Eric was dribbling his basketball down the sidewalk, already imagining the satisfying swish of a perfect three-pointer, when the change hit.

One moment he was in his favorite faded t-shirt, loose jeans, and beat-up sneakers. The next, soft fabric whispered against his skin as his clothes melted away and reformed into something entirely different.

A stunning cream-colored dress now hugged his torso before flaring out into a voluminous silhouette. Layers of delicate tulle and lace ruffles cascaded around his legs, swaying with every step. Dramatic puffed sleeves brushed his arms, and a dainty ruffled neckline framed his collarbone. Below, smooth pink tights covered his legs, ending in shiny pink Mary Janes that clicked against the pavement.

Eric froze mid-dribble. The basketball bounced once and rolled into the street.

He looked down in horror at the frothy, princess-like gown that now engulfed him. The dress was beautiful-impossibly elegant, clearly made to captivate and impress-but it was on him.

His face burned. Without a word, he turned away from the direction of the basketball court and ran.

The voluminous skirt bounced and swirled around his knees as he sprinted home. Halfway up the front steps, he instinctively gathered the layers of tulle and lace in both hands, lifting the hem so he wouldn’t trip. The Mary Janes made a delicate click-clack on the wooden stairs.

From the bottom of the landing, his older brother Jake leaned against the railing, arms crossed, grinning like an idiot.

“Looking good, princess,” Jake called out, barely holding back laughter. “New game plan?”

Eric shot him a murderous glare, cheeks flaming, as he clutched the skirt tighter. “Shut up.”

Jake’s grin only widened. “Hey, you’re not heading to the court today, that’s for sure. Might ruin the dress.”

He didn’t say it out loud, but Eric knew.

The smug look in his brother’s eyes said everything. Jake had done this. Some stupid spell, some dumb enchanted object he’d been messing with in his room-whatever it was, his brother was responsible for turning Eric’s casual basketball fit into this extravagant, frilly cream dream of a dress.

Eric stomped past him (as best as one could stomp in Mary Janes), the lace ruffles fluttering indignantly with every step.

“Change me back,” he muttered.

Jake just laughed harder. “What’s the rush? You look adorable.”

Eric slammed his bedroom door, the sound muffled by layers of tulle.

From the other side, he could still hear his brother chuckling.

“Game’s canceled for you today, little bro. Better get used to those shoes.”

Eric slammed his bedroom door behind him, the sound echoing through the house. He immediately began struggling with the voluminous cream dress, tugging at the dramatic sleeves and fighting the layers of tulle and lace. It took several awkward minutes of twisting and pulling before he finally stepped out of it, breathing heavily in just his underwear. He shoved the beautiful gown deep into his closet and slammed the door shut.