“I wish I was the older one again.” I said. I didn’t care if I had to have born two children as long as I knew they were from my husband. As the wish took effect, I felt dizzy, coming to in the hallway outside of where I had been studying, realizing that I was now 30 years old. I looked at my left hand, seeing the wedding ring my husband had gotten for me, six years ago. I walked into the living room, seeing my kids in their separate chairs, absolutely quiet. I looked over at eighteen year old Joanna studying her quantum physics, relishing the piece and quiet.
“Were my kids too loud for you?” I asked her.
“Yes.” She sighed. I just laughed as I made my way into the kitchen to fix a snack. I put together a sandwich and ate it, waling back to the table that my sister was working at, reviewing the problems for her. “Wait, that’s not right.” I said pointing to a stream of numbers and variables. I grabbed a piece of paper ad another pencil and stood over her. “You need to do this.” I said, writing out the equation.
“Are you sure?” Joanna asked.
“Well, it’s been 12 years since I graduated, but I’m sure it’s right. Just take it to the teacher tomorrow and check it.” I finished my sandwich and turned to my kids. “You two go play quietly. Give Aunt Joanna some piece and quiet.” I sat down in a chair next to her and continued to check her work. I took a long look at her, and thought “Is this really my eight year old brother? This beauty of a beauty? Was it really him?” After a few minutes of hurried sketching, she stopped to think, finally placing her pencil down and turning to face me.