Will sat at the edge of their bed, rolling the medallion between his fingers, its intricate carvings catching the morning light streaming through the window. He had studied it countless times over the past few days, marveling at the patterns that seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive. On the dresser lay the evidence of their little experiments: a sleek black jacket Stacy had once worn during a fitness craze, and a fresh summer dress she had purchased but never dared try on until now.
Stacy stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the hem of the dress that now fit her like a glove. Her usually loose waves of hair seemed fuller, her posture straighter. She turned, inspecting her reflection, her lips curling into a satisfied smile.
“I still can’t believe this works,” she said, her voice tinged with wonder. “I mean, look at me. This is… me but better.”
Will smirked, leaning back on his palms. “I think I’m the one who said that first.”
Stacy shot him a playful glare. “Yeah, after you used it to drop what—15 pounds?”
“Closer to 10,” Will countered, but his grin betrayed the truth. His own transformation was subtle, but undeniable. He looked younger, leaner. His shoulders filled out his shirts in a way they hadn’t in years.
From down the hall, the sound of giggles erupted, accompanied by the unmistakable stampede of little feet. Their son, Ben, burst into the room, clutching a toy spaceship in one hand, his cheeks flushed. Behind him, their daughter, Lily, toddled in, a mischievous glint in her eye as she clutched one of Stacy’s scarves in her tiny fists.
“Mommy! Daddy! Look!” Ben announced, waving his spaceship dramatically. “I’m going to space!”
“And I’m a princess!” Lily declared, wrapping the scarf around her shoulders and twirling.
Will rose and tucked the medallion into a drawer, ensuring it was out of sight. “You know,” he said, his tone casual, “we should probably figure out what else this thing can do. Before they stumble on it.”
“Agreed,” Stacy said, her voice quieter now. She glanced at the mirror one last time, her fingers brushing the fabric of her dress. For a fleeting moment, her reflection looked back at her almost knowingly.
“Tonight?” Will suggested.
“Tonight,” she confirmed.
