Ken was led by his big sister outside, where the two could spend the day together. The ten year old tried to move his lips to talk, but found that his mouth was still sealed shut. As soon as they walked out on their front porch, however, Ken's mouth magically opened.
Ken opened and closed his mouth a few times, to make sure he had regained movement and the ability to talk once more. Then, he turned towards his sister.
"Anna," he said as they walked, his shorter legs finding it a little difficult to keep up with her. "You can't be serious about this. I mean, what if you decide to keep me this young forever? I can't be a 10 year old for the rest of my life."
"It won't be so bad," she replied, walking towards the woods near their house. "We can play everyday after school. Just think of how much fun that'll be. Besides, if I decide to keep you this way, you'll never grow old."
"But this is my life we're talking about, Anna," Ken said, trying to get her to listen to reason. "What if I want to get married one day or have children? What if I want to move out and live on my own?"
"Simple," Anna replied. "I'll just change it so that everyone will think you've always been this size. Mom and Dad will never let you live on your own if you're this small."
Ken ran out in front of her, causing her to stop. "Why are you doing this?" he asked, looking up at her. "What have I ever done to you? I've always tried to be a good brother. I haven't picked on you that much over the years. Why are you doing this to me? Is it because of that Circe woman?"
"It's not her," Anna replied. "It's just...Well, ever since you started high school, I feel that the two of us are kind of drifting apart. You spend more time with your friends. You're always trying to get Janice McComb to like you. Which is okay, I guess."
"But," she continued. "I miss the time we used to spend together. I mean, we used to play everyday after school. It used to be just the two of us, or maybe we would have a couple of friends over, and we would hang out until dinner time. I miss that."
Ken paused a moment. He looked up into her larger face, unsure of what to say. Finally, he spoke up. "But, Anna. You can't control my life like this. It isn't right."
"Yes, I can," she replied, looking down at the ring on her finger, smiling a little. "Look, let's just make it to sundown. Then I'll decide what happens to you."
She brushed past Ken, leaving him behind for a moment, before he ran after her, trying to catch up.