Dr. Clowngoggles was in his lab, tinkering with a few new ideas, when he heard the familiar creak of his mailbox. The mailman was making his rounds, just like every day. But today, the scientist felt a sudden urge to test his Yo-Yo Ray on someone else. The mailman, with his cheery whistle and routine stops, seemed like the perfect candidate.
With a sly smile, Dr. Clowngoggles picked up the Yo-Yo Ray and made his way to the front door, just as the mailman was walking down the path to the next house.
“Good afternoon!” Dr. Clowngoggles called out, his voice unusually cheerful.
The mailman, a middle-aged man with a bushy mustache and a slight paunch, turned around, tipping his cap. “Afternoon, Dr. Clowngoggles! Got your usual delivery here—just a few letters and a package.”
“Ah, thank you!” Dr. Clowngoggles said, taking the mail from the man’s hands. “But before you go, would you mind helping me with a little experiment? It won’t take but a moment.”
The mailman hesitated, glancing at his watch. “Well, I’ve got a route to finish, but I suppose a few minutes won’t hurt. What kind of experiment?”
“Oh, just a quick demonstration of this little device I’ve been working on,” Dr. Clowngoggles said, holding up the Yo-Yo Ray. “It’s quite harmless, I assure you.”
The mailman shrugged, curious despite himself. “Alright, Doc. What do I need to do?”
“Just stand right there and hold still,” Dr. Clowngoggles instructed, pointing the Yo-Yo Ray at the unsuspecting mailman. “This won’t hurt a bit.”
Before the mailman could ask any more questions, Dr. Clowngoggles activated the device. A familiar blue light enveloped the mailman, causing him to blink in surprise.
“What the—” the mailman started, but his words trailed off as he felt a strange sensation wash over him. His limbs began to tingle, and he looked down to see his arms and legs growing shorter, his hands and feet shrinking. The uniform that had fit him snugly a moment ago was suddenly too large, the sleeves hanging loosely over his small, chubby hands.
The mailman’s face, once weathered by years of sun and wind, became smooth and round, his mustache disappearing as his features softened into that of a young child. His bushy eyebrows thinned, and his eyes grew wide with confusion and a touch of fear.
“What’s happening?!” he cried, his voice now high-pitched and boyish. He tugged at his oversized uniform, trying to make sense of the situation.
Dr. Clowngoggles observed the transformation with a satisfied nod. The once middle-aged mailman was now a chubby, wide-eyed 8-year-old boy, his cap nearly falling off his small head. He looked up at the scientist, a mix of fear and bewilderment in his eyes.
“Why… why am I a kid again?” the boy stammered, his hands gripping the too-big mailbag slung over his shoulder.
“Oh, just a little experiment,” Dr. Clowngoggles replied with a grin. “I thought you could use a break from the daily grind, and what better way than to revisit your childhood? Now you can experience the world from a whole new perspective!”
The boy looked down at his small, pudgy hands, his lower lip quivering. “But I have to finish my route… I have to deliver the mail…”
Dr. Clowngoggles chuckled softly. “Well that seems like a problem, now doesn't it. Maybe if you ask very nicely, I'll change you back into a grown up. Or maybe not. We'll see."