Jacob sat on his bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, trying to escape the noise of the world around him. His orange clothes contrasted sharply against the somberness he felt inside. He longed for peace, a moment away from the constant demands of life. Suddenly, the door burst open. Max stood there, his youthful face marred by bruises, his green eyes pleading. "Jacob, I need your help. Some boys at school—they're making my life miserable." Jacob turned his head, but not his heart. "So what, Max? Life's tough for everyone. I can't get any peace either. Just... leave me alone."

Max took a step back, hurt and disbelief etched on his face. "You think your life is tough? Try being bullied by six older boys because we don't have parents. I thought you'd understand." Jacob sighed, dismissing him with a wave. "Just get out, Max." As the door closed, a heavy silence enveloped the room. But then, a voice, deep and resonant, filled the space, though it had no source. "Jacob, that was not nice to your brother. You didn't even notice his injuries. You both need to learn from each other."

Jacob blinked, confusion flickering across his features. "Why are you making me switch with him?" he asked, though he wasn't sure to whom. The voice responded, gentle yet firm. "You will find it is harder to tell someone your burdens and yet keep them secret for a long time."

Jacob awoke, but something was different. The room seemed larger, the bed higher. He looked down to see small hands, not his own. Panic surged through him. He was in Max's body. Meanwhile, Max opened his eyes to find himself in Jacob's room, wearing his brother's orange clothes. "This is... strange," he murmured.

Jacob, in Max's body, felt the weight of vulnerability, the stares of those older boys in school still fresh in his mind. "I never realized... how hard it was for you," he admitted, his voice soft. Max, now understanding the pressure of Jacob's responsibilities, nodded. "And I didn't know how much you needed peace," he replied.

The voice returned, gentle and approving. "You have learned what you needed to. It is time to return to your own paths, with empathy and understanding." With a blink, they were themselves again, the experience leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. They smiled at each other, a silent promise passing between them. "I'm here if you need me, Max," said Jacob. "And I'm here for you, Jacob," replied Max, knowing that peace was no longer a solitary quest.