They climbed the steps and waited on the porch while Tess rang the bell. Abby looked around. In the time it took them to drive to this farm house, night had fallen. They could hear coyotes howling somewhere in the distance and the moon cast a soft light across the rolling fields. It was beautiful, yet eerily dark and silent compared to the city.
After a moment, an older woman pulled open the door. “Tess! ... It’s so good to see you.”
“Hi Aunt V,” Tess replied as they hugged. “Sorry we’re late... Had a little trouble on the way.”
“I can see that.” Veronica said as she looked them over. “Nice arms...”
“Thanks! Check out my new feet!” Tess grinned as she lifted one to show it off.
Veronica smiled as she invited them inside. “I’ve prepared some tea and there’s coffee in the kitchen if anyone’s feeling tired. May I see the game pad?”
Tess slipped the Frisbee shaped device out of the messenger bag and handed it over.
“Well no wonder it didn’t turn you all back...” Veronica began. “The session is still active.”
“Though I’ll admit, it’s a little hard to play with a busted screen.”
She traced something in the air then snapped her fingers. A yellowish flash, quite different from sparks the game had occasionally produced, mended the glass.
“Oh wow...” Tess said. “Is that really all it was? I could have done that back in the shop...”
“Are you kidding me?” Beth’s crotch mouth yelled. “Why did you bring us all the way out here if you could have fixed it?”
Tess blushed, “Sorry... I’ve never seen one transform people at random.”
“Well... Usually a few cracks in the screen isn’t enough to break the seal, but it looks like this one was leaking a bit...” Veronica explained, ignoring Beth’s frustrations. “I’m guessing you all changed whenever a bit of magic got out... How did you manage to break it anyway?”
“It fell...” Jeff quickly replied, sparing Beth the embarrassment of explaining her panic attack.
“Serves you right Tess. You were supposed to be managing the store. Not playing games with your friends.” Veronica continued as she handed the game pad back to her.
“So it’s fixed now?” Abby asked. “Shouldn’t we go back to normal or something?”
“Don’t be silly.” Veronica replied. “You still need to finish the game...”