Anne knew exactly what she wanted. Sure, she told herself that this was all for Jake and Jenny—to help them understand each other better and to foster empathy. But deep down, the truth was far more selfish. Anne missed the days when her kids were little, when they still needed her for everything. They were growing up too fast, and while she loved the independent young adults they were becoming, she longed for those simpler times.
The Medallion of Zulo was her chance to get those days back, even if only for a couple of weeks. And if she got to watch her kids navigate the strange experience of being each other—and younger, at completely different ages—well, that would just be a fascinating little bonus.
She’d already planned everything down to the last detail. Jake’s old scout uniform from when he was 10 was laid out, as was Jenny’s gymnastics leotard from when she was 9. She’d spent the afternoon shopping, gleefully picking out children’s clothes for them. She couldn’t help herself—frilly pink shirts and glittery socks for Jake, and sporty blue tops with soccer balls and video game designs for Jenny. It would be adorable, and yes, they’d probably fight her on it at first, but she didn’t care.
Anne wasn’t planning to stay herself, either. She wanted this to be an immersive experience for everyone, and that meant she’d transform, too. She’d already decided who she was going to become—someone authoritative, who could keep them in line if they pushed back too hard. But that could wait until morning.
By the time Anne got home from shopping, it was already 11 PM. Her kids had had a long day, being the last day of school, and they were fast asleep. Perfect. It made her job infinitely easier. Knowing they both slept naked meant she wouldn’t even need to fuss with removing their clothes. All she had to do was press the medallion to their skin with the outfits she’d chosen, and the magic would do the rest.
Anne started with Jenny. She couldn’t contain her excitement as she watched her daughter begin to shrink before her eyes. Jenny’s tall, athletic frame softened and diminished, her features becoming more angular and boyish. Her long black hair retreated into her scalp, transforming into a neat, silky blond haircut that gleamed brighter than her brother’s. Jenny’s curves flattened, and Anne marveled as her daughter’s body reshaped itself into the lean build of a 10-year-old boy, complete with a tiny, boyish anatomy.
When the transformation was complete, Anne gently dressed Jenny—now a little boy—in Jake’s old scout uniform. The shirt and shorts fit perfectly, and Anne couldn’t stop herself from grinning as she tucked the small body back under the covers. Jenny stirred slightly, even cuddling against Anne’s arm for a moment, but stayed fast asleep.
Next was Jake. Anne repeated the process, watching in awe as her son transformed into the 9-year-old version of his sister. His body softened and shrank, the athletic build he’d worked so hard to maintain vanishing entirely. His brown hair grew long and curly, darkening into the same black-brown color Jenny had at that age. His features softened, and Anne couldn’t help but smile as his boyish anatomy faded away, replaced by its feminine counterpart.
Jake—now a little girl—wouldn’t fit into the snug gymnastics leotard without waking, so Anne opted for the cute pink nightgown she’d bought for her new “daughter.” It looked absolutely perfect on the tiny, sleepy figure.
Anne stood back and admired her handiwork. There they were: her babies, fast asleep, looking just as they had years ago. The sight filled her with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. They needed her again, and for the next two weeks, she’d get to relive the joy of having little ones who depended on her.
She checked on them one last time to ensure they were still sleeping soundly, then made her way to her own room. On her bed lay the clothes she’d prepared for herself. Tomorrow morning, she’d become someone new—someone who could fully embrace the role of caring for her “young” children again and making this summer one they’d never forget.
Anne smiled to herself as she got ready for bed. Tomorrow, the fun would begin. Her kids had no idea what was coming, but she couldn’t wait to see the looks on their faces. Selfish or not, she was going to savor every moment of the next two weeks.