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The living room was bathed in the soft light of a lamp, casting warm reflections on the walls adorned with family photographs. Tyler, a 23-year-old young man, sat at the edge of the couch, nervously clasping his hands, his gaze repeatedly drifting toward the old book in his mother’s hands. She held it carefully, as if it were the most important relic in her life.
— Mom... Are you sure this is even... safe? — Tyler broke the silence, his voice trembling, betraying his doubts.
His mother lifted her gaze to him. There was tension in her eyes, but behind it lay firm determination.
— Yes, Tyler. I've studied everything, — she traced her finger along the gilded symbols on the cover, as if trying to convince not just him but herself. — I know it sounds strange, but I can’t keep doubting. I need to know if he’s cheating on me.
— But... why so complicated? — Tyler frowned, shaking his head. — It’s just an interview for a new secretary, right? Why not just ask him? Or... or talk to that secretary later?
His mother pressed her lips together and took a deep breath.
— Because I know him. If he really is cheating, he won’t admit it. And I’m sure he’s specifically looking for... — she hesitated, choosing her words, — someone who’ll attract him. This position opened up right after his promotion.
Tyler scowled.
— Wait, you want me to... become... a woman? — He felt heat rise to his face, unable to stop a nervous laugh.
His mother shook her head.
— Not exactly. — She opened the book, showing him pages filled with strange symbols. — The spell will choose the woman your stepfather would be most drawn to. You will literally switch places with her.
— What?! — He leaned forward. — And how long am I supposed to... be this... her?
She looked away.
— A week. At most. — Her voice softened. — If he doesn’t show his true colors by then, I’ll know I was wrong, and I’ll bring you back. But if... — she gripped the book tighter, — if you find something out sooner or if he... tries anything with you, or you feel unsafe, just tell me. I’ll stop it immediately. And then that... — her teeth clenched, barely holding back her anger, — that bastard will get what he deserves.
Tyler stared at her, mouth slightly open.
— Mom! Do you realize how... this is insane! If he... if he tries something... what the hell?! — His voice cracked.
— Tyler... — She squeezed his hand, which had begun to tremble slightly from all these strange thoughts, meeting his eyes. — I know it’s scary. But I trust you. I don’t know how else to find out... Please.
He swallowed hard, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. His hand relaxed slightly in her warm grasp — the gesture was somewhat calming, though the anxiety still clawed at his insides.
He had seen how much she had suffered these past months — the tired eyes, the tense smile, the long, empty stares. She deserved the truth. She deserved peace.
— Fine... Only for you, — he exhaled, turning away to hide his confusion. — But this... this is a terrible idea.
His mother gave a faint nod and opened the book. The symbols on its pages glowed softly with golden light, as if responding to her voice. Quiet, unfamiliar words echoed through the room, filling the air with something foreign.
The air trembled. The lamp’s light began to flicker, and suddenly, everything around seemed to blur. Tyler felt his head spin, and then... a sensation of falling — deep, endless, as though he were losing touch with reality, sinking into himself.