After your son excuses himself, you do the same. "You know, I'd like to go out too. Get some shopping done." Travis looks at the kitchen clock. "It's getting late, honey. Can't it wait till tomorrow?" You shake your head. "No, I'll be fast, I just want to get a few things. Do you need anything at the store?" Travis writes you a short list of grocery items and kisses you on the cheek. Internally, you sight a breath of relief. You leave your apartment building and hit the streets. You are ashamed that the brisk pace you adopt causes you to breathe heavily. This body is more out of shape than you're used to. You slow your pace in response, and eventually you reach the magic shop.
When you walk into the shop, the first thing you do is head towards the discount box. Nothing in here is labeled like the ring was. You've had some unexpected turns already, and you're not eager to end up in some unknown hell. You bring the box to the front and set it down on the glass countertop. You notice this is not the same young man who served you earlier today, but someone new. The clerk eyes you up and down. It seems to take him a moment, but then his eyes widen and a broad smile appears on his face. He didn't recognize you in this older, more pudgy state, apparently. "Ah, so I see you tried out the ring. You look quite different, young man -- or rather, sir. You're a little too old now for such terms."
This clerk is an older man. His hair is a shiny silver, and he has a well-groomed mustache the same color. He's wearing a crisp white dress shirt, which displays a pin with the name of the store on his breast pocket. His gaze is intense, his icy blue eyes studying you carefully. His nose and jaw are long, but he is still very handsome for his age. You think he might be in his mid-50s, but you can't be sure. If this is a real magic shop, he might be in his mid-500s. His hands are resting neatly on the glass display, his fingers covered with expensive looking jewelry, a high-end watch sparkling on his wrist.
You decide to speak directly. "Can you tell me what these do? I want to buy more from you, but I want to be careful of any side-effects. I've already had some surprises." The old clerk smiles. "I can certainly tell you what those items do, my good sir, but unfortunately you won't be buying any." He raises his hand theatrically, gesturing in a practiced manner to a sign on his left. 'ONE ITEM PER CUSTOMER. ALL SALES FINAL. REVERSAL OF ANY MAGICS WILL BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL FEES.' You slump a little. You instantly snap a hand to your back, a sharp pain erupting from the ill-advised posture. Now you have a bad back too? All this stress is probably turning your last few blond hairs grey. "Oh." You pause. "How expensive would it be to reverse the changes I've already undergone?" The clerk raises his eyebrows, indicating a hefty sum. "I thought so," you say gloomily.
The man has a twinkle in his eye, and considers you for a moment. After a weighty pause, he speaks. "I will inform you that I am the proprietor of this shop. My apprentice, who sold you that ring, may not have emphasized the importance of careful consideration with its use." You look into his wolfish eyes hopefully. "I have created the rules this shop operates by, and it is within my discretion to make adjustments in special cases." The shop owner reaches his hand into his pocket and places another ring into your hands.
"This is a sister ring to the one you purchased. In truth, the magical energy inside has been calling out to be reunited with its companion." You look at the ring, also made of a cheap plastic. There is a gem in the middle, but it is smooth and flawless, unlike the chipped one on your finger. It's vintage packaging bears the header: 'THE SPLENDID RING OF BALANCE'. The old gentleman elaborates. "Whereas your ring was intended to switch features, this ring averages the two. For example, a short man and a tall one would both become medium height. It works similarly to yours; you focus on a quality and a target and kiss the ring. Once per day, as with the other." He hands it to you. "You can have it to complete the pair, but be warned. With your ring, there is always the chance to switch back. Once you average something, however, it cannot be easily undone; you'll need to trade the feature away or find a creative resolution." You reach for your wallet, and the old man gives you another theatrical gesture, raising a flat hand. "No need, [name]. Consider the reunion of these two items fate." You clench the package in your fist, happily ignoring the increased pudginess of your fingers and added hairs on your knuckles. You're not going to have to deal with them much longer!
You thank the man and leave the store, sliding the new ring onto your finger. You throw the packaging away in a nearby trash can and consider your next move. What are you going to do with your newfound power?