Macy sat at the desk with Jeffie perched awkwardly on her lap, his tiny hands resting on the desk edge for balance as he peered up at the glowing screen. With a deep breath, Macy navigated the Chronivac settings, her fingers tapping quickly across the keyboard. She opened Mrs. Parker’s profile and enabled the awareness toggle.
"There," she murmured. "Now your mom should remember everything."
Jeffie immediately perked up, letting out a high-pitched string of syllables, "Maa-kee! Naw ch-change meh baa!"
Macy winced a little, understanding the intention behind his babbled words. "Now change me back," he’d meant.
She sighed and gently stroked his soft hair. "I can't, Jeffie," she said, her voice calm but regretful. "Your mom’s the one who gave you this punishment. Now that she remembers again... well, if I undo it, she might punish me too."
Jeffie's brow furrowed, and he let out an annoyed squeal, slumping against her chest in frustration. He kicked his legs, not violently, but enough to make his feelings known.
Macy held him a little closer, glancing nervously at the door. "Look, I know it’s not fair. You’re still you, even like this. But we need to be smart. If your mom sees you back in an 18 year old body she's definitely going to get mad!"
Jeff gave a little whine, sucking on the juice box straw with short, furious gulps.
"I’ll talk to her when she gets back, okay?" Macy whispered. "Maybe we can convince her together. Until then, just… try not to pee on me or something."
Jeff let out a huff and turned his head, clearly sulking.
Macy smiled faintly and turned her attention back to the screen. when she got an idea...