Birthday wish

Jeremy hated his stepmother. It was his birthday, but she had forbidden any kind of celebration. No friends allowed. No party. No joy.

Alone, with a few coins his father had given him as an allowance, he walked to the nearest bakery, bought a small cake, and returned home with little enthusiasm. In the other room, the sound of heels echoed as Amy got ready to go out. She smiled at her reflection while applying lipstick, wearing that ever-present look of superiority. She loved being in control of the house—and seemed to take pleasure in crushing even the faintest hint of happiness on Jeremy's face.

He climbed the stairs with the cake in hand, sat at his makeshift table, closed his eyes, and made a simple, almost childish wish—but a heartfelt one:

— I wish my dad was married to someone who actually cared about him… and I wish Amy could feel what I go through every day.

As he blew out the candles, a sudden dizziness made his head spin. His vision blurred, colors swirled. When he opened his eyes again, something was off—very off.

Long brown hair brushed against his face. His body felt strange. He looked down and nearly screamed. He was wearing nothing but panties and a bra—and his body was slim, feminine. He rushed to the mirror and froze.

He was Amy.

Panic rising, he stumbled downstairs in her heels. In the kitchen, he stopped cold. His own body sat at the table, eyes wide in disbelief, breathing heavily.

— What’s happening?! — Amy cried out—no, Jeremy in his body. — Why are you in my body? And why am I in yours?!

Jeremy, now in her form, chuckled and walked to the table. He picked up the cake, cut himself a generous slice, and said with a smug smile:

— You sure you don’t want a piece, dear stepson?

Amy turned pale.

— This is insane… what did you do?

— Just made a little birthday wish — Jeremy replied, enjoying the cake like it was the best thing he’d ever tasted. — And it looks like it came true.

— Then undo it! RIGHT NOW! — she snapped, completely unhinged.

He shrugged.

— Undo my birthday wish? After everything you’ve put me through? Not a chance. Today is my day… and well, yours too, in a way.