Kyle stared down at the Leprechaun. This was all getting to be too much. First he was a little boy, then a man again, then his friend was a kid again, now he was pushing fifty! "Look, Mr. Leprechaun. I realize you've got the power here, but can we just set all the right? I mean, seriously, I'm old enough to be Frank's dad. This is just too weird."
The Leprechaun bit his little finger and pondered. "I suppose you're right. It's not right to just leave the two of you uncomforatble like this, is is?"
"Not really, no," Kyle said. He slapped his gut and watched his middle aged fat jiggle. "Not that it's not interesting to get a sneak peek at what it'll be like to be over the hill. Guess now I know how important it is to work out."
"So you learned a valuable lesson then?" The Leprechaun. "And now you're ready to be comfortable with who you are."
"Yeah," Kyle nodded. "You could put it that way."
"I'm glad you think so. Stoop down here." The Leprechaun gestured for Kyle to stoop. He turned to little eight year old Frank and gestured for him to come closer. "Come here boyo, Mr. Leprechaun has to work a little magic." Frank approached.
The Leprechaun placed his little hand on Kyle's heart, and put the other hand over Frank's bare chest, slipping it behind the strap of his overalls. "A Leprechaun's tricks are never quite done. May these two former pals become father and son!"
"Hey wait!" Kyle shouted. But it was too late. A warm glow spread over his chest and his heart thudded. He watched as a strange happiness washed over little Frank's face. Kyle felt it too and couldn't help but smile. Suddenly his and Frank's hearts were beating together, and looking at him he felt tremendous pride. Frank was such a good kid. He'd do anything to take care of him.
The warmth died out and the Leprechaun took his hands away. "How do you boys feel."
"I . . ." Kyle shook his head, a very small part of him was trying to deny this, but it was too hard. He just loved Frank so darned much.
Frank grinned and rushed up to him, and he couldn't stop hismelf from giving his son a big bear hug. "Hey buddy!" He growled. "My best boy!"
"You're the coolest dad ever!" Frank said. It made Kyle feel like a million bucks.
"Well then," the Leprechaun tipped his hat. "Looks like you two are nice and comfy with who you are now. Perhaps my work here is done?" He disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Kyle ruffled his fingers through his new son's hair. "Hey pal, what do you want to do today? Maybe toss a baseball at the park?"
Frank's eyes lit up. "You bet, Dad!"