Tim stood in his new dorm room, excitement bubbling within him as he surveyed the space that would be his home for the next few years. He was eager for the swimming meets, the parties, and all the adventures college promised. Yet, a part of him wished he could fast forward through it all. That night, he noticed a shooting star through his window and, with a whimsical notion, made a wish.
Tim awoke with a start, his head throbbing from last night's festivities. He glanced at the date on his phone, disbelief setting in. Winter had arrived, yet he felt as though he had just closed his eyes. A glance in the mirror revealed a small belly poking out from beneath his shirt. "What happened to me?" he murmured, tugging at his underwear that now fit too snugly. Swim practice awaited, but his speedo felt like a wrestling match to put on.
After struggling through swim practice, Tim pondered over his predicament. Every time he slept, it seemed days, weeks, or even months would vanish. He resolved to make the most of each waking moment, hoping normalcy would return. The next morning, he found himself at the end of freshman year, with more weight gained and a fuller face in the mirror. Despite the changes, he was determined to regain his fitness.
Tim's sophomore year began with a surprise. His physique had transformed over the summer, muscles rippling beneath his skin. No longer on the swim team, he was now part of the college football team, thriving in a new sport. "Guess I found my calling," he chuckled, enjoying the camaraderie and challenge. The coach, impressed yet ambitious, encouraged him to continue bulking up.
As Tim entered his junior year, he was no longer on the football team due to an injury. He embraced fraternity life, his body now bearing the marks of past athleticism and present indulgence. "Just one more year," he often reminded himself, glimpsing his reflection—now a full beard and a comfortable belly—his past like a distant memory.
Tim stood among his peers, his heart swelling with pride as he graduated. His journey through college had been anything but ordinary. Though his body had changed, he had embraced weightlifting and found strength he never knew he had. "I'm ready for whatever life throws at me next," he declared, the prospect of the future bright and inviting. The wish had ended, but Tim was content, prepared to step into the next chapter of his life, forever changed yet profoundly grateful.
