Callie was dumped out of the box, tumbling into a room with a plastic table prepared for a perfect tea party. There were even guests already assembled: a trio of happy, plastic dolls that sat smiling at her. Callie stumbled awkwardly up, not used to the bulk on her back, still reeling from the extraordinary events of the past minute.

She had gotten a text from Caleb to come over; his parents were out of town, and they would have a bit more privacy. Except Celeste, his younger sister, was the one to meet Callie at the door. That was the last thing that made sense. Now, Callie had to lean back to see just how large Celeste had become…or, more accurately, how small she had become.

“Celeste! What did you do to me? Why am I doll-sized? And what the hell am I wearing?!” Callie said. Her suit was mostly plastic, with just enough padding to make it comfortable. She had buttons on her chest, one of which had been struck on her journey in the box, causing wings to pop out of her back.

“I’ll be asking the questions today, Callie. Just what are your intentions with my brother?”

“I…what? I’m dating him!”

“But you’ve already broken his heart once. Isn’t that right? You had been dating him for a year until you got bored and went traipsing away the moment that football player took an interest in you and your purple hair.”

Callie blanched, feeling the shame of how she handled the breakup. “Look, I know I could have done better, but believe me: that is not what happened. I love Caleb, and spending some time away from him helped me see that.”

“Did you cheat on Caleb with the football player?”

“No, never! I’ve been cheated on before, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone!”

Celeste thought for a moment, holding Callie’s fate in her giant, human hands. “If I find out you’ve lied lie me, you’ll be a toy for a long, long time. So, did you cheat on Caleb?”

Feeling caught, trapped, Callie began to wonder if Caleb’s little sister already knew more than she let on. “I…there was a party a few months ago. Mark was there, and we were both buzzed. I was mad at Caleb for some stupid thing I can’t even remember now, and Mark and I…we kissed. But that is all, I swear! I broke up with Caleb that week.” For as painful as it was to admit, it felt good to get that secret out of her.

“I believe you, and since you told me the truth, I’ll only keep you like this for a week.”

“A week!” Callie coughed out, looking around at the playset, and its dolls; her new home and companions. More focused on them, she didn’t notice Celeste’s hand until it was too late. “Gyah!” Callie was sat in one of the pink plastic chairs, facing the trio of fashion dolls.

“Yes, one week of fashion shows, tea parties, and sleep overs. And nights in a big toy box.” Without warning, she made Callie wave to the other dolls. “Hi, I’m Callie Quasar from Galaxy Squad! Mind if I crash with you guys for a bit?”

As Celeste introduced each of Callie’s new best friends, Callie found she had no control over how she moved, or what she said. But, if this was as bad as it got, she could handle it. Callie just hoped Celeste never found out what really happened at that party.