A week later, Marcus sat slouched on the couch of his “new home,” staring blankly at the TV. At first, being in a different body had felt like winning the lottery—new muscles, new looks, a whole new identity. But the thrill had worn off fast.
The novelty of his reflection in the mirror no longer made him smile. The clothes didn’t feel like his, the voice didn’t sound right, and worst of all—he missed being himself.
Shaun called later that night, his voice equally flat.
“Man… this sucks. I thought I’d be living it up, but I just feel… fake. Like I’m wearing someone else’s skin.”
Marcus sighed. “Tell me about it. We dropped five grand on this, and now I just want my old body back.”
There was a long silence on the line. Finally, Shaun muttered, “We can’t swap again until the month’s up. Guess we’re stuck.”
Marcus rubbed his face, frustration bubbling up. He remembered the excitement when they first left the pods, how amazing it had all seemed. But now, every day felt heavier, hollower.
“Best five thousand we ever spent,” Marcus said bitterly, “and the worst at the same time.”
The two friends laughed weakly, though neither of them really found it funny.
The month crawled by, but finally, Marcus and Shaun were back at the swapping facility. Both of them could hardly contain their relief as they stepped into the pods once more.
When the hiss of the machines died down, Marcus opened his eyes and saw his hands again. Slim, pale, bitten nails—ugly, but familiar. He flexed his fingers and almost laughed with joy. Shaun was the same, grinning as he ran to the mirror.
“Never thought I’d be so happy to see this nerdy mug again,” Shaun said, touching his face.
Marcus clapped him on the shoulder. “Best feeling ever. We’re back!”
The two friends were about to head out when a bright holo-sign flickered across the wall near reception:
HALF-PRICE SWAP EVENT – LIMITED TIME ONLY!
They froze. Half price.
Shaun looked at Marcus. Marcus looked at Shaun. Neither of them said anything at first, both knowing exactly what the other was thinking.
“Five grand was steep…” Shaun finally muttered.
“…but twenty-five hundred?” Marcus finished, already feeling the itch of curiosity.
Moments later, they were back at the counter, handing over their cards with sheepish grins.
“Just one more try,” Marcus said.
“Yeah,” Shaun nodded. “This time it’ll be worth it.”
The pods hummed to life again.
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