Body Swap Madness

My husband Norman had always hated how his childhood friend Julia clung to him no matter the occasion. He even cut her off for my sake.

One morning, I woke up and realized that I had mysteriously swapped bodies with Julia.

I wanted to find my husband and figure out what to do, fearing he'd turn me away because of Julia's appearance.

I cooked up a hundred explanations in my head until I finally arrived at our home. When Norman opened the door and saw me, he frowned and quickly shut the door, pushing me away.

Just as I was about to explain that I wasn't Julia, he suddenly pulled me into his arms.

"What are you doing here? Can't stand being apart from me for even two days, huh?"

I was stunned.

When I didn't respond, Norman kissed me on the cheek.

"Cindy's been watching me too closely these days, and I haven't had any time to see you."

I was supposed to be Cindy Murray. But if I were here, then who was the "me" inside that body?

A chill ran down my spine. Suddenly, even the man in front of me felt unfamiliar.

My silence made Norman's face darken. He held my chin hard. "I told you. Don't bring this to Cindy. I'll give you anything you want except for becoming my wife."

Tears welled in my eyes, but I couldn't say a word.

Seeing my tearful face, Norman softened a little. "Alright. There, there. Why are you being so sensitive again? Good girl. I'll drop by and show you my love later."

Suddenly, I felt so disgusted. Norman had always lied to me.

I wanted to tell him the truth—but just then, the door opened, and Norman reflexively shoved me aside. The "me" appeared at the door, smiling.

"Julia, why aren't you coming in? Seriously, Norman. Why are you leaving a young lady outside? Let's go in."

Norman's face turned dark. "Who knows why she's here? I told her to go home and stop bothering us."

"I" shook Norman's hand playfully. "Come on, you can't be mean to every woman except me, right?"

Then, "I" walked over and took my hand. When our eyes met, I knew.

She was Julia Harrison. Our bodies had swapped.

I wanted to grab her to the side and ask what was going on, but she simply winked at me. "Julia, come in. I'll tell you some interesting stories."

She was giving me a signal, so I went along and followed her inside.

Norman hurried after us, sounding a little flustered. "Cindy, why are you letting this woman disturb our time together?"

But in a place Julia couldn't see, Norman squeezed my hand lightly. I awkwardly pulled my hand away.

Sitting on the sofa, I finally noticed a bunch of wedding photos of me and Norman lying out on the table. Some had even been tossed into the trash.

I jumped to my feet, shocked. "What are you doing?"

Norman looked at me suspiciously. "Cindy said these photos are old and they don't look good. She wants to throw these out and take new ones. Why are you getting so agitated?"

Julia, using my face, said, "That's right, Julia. I'm just throwing out my own photos. Why are you so upset?"

"No! Don't throw them away!" I shouted, rushing to dig the dirty photos out of the trash.

Julia immediately stood up, speaking in my voice. "What are you doing, Julia? Wait here, I'll get you some clean clothes and a towel."

I ignored her, desperately picking up the ruined wedding photos, as if trying my best to salvage what was left of the soiled love between me and Norman.

While Julia went to get them, Norman cupped my chin roughly.

"Julia, what's wrong with you? They're just some wedding photos!" he snapped.