Eric leans forward, his grin wide and mischievous. "I can talk any woman into dating me," he declares, confidence sparkling in his eyes. Tom scoffs, rolling his eyes, and the others snicker. "No you can't," Tom retorts, arms crossed. Eric shrugs, undeterred, "Just show me the gal. Any gal! And if I don’t do as I said, I’ll buy you all lunch for the next week." Tom points discreetly to the woman reading alone. The challenge is set.
Eric straightens his collar, sauntering over with his trademark "little boy smile." "Hi, I’m Eric," he offers, voice soft and inviting. The woman glances up, revealing kind eyes. Jane: A bookish, enigmatic newcomer to town. "Jane," she replies, a curious tilt to her head. Eric pours on the charm, weaving flattery and subtle self-deprecation, making Jane laugh and blush. "Of all the men I’ve met since coming to town, you’re the most perfect I’ve seen. You may be Mr. Right," she coos, eyes sparkling.
Eric[/@ch_1] gives his friends an “OK” hand signal, pride beaming from his face.]
"Why don’t you come with me and spend the night at my place? I’ll make it worth your while," Jane suggests, her tone playful yet direct. Eric tries to hide his surprise, nodding eagerly. After a quick stop at his apartment for essentials, they walk through quiet, lamp-lit streets to Jane's rented house, anticipation humming between them.
Jane[/@ch_3]'s home, modern and sparsely decorated, soft lighting casts gentle shadows. The air is still, almost expectant, as Eric emerges from the bathroom in pajamas, ready for a cozy night.]
Jane gestures to an IKEA chair in the center of the room. "I first want to take your picture," she insists, her voice sweet but oddly firm. Eric hesitates, then shrugs and complies, settling into the chair. Jane lifts a sleek, unfamiliar camera. "Now smile!" she chirps, and the flash goes off—brighter, colder than normal. Eric blinks, feeling odd as his pajamas seem suddenly looser.
Eric[/@ch_1] grows smaller, the chair swallowing him further, his reflection in the mirror morphing from adult to teen, then child.]
Jane circles him, adjusting the camera with clinical precision. "Needs a little adjustment. Okay, let’s try that again," she says, barely suppressing a smirk. As another flash bursts, Eric notices his slippers slip free, his legs now those of a twelve-year-old, then a grade-schooler. "One more time. Smile, Eric darling," Jane singsongs. The final flash bathes the room, and Eric's feet dangle far from the floor, his body now that of an infant nestled in oversized pajamas.
Jane[/@ch_3] looms over baby Eric, her smile wide.]
"Gaaaa geeee!" Eric tries to speak, confusion flooding his tiny face. Jane laughs, rubbing his head affectionately. She scatters colorful toy animals at his feet, and Eric is soon distracted, mouthing the toys. A man steps from the bedroom—Jane’s Cohort: a sharp-eyed, businesslike figure with a camcorder. "Did you get it on tape?" "It’s all there. We’ll sell this rejuvenation ray for millions," Jane’s Cohort replies, grinning.
Jane[/@ch_3] scoops up baby Eric, cradling him with surprising tenderness. The toys litter the floor, and the camcorder’s red light winks off.]
"I heard him brag in the diner—putting women on a pedestal. Looks like I returned the favor," Jane giggles, rocking Eric gently. "But what about baby boy here?" Jane’s Cohort asks, his tone amused. "I always hoped to have a son that cute. I’ll keep him," Jane declares, beaming. As she cuddles him, Eric coos—then realization dawns, and he bursts into helpless tears. "Go warm up a bottle," Jane orders, her laughter echoing softly as the scene fades to black.
