Wishing on the Biggest Star

 

 

 Alejandro hadn’t meant to get so mad at his big brother, Mauricio. He hadn’t meant to make a stupid wish either. Maurico was joking, Alejandro knew that. His wish wasn’t actually supposed to come true. The two were lounging around the house, in their underwear, it was summer, the family was used to it. Then Maurico lorded his height over his little bro, keeping the remote from him. They weren’t even that far apart, but it was enough to claim dominance.

“Keep trying and wish on those small stars to one day get my height. Never going to be able to with those small wishes though,” Maurico smirked, easily bending back and forth, remote dangling in his hand. Alejandro was embarrassed. Of course, his big brother heard his ridiculous wishes, at night. It was supposed to be his own personal secret. The walls were too thin for their own good 

Frustrated, Alejandro marched outside. There was one star he hadn’t wished on, currently blazing in the sky. A big star, that could support a big wish, He couldn’t look at it directly, but he wished all the same. Typically, it was a wish to grow as tall as his brother, but post-fight Maricio’s words were in his head. He whispered, “I want Mauricio’s height.”

“Hey, what are you doing?” Maurico rested his hands on both sides of the doorframe looking out at his brother. “Get in here before the neighbors see you!” he whispered harshly then nodded his head back to the house. They were both going to get it if not careful.

Alejandro pouted, looked around, waiting for a sparkle or glow. Nothing. 

Then like a chain being yanked back, he was pulled off his feet and flung towards Maurico. His big brother could barely register what was happening, holding out his arms, to catch Alejandro on a direct collision path. There was an impact and Mauricio’s body fell back on the floor.

When Alejandro woke up, he was in bed. Not his own though. There were fútbol jerseys all around the room of Mauricio’s favorite players. Though it didn’t look like his brother’s room.

“Maurico!” A deep bass left Alejandro's throat and actually scared him. When he realized the source was himself, he jumped out of bed and then was even more surprised. There was a body with muscles and tattoos, wearing larger versions of his briefs and socks. He sprinted out the room, exiting into a large apartment. He walked through slowly not wanting to disturb anyone. A round mirror hung on the hallway as Alejandro stopped. The reflection in the mirror was pure masculinity: strong, facial hair around the lips and jaw, muscularity laid bare. As for the face, it was certainly Alejandro’s face, but older. As for the body, he just knew it was Maurico’s but older.

He squeezed his eyes trying to remember. 

Alejandro hadn’t landed on Mauricio; he had been catapulted inside him. Mauricio’s attempt to catch his brother had allowed Alejandro to disappear inside. Alejandro wanted out immediately but there was nowhere to go, he was trapped. Though he had felt the slam onto the floor as if it was him. Alejandro and Mauricio’s bodies were in an unconscious state together. Then Mauricio’s body began to grow, metabolizing Alejandro’s age into itself. Alejandro sensed Mauricio’s body growing and expanding on the floor, even through the unconsciousness. His brother's body continued to get larger, and Alejandro knew when Mauricio’s face mimicked his own, adopting his features before aging them as well. Mauricio’s own boxer briefs turned into Alejandro’s briefs, only packing a lot more in the front and back. The tattoo's appeared on his skin inked by invisible hands.

It was all clear to Alejandro now. The sun hadn't just granted his wish; it went above and beyond as the biggest star. Mauricio’s height was now Alejandro’s, as was the rest of Mauricio. In this new world ‘Mauricio’ was never born while Alejandro was born sooner. As such the wish merged their lives with Alejandro taking over. His name and face stamped onto accomplishments Mauricio would have had. 

Alejandro sat by the window, wishing and begging with the sun, even as dusk approached to undo the wish.