This choice: They are a boy and a girl • Go Back... It was a crisp fall day West High and the students of Ms. Greene’s class we’re buzzing with anticipation.
“What do you think is under there?” Emma whispered to her boyfriend Zac as they took their seats near the back of the class.
“I dunno, probably just another dumb over-sized diorama,” he said slumping into his seat.
“I heard it has to do with a new class project,” Emma continued. “Something involving Blossom Hill Elementary.”
“Probably just one of those big brother big sister type mentor programs,” Zac said dismissively. “We pretend to enjoy reading with one of the kids for an hour and then we’re done.”
“I don’t know, this feels different,” Emma said, her mind still speculating at what could it be.
The bell rang and the rest of the students hurried to their seats as Ms. Greene took to the front of the class.
“Settle down everyone, please” Ms. Greene said, “I’m sure you’re all wondering what this is behind me,” motioning to a large sheet covering some sort of large contraption. “This is to facilitate with our new unit on empathy.” She said as she wrote Empathy on the board in large letters.
“This week, you will each have the unique opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. To literally walk in someone else shoes.” She continued. “And as a special treat, we’re partnering with our friends from Blossom Hills Elementary for this project. So please welcome Ms. Allen’s class!” She said motioning toward the door with an outstretched hand.
A young looking teacher entered the room followed by the students of her class. They meekly stood to the side of the classroom, waiting for further instructions.
“I told you,” Zac whispered to Emmas as the students filed in, “probably doing some sort of job shadow thing, they can understand what it’s like to be in High School.”
“You don’t need a big mysterious object for a job shadow,” Emma said rolling her eyes.
“Now, I sure you’re wondering what this all means,” Ms. Greene continued. “Well allow me to show you, the Empathy Machine!” Ms. Greene said, pulling the sheet off the contraption revealing a strange looking device. It appeared to be two stools and a center console. The consoles had wires coming out attached to two helmets.
“This machine has been graciously loaned to us by the local university to pilot a new program.” She explained. “It allows two people to trade consciousness, effectively becoming the other.”
“You mean like a Freaky Friday body swap?” One of the students interjected.
Ms. Greene chuckled, “yes I suppose it’s exactly like that. Now, in just a moment, each of you will ‘Freaky Friday body swap’ with one of the students in Ms. Allen’s class. They will each get they opportunity to experience high school for a week, and likewise each of you will get to experience life as someone else.”
“I told you this was something bigger!” Emma said, hitting Zac’s arm. “We’re going to be stuck as kids for a week!”
Zac perked up, suddenly feeling more nervous about the whole thing, “Who do you think we’ll swap with?” He said looking over at the students who looked considerably more excited.
“Now, before we begin, we should say that yes we have the consent of all the participating student’s parents. They know that someone different will be coming home in their child’s body today. However they have been instructed to act as if nothing has changed, and likewise you will be expected to live as closely to your new life as possible. Any misbehaving will be severely punished,” she threatened.
“And secondly, you may notice that there is an uneven amount of boys and girls,” she said. “This just means that some of you will have the extra experience of living life as the opposite gender. Consider it an added bonus.”
“I can’t believe this!,” Zac said, “this is insane. I can’t go back to being a kid for a whole week! And letting some random kid be me!”
“Mr. Williams,” Ms. Greene said looking at Zac, “since you seem to be unable to contain yourself, you have just volunteered to be the first candidate.” She said. “Please come to the front of the room and sit on this stool.”
Zac grumbled and looked over at Emma who just grinned. He sat on the stool and Ms. Greene placed one of the helmets on his head.
“Now, the assignments have already been made,” she said grabbing a list. “And you have been assigned to swap with…”
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