Alex Nelson steps outside, rubbing sleep from his eyes, his gaze drawn to the festive setup. His heart thumps with boyish excitement; today is his 46th birthday and, just maybe, the day his lifelong wish comes true.
Janice Nelson, his wife—practical, kind, and always a step ahead—waits with a sly smile near the table, her hands tucked behind her back.
"Happy birthday, Alex! I finally got you your dream car,"
Alex laughs, his eyes widening at the sight of the tiny car. He glances at Janice, searching her face for the punchline.
"Okay Janice, this is funny, but where's my real present?"
"Oh, this is it, dear. All those years you wanted this car, so I got it for you," she replies, her voice laced with playful mystery.
Alex[/@ch_1] kneels by the Corvette, his hand brushing the smooth, red hood. For a split second, a strange tingle shoots up his arm, making the hairs on his neck stand on end.]
Confusion flickers across Alex’s face. He tries to pull away, but the sensation intensifies, warping his vision as the backyard seems to grow impossibly large around him. His clothes begin to sag and pool at his feet, utterly out of proportion.
Janice steps closer, her eyes alight with anticipation as she watches the transformation unfold.
Alex[/@ch_1], who stands, bewildered and tiny, in the vastness of his own backyard. His shirt hangs like a tent, and his shoes have slipped off his newly shrunken feet. Bright sunlight casts long shadows, making the little Corvette gleam invitingly.]
"Janis wha appen ta me?" His voice squeaks, high and innocent, as he fumbles with his oversized clothing.
"You can say it’s because we never had children, but really, I got this just for you. Special order—the manufacturers at K.I.D. don’t make them like this anymore," Janice explains, her tone both affectionate and teasing.
Janice[/@ch_2] kneels and helps Alex out of his adult clothes, dressing him in a set of bright, primary-colored boy’s shorts and a t-shirt she produces from a gift bag. The air smells of fresh-cut grass and the faint tang of birthday cake from inside the house.]
Though startled, Alex is too overwhelmed to protest, listening intently as Janice lays out the new ground rules with a smile.
"Now, little Alex, you’ll be the child we never had. And you can keep your convertible, but only if you don’t give rides to little Tina Mackenzie down the street—she’s a fast one for a four-year-old," Janice laughs, ruffling his hair.
Alex[/@ch_1]’s new form. Sunbeams dance off its polished surface, and the sound of distant children’s laughter floats on the wind.]
Alex looks from his wife to his car, his mind spinning with disbelief and a curious, newfound excitement. He grins, the mischief of a five-year-old lighting his eyes.
"Mommy, can I wash my car?"
Janice smiles, her voice gentle and warm.
"Of course you can, sweetie,"
Alex[/@ch_1] sits behind the wheel of his shiny red Corvette, his laughter ringing out as he pretends to drive. The air is filled with the promise of childhood adventures and second chances.]
On his 46th birthday, Alex Nelson finally gets his dream car—no soaring insurance, no hefty payments, just a few lost years and the gift of becoming the child he and Janice never had.
Janice watches from the porch, content and quietly triumphant, as her husband-turned-son embarks on the happiest ride of his life.
