. He was fidgeting with the buttons on his coat.

“Are you sure about this?” Mateusz whispered.

She was not sure about this. But she knew that his father was obese and died of a heart attack at age 59. Mateusz was 46, and he was rapidly gaining weight, ten kilos in one month. She was only 30, and she did not want to become widow so soon.

"Yes," She responded confidently, "We need to do this. For us."

“Welcome to Slimmers, Inc.,” a receptionist greeted, “Please take a seat. Dr. Meyers will be with you shortly.”

They sat in silence. Ania reached for Mateusz’s hand and squeezed it reassuringly. He did not respond.

“Mr. and Mrs. Kowalski?” a tall thin man in lab coat called out. “I’m Dr. Meyers. Please, come in.”

Ania and Mateusz stood up and followed Dr. Meyers into his office.

“Please, have a seat,” Dr. Meyers said, gesturing to two chairs in front of his desk. “Now, tell me, what brings you to Slimmers, Inc.?”

Mateusz hesitated. Ania took the lead.

“My husband has been struggling with his weight for years. We’ve tried diets, exercise programs, even therapy, but nothing seems to work. We heard about your program and... we’re desperate.”

Dr. Meyers nodded. “I understand. Our program is quite different from anything else out there. It’s designed to be highly effective, but it requires complete commitment.”

“What do you mean?” Mateusz asked.

Dr. Meyers leaned back in his chair.

“Our program involves a combination of strict dietary guidelines, a rigorous exercise regimen, and behavioural modification techniques. We use a system of rewards and penalties to ensure compliance. It’s tough, but it works.”

Mateusz glanced at Ania. She squeezed his hand again.

“We’re willing to try,” she said.

“Excellent,” Dr. Meyers said, pulling out a thick contract from his desk drawer. “If you’re ready to commit, just sign here, Mr. Kowalski. Mrs. Kowalski, your support is crucial in this process.”

Mateusz took the pen with trembling hands and signed the contract. Ania felt a strange sense of finality.

As soon as the pen lifted from the paper, two burly men appeared from a side door. Ania’s heart skipped a beat as they approached her.

“What’s going on?” she asked. Her voice was rising in panic.

Dr. Meyers stood up.

 “It’s part of the program, Mrs. Kowalski. Your presence here is vital to Mr. Kowalski’s success.”

Before Ania could react, the men grabbed her arms and started dragging her toward the door. She struggled. Her screams echoed in the sterile office.

“Mateusz!” she cried, reaching out for him.

Mateusz stood frozen.

Dr. Meyers calmly closed the contract and looked at Mateusz.

“Remember, Mr. Kowalski, your progress is the key to your wife’s well-being.”

Ania was dragged down a dimly lit hallway. She tried to kick and scream, but the men’s grip was firm. They reached a heavy door and one of the men punched in a code. The door swung open with a hiss, revealing a small, windowless room with a single metal chair bolted to the floor.

“Please...” Ania begged as they shoved her into the chair, searched her, took away her phone, and secured her with straps. Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the sweat.

Men shut the door and left. Ania was left alone, tied to the chair.

The flat screen TV flickered to life on the wall in front of Ania. She could see Mateusz, wide-eyed and pale, sitting across from Dr. Meyers.

"You can't do this!" Mateusz cried. "I'll report you to the police!"

"Your wife will be perfectly safe, Mr. Kowalski," Dr. Meyers said coolly. "As long as you comply with our program."

Ania shuddered.

"Your diet will be highly restrictive, Mr. Kowalski. No bread, sugar, or fat. No alcohol. You need to limit your calorie intake to two thousand calories per day. You will also maintain a strict exercise regime."

"How... how long will this take?" Mateusz asked. He was calming down.

Dr. Meyers smiled. "You will lose 30 kilos in 10 weeks. And your wife will be home soon. Just remember, Mr. Kowalski - your success is her success. You'll both be happier, healthier, and wealthier. You just need to stick to the program."

"What will you do to her?" He asked. Ania never saw him so scared.

Dr. Meyers' eyes glinted. "Nothing. We will monitor her vital signs and keep her comfortable. She will be well-fed and well-cared for. As long as you comply with the program."

A long pause followed.

"If you do not comply," Dr Meyers continued, "Depending on the extent of your non-compliance, we may need to use different methods: electric shocks, water diet, force feeding, sleep deprivation, sexual violation, sensory deprivation, amputation of limbs in case of your repeated infractions."

Ania's stomach dropped. She heard Mateusz gasp. She saw how Mateusz closed his eyes and nodded. The TV was finally switched off.

She sat in silence for a while. Then Dr. Meyers appeared in her cell.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Kowalski. Your husband has just begun the program."