Gavin wasn’t really interested in his girlfriend anymore. The truth was, he only stayed in the relationship to be around her mother, Lucy — a woman in her mid-forties who carried herself with effortless grace. Gavin was captivated by her kindness and quiet strength.
The man lucky enough to be with Lucy was Mark, though “lucky” hardly seemed the right word. Mark often seemed distant, taking her for granted. Gavin couldn’t help thinking how different things would be if he were in Mark’s place. He would appreciate her, listen to her, treat her the way she deserved.
That thought followed him through the evening as he drove his girlfriend home. The streets were dark and empty, his mind filled with restless wishes. Finally, as rain began to fall, he whispered, “I wish I could be Mark.”
The air seemed to shimmer for a moment. Then everything went white.
“Babe, are you okay?” a voice asked.
Gavin blinked and looked around — he wasn’t in his car anymore. He was standing in Lucy’s living room. She stood across from him, watching with concern.
He tried to speak, but the voice that came out was deeper, older. He looked down at his hands and saw a simple wedding ring. The truth hit him like a wave. It worked.
Lucy stepped closer and smiled gently. “Rough day?” she said. “You look exhausted.” She touched his arm, warmth and familiarity in her eyes.
Gavin’s heart raced. The moment he had imagined for so long was now real — and yet, standing there, he suddenly felt the weight of what he had done. This wasn’t a dream. This was someone else’s life.
Later, lying awake in the dark of Mark and Lucy’s home, he watched her sleeping peacefully beside him and felt torn between guilt and wonder. He had everything he thought he wanted… but it wasn’t really his.
Morning sunlight crept across the room. Gavin — still in Mark’s body — realized that some wishes aren’t gifts at all. Sometimes they’re traps disguised as dreams.
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