"Dad's on his way from work, he'll pick us up," Zoe said, as though nothing had happened. "I just took the bus here to bring you your homework."
"I appreciate it," Jon said. His mind was still reeling from what had happened just moments before. This was getting out of hand. He at least found some solace in the fact that once he got home, he'd be able to use the stone to come up with a wish to fix this. He hoped.
Jon picked up his bag and returned to the en suite bathroom, relieved that he could at least wear his own clothes again. That loose fitting hospital gown gave the nurses easy access, so to speak. Maybe now that he was in jeans and a t-shirt again he'd have a bit more control.
When he came out of the bathroom, Zoe rolled her eyes.
"You had to go into the bathroom to put your pants on? C'mon bro, it's nothing I haven't seen before."
Obviously, thought Jon. He was trying not to think about it, but it was hard. Zoe sat there, absently twirling a lock of hair in her finger. She barely resembled his sister any more, and he thought he detected a slight southern drawl in her voice. He was about to ask her some questions, to see just how much about her had changed so quickly, when he heard a pair of heels clicking down the tile floor out in the hall.
Expecting one of the nurses (or even Dr. Mitchell), Jon was shocked to see his father, until he remembered what had happened the day before. He was still wearing the stiletto heels, his lips still glossy and pink. Otherwise, though, he seemed perfectly normal.
"Heya, sport. Looks like you're ready to go!"
"Um, yeah dad." Jon knew he couldn't lose control this time. It had happened with every visitor, but this was important. It was his own father. There was no way he could let anything else happen.
Then Dr. Mitchell wiggled his way into the room. Oh great, thought Jon, Not again.
"Mr. Madison, I'd like to speak to you and your daughter in the hall. I have some very specific home care instructions I'd like to go over before we release Jon."
"Okay," Roger looked at his son. "We'll be right back." Jon heaved a sigh of relief as he was left alone in his room. He hopped on the bed and flipped the TV on to clear his mind. He just had to keep it together a little bit longer. He'd be out of here soon enough.
