There, Joel saw a young man of European descent. Clearly not more than a few years until he reaches his twenties. Quite similar to the teen Joel was merely an hour ago, all in all. Joel looked at him, not knowing what to do. Luckily, his new grandfather took the lead, taking his role to heart and intent in educating the grandson he had acquired in Joel.
"Hello, young sir. May I help you?" he said with a little bow.
He was curtesy personified, Joel thought in awe. Then again, his new role made the youth very malleable and prone to being surprised by anything at this point.
"I'm just looking. For now," said the youngster with curly dark hair with a smile.
"Call upon me or my grandson if you need anything. We'll be delighted to answer any questions," smiled the elderly man.
The youth smiled, a mile which was more a smirk and the old man left, beckoning Joel to follow him. Hidden by a few aisles, he addressed his new grandson.
"That young lout is not an honest one. I can feel it. He has stealing tendencies, I can feel it. Just like I could for you. Watch him discreetly and shout out if you catch him slipping something in his pocket. I'll manage the rest. Have you understood?"
Joel nodded meekly. He did understand. But above he wanted to not anger the old man. He was scary! He obeyed him, pretending to clean the shelves while casting discreet glances in the direction of the youngster, who was touching and looking at everything his eyes laid upon. Joel didn't know what to think. He could see himself in the youth. He had been like him not so long ago! He felt jealous for this boy who was not shackled by magic to a new existence yet he felt sorry for him. What would the old man do to him? Would he be transformed into another grandson and helper too? And... Would his memories remain? Or would a new personality invade his head? Would it happen to this youngster as well? But then, Joel saw him steal a gold chain. Classic. He had been a shoplifter not so long ago himself, after all. And he had to denounce him. If he did not, his own punishment would be even worse. It was him or the youth.
"Hey! You! I saw you!" Joel shouted.
The youngster jumped and tried to dart for the door, which got blocked and locked by the elderly man.
"What did he take?" he demanded.
"A... A gold chain..." said Joel, submerged by shame and apprehension at the thought of what will happen next.
"Where?"
"In his pocket," mumbled Joel.
The old man retrieved the little gold chain and peered at the youth who protested and insulted both Asians.
"And a liar and a rude boy at that. You really deserve to be punished. But not by the police. What do you say?" he asked his new grandson.
He whispered a few words in Joel's ear, explaining what was going to happen to the youngster. It made Joel realize he had gotten off easy with his own transformation.
"If you like gold so much, this transformation should please you!" the Chinese man said with a happy laugh.
"What are you doing to me? What is this? You old crazy idiot!" shouted the youth, rude to the very end.
But the magic was already taking hold, making him start his new life.