Noah never quite expected the phone call that would come later that day after school.
“Hello, am I speaking to Noah?”
“Yes, this is Noah.”
“Hi, this is Mrs. Croston from earlier.”
“Oh, hi.” Noah replied somewhat in shock she had actually called him.
“I hope you don’t mind me calling, I got your number from the nice lady at the front desk. I’m calling because I’m in quite the pickle. I’ve just been called to attend a weekend conference and need a last minute babysitter to watch Justin. And since he seemed so fond of you, I thought I’d try you first. I’ll pay you a bonus for the short notice and you’re welcome to anything in our home.”
Noah thought about it hard before answering. Then he decided to give in.
“Sure! Text me the address and I’ll be there soon!”
Noah packed a bag for the weekend and made sure to grab the magic coin before leaving.
When Noah got to the Croston home, Mrs. Croston quickly gave him all of the emergency numbers and went over a detailed list of reminders before running out.
Noah still couldn’t believe his eyes when his former math teacher came walking into the room as a 5 year old. He laughed thinking about what Justin would think if he remembered the wish he had made or could see himself now in a pair of dinosaur pajamas.
“Hey little guy!”
Justin went running over to hug Noah.
“What would you like to do tonight?” Noah asked his former math teacher in a baby voice.
“Play dress up!”
“Okay!”
The next hour or so, Justin took turns dressing up in various costumes from his toy chest. A fireman, a doctor, even a superhero! As Justin played, Noah began to search through his bag for his phone charger as his battery was running low after he snapped a ton of pictures to hold over his teacher should he one day return to his normal self. He was so busy he didn’t realize the magic coin had rolled out of his bag and onto the floor where Justin quickly scooped it up.
“Okay, time to clean up and out things away!”
“Otay!” Justin said as he scooped his costumes up and walked down the hallway.
Noah started looking for the remote when he heard Justin creeping up being him.
“Look at me! I’m a growned up!”
As Noah spun around he was surprised to see Justin standing there in nothing but a pair of oversized boxer briefs, a tie around his neck and sneakers way too big for his little feet.
“Justin, did you get in your dad’s closet?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t you think those are a little too big for you?”
“Yes”
“Maybe you should go out then back.”
“Don’t wanna. I wish I was big and strong like daddy!”
“We’ll, maybe someday you will…” Noah trailed off as he saw a glow coming from Justin’s hand.
“Justin, what’s in your hand?”
That’s when he held his hand out to show the coin in his palm, which began to glow.