Chapter 1

When Kelly pulled into the driveway, she was already exhausted from work. She had been looking forward to a quiet evening with her husband, Mike---maybe a movie, some takeout, and early bedtime. But the moment she stepped into the backyard, all those expectations shattered.

There, in the middle of the lawn, was Mike. He was riding a small, red tricycle, his legs awkwardly bent to fit the tiny pedals. He wore a unicorn-print romper over bright blue tights, his face alight with childlike glee as he giggled and hummed to himself.

Kelly froze for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Oh my god, Mike, what are you doing?" she asked between chuckles.

Mike didn't answer. He just kept pedaling in circles, his expression as carefree as a child at recess.

"Alright, joke's over," Kelly said, still smiling as she walked closer. "Come inside before the neighbors---"

"Nope!" Mike interrupted, sticking out his tongue. "I'm playing! You should play too, Kelly! We can have a tea party after this!"

Kelly's laughter faded. "Okay, Mike, stop messing around."

He didn't. He kept riding, giggling, muttering to himself in a sing-song voice.

Her amusement gave way to irritation. "Mike! Cut it out!"

But his behavior didn't change. In fact, he seemed oblivious to her frustration. Kelly watched as he began talking to an invisible friend, nodding as if deep in conversation. A strange chill crept up her spine.

She swallowed hard. "Mike… are you feeling okay?"

He beamed at her. "I feel super duper!"

Her stomach twisted. Something was very, very wrong.

The next morning, Kelly managed to convince Mike to see a psychiatrist. He didn't resist---in fact, he seemed excited, bouncing on his heels like a child about to visit a candy store.

As they sat in the dimly lit office, the psychiatrist, Dr. Feldman, listened intently as Kelly described what had happened. Mike, meanwhile, sat with his hands folded in his lap, swinging his feet like a restless child.

"Mike," Dr. Feldman said gently, "can you tell me how you're feeling?"

Mike grinned. "I feel happy! I don't wanna be boring anymore. I wanna have fun all the time!"

Kelly clenched her fists. "But you're not acting like yourself, Mike. You're acting like---like a little girl."

He giggled. "Maybe I am a little girl!"

The room fell silent.

Dr. Feldman took a slow breath and scribbled something in his notebook. Then, after a long pause, he looked at Kelly. His expression was unreadable, but something in his eyes made her feel cold.

"Mrs. Carter," he said carefully, "I'd like to speak with you alone for a moment."

Kelly nodded stiffly, watching as a nurse guided Mike to another room.

Once the door clicked shut, Dr. Feldman folded his hands. "Has Mike suffered any trauma recently? A loss? A breakdown?"

Kelly shook her head. "No… at least, not that I know of. He's always been fine. Normal."

Dr. Feldman leaned forward. "This isn't simple role-playing or stress relief. Mike's behavior suggests a severe dissociative episode. In cases like this, the mind sometimes regresses into a childlike state to escape something---something unbearable."

Kelly's breath hitched. "Escape from what?"

Dr. Feldman's voice was grave. "That's what we need to find out. But I must be honest with you… this level of regression can indicate something very dark. If we don't address it soon, Mike may not come back."

Kelly's hands trembled.

She had walked in worried.

Now, she was terrified.

Dr. Feldman's office was silent as Kelly stepped out. Her hands were still shaking, her mind racing with fear. Her husband---the man she had shared years of laughter, struggles, and love with---was slipping away into some bizarre, childish fantasy.

She pressed her palm against her forehead, trying to steady herself. What if he never comes back? What if this is permanent?

Inside the office, however, an entirely different reality was unfolding.

The moment the door clicked shut, Mike straightened in his chair. The childish glee melted from his face, replaced by a sly grin. He leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head.

Dr. Feldman barely managed to hold it together before a snort of laughter escaped him.

Mike smirked. "She bought it."

The doctor burst into giggles, shaking his head. "Oh my God, Mike, that was perfect!"

Mike chuckled, relaxing into his seat. "I told you she'd freak out."

Dr. Feldman wiped a tear from his eye. "Man, I haven't laughed that hard in years. But seriously, how long do you think you can keep this up?"

"A week," Mike said confidently.

Dr. Feldman scoffed. "No way. You cannot act like an over-the-top, sugar-rushed, frilly little girl for seven days straight. She'll catch on."

Mike's grin widened. "Oh, I can and I will."

The doctor leaned forward, grinning mischievously. "Ten thousand says you crack before the week is up."

Mike's eyes gleamed. "You're on."

They shook hands, sealing the bet just as the door handle turned.