Mara

A few minutes later, the group chat started to light up. Ellie sent several laughing emojis and called him an idiot. Clara only replied with a confused “???”. But then Mara’s direct message came through. “Are you actually serious right now?” John quickly typed back using his borrowed fingers. “Yeah I’m serious. I’m literally sitting here in Karen’s body staring at my own body sleeping. Come over if you don’t believe me.” There was a short pause before Mara replied. “I’m coming over right now.”

About fifteen minutes later, he heard a knock on the front door. He walked over and opened it to see Mara standing outside, looking nervous and unsure. When she saw Karen standing in the doorway, her eyes widened. “John…?” she asked hesitantly. John gave an awkward smile with Karen’s face. “Yeah, it’s me. Told you it was real.” Mara stepped inside slowly, her eyes can't stop staring at John’s borrowed body. He then led her to his bedroom.

When Mara saw his real body lying peacefully on the bed, breathing steadily, she let out a soft gasp. “Okay… have you tried going back? Like, focusing on your own body and willing yourself back into it?” John shook his head. “Not yet.” Mara nodded, thinking quickly. “Maybe you should try that now. Close your eyes and concentrate on returning to your own body.” John took a deep breath. “Alright… let’s try it.”

He closed his eyes and focused on his own sleeping body lying on the bed. He tried imagining himself slipping back into his tall, lanky frame. For several long seconds he stood there in silence, concentrating hard. Mara watched anxiously, waiting to see if anything would happen.