Mary was very intrigued by the strange box that claimed to possess impossible powers. She pressed the button and watched as the box silently lifted its lid, revealing many small test tubes. She stared at them for a moment, filling herself with anticipation. She doubted they would have the desired effect on her, but couldn't pass up the opportunity. But with so many to choose from, where did she begin?
Mary simply closed her eyes, letting her hands do the picking. She grabbed one of the vials, carefully pulling it out of its slot. Holding it with a hand clamped over it so that the label wouldn't be seen, Mary opened her eyes to uncork it. She held the vial to her lips, noticing its contents had no odor or color.
She remembered what the note said, that she must drink the whole vial for full effect. But she didn't want to turn all the way into one, lest her arms or other vital organs such as her vocal cords be rendered useless. Maybe if she took half?
With a swig, she let half the vial pour into her mouth. It tasted like ordinary water. As she swallowed it, Mary began to think this was some sort of elaborate hoax, but still she waited patiently.
Her hand still covering the label, she put the cork back on. She didn't notice the vial magically refill itself, as she was busy looking for a place to put the vial where it wouldn't be broken accidentally. She couldn't put it back in the box; in case she wanted to take more of it, she wouldn't know which one it was. She settled on laying it upon a fluffy towel, label down.
She was starting to wonder if anything was really going to happen to her, when she heard a loud crash outside. The sound of breaking glass and squealing tires told her what it was immediately.
Rushing outside, she saw a blue car up on her sidewalk. It had sprung up the curb, slamming into the maple tree on her front lawn. The bumper and grill had caved in, and smoke was piling from the half-exposed engine. A man no older than thirty sat stunned in the driver's seat, his airbag beginning to deflate.
"Are you all right?" Mary yelled as she ran to the car. She opened the door and helped the man to his feet.
He mouthed a few words before shakily saying "Yeah...I'm okay. S...sorry about your tree."
"Forget about the tree, your car!" Mary exclaimed. She looked over his body for blood or signs of injury. "You're not hurt?"
"No, I just...a dog ran in front of me."
By now neighbors had begun to leave their houses and come investigate the scene. Mary tried to reassure them everything was all right, but still they remained. Probably mesmerized by the smoke.
"Come on inside, we'll call a tow truck," she suggested. She reached for his arm, but before she could lead him inside her body was wracked by an unusual feeling. She gasped in surprise, feeling a tingling warmth come over her.
"Miss? Uh...are you all right?" the man asked as Mary hunched over.