The Switch

Gwen frowned, feeling that the old man’s words were utterly absurd.

"Only five dollars. This offer is a one-time deal. Take it or leave it. If you don't believe me, you can always resell this golden comb to a jewelry store. You'll make a more than decent profit, wouldn't you say?"

Gwen’s interest was piqued. "Is this really genuine gold?"

The old merchant nodded firmly.

"Can I take it to a jewelry store to check?" Gwen stood up and crouched in front of the old man's display.

The old man shook his head. "If you want to test it at a jewelry store, you have to buy it first. The price is only five dollars."

Gwen hesitated, looking torn.

"My offer is strictly for you, just this once, and there won't be a second chance. Do you want it or not?"

Curiosity gnawed at Gwen. The sheen of the comb before her truly looked like solid gold. An overwhelming wave of intrigue washed over her. Ultimately, she caved and agreed to buy it.

"Remember, this comb can only be used three times in your lifetime. There will be one bonus use, but that depends entirely on the sincerity of your heart."

Gwen pulled a five-dollar bill from her pocket and exchanged it for the golden comb. She then rushed straight to a jewelry store to verify its authenticity.

It was real! It was an authentic golden comb! Filled with excitement, Gwen tried to sell the comb, but every single jewelry shop she visited refused to buy it, for reasons she couldn't comprehend.

Defeated, Gwen returned home and tossed the unsold golden comb onto her mattress. The groceries she had bought at the market sat abandoned on the dining table; she was in no mood to cook. As night fell, Gwen did nothing but laze around, remaining in bed even when Hans came home. She fell asleep bathed in resentment, her back turned coldly toward him.

The next morning, Gwen woke up. With her mind feeling a bit refreshed, her thoughts began to race the moment her fingers caught the golden comb under her pillow.

"Hey, I could sell this golden comb to Sienna!" Gwen muttered as an idea struck her.

Gwen immediately rummaged through her wardrobe, searching for a decent outfit to wear to the gathering at Sienna’s house. Once she found a suitable dress, she quickly cooked a modest meal for Hans—cheap tamarind soup and salted dried fish.

"Eat up. I have a gathering at Sienna's house later this afternoon," Gwen offered as Hans sat down.

"Praise God, my favorite tamarind soup!" Hans exclaimed, hiding something behind his back.

"What’s that behind you?" Gwen asked.

"Ta-da!" Hans revealed a plastic bag. "Here, wear this to Sienna’s gathering this afternoon."

"A new dress? It's beautiful, Hans!" Gwen squealed, cradling the gift in her hands. Then she paused and pouted, "So you did have money! Yesterday you only gave me forty-five dollars."

"I bought it on credit from the foreman’s wife. I can pay it off in six installments. Just wear it! Do you like it?" Hans asked softly.

Gwen nodded. "Thank you, Hans!" She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Hans gently kissed her forehead and the top of her head, his eyes brimming with affection.

When late afternoon arrived, Daisy picked Gwen up on her scooter to head over to Sienna's house, even though it was well within walking distance.

"Ooh, look at you in a new dress!" Daisy teased.

"Yeah, Hans bought it for me."

"It looks great on you!" Daisy praised.

Gwen smiled, her heart fluttering with hope that Sienna would buy her golden comb. Sienna had endless money, and her sparkling gold jewelry only heightened her beauty.

The two arrived at Sienna's residence, where a crowd had already gathered. Before long, the prayer service began. An abundance of delicious food was served in the pavilion of Sienna’s grand house, which boasted a sprawling, lush yard.

Lulled by the delicious feast and lively chatter, time flew by until twilight approached. Some guests rushed home, while others stayed to pray at Sienna's house, including Gwen.

Gwen intended to offer her golden comb once the crowd thinned out and Sienna was no longer busy entertaining guests.

However, as Gwen joined the prayers in the small prayer room near the pavilion, her eyes caught the mirror on the wall. For some reason, the old man’s ridiculous words echoed in her mind.

Gwen pulled the comb from her dress pocket. After removing her prayer veil, she casually ran the comb through her hair, stroke by slow stroke. One second, two seconds, a full minute passed—yet she saw no change in her reflection. She was still undeniably Gwen.

"Huh, crazy old man! What a complete fool," Gwen muttered softly under her breath. "Nothing changed. I'm still just Gwen. I didn't turn into Sienna."

Scoffing, Gwen slipped the comb back into her pocket, folded her prayer veil, and put her instant hijab back on while adjusting her appearance in front of the mirror.

"Sienna!" a male voice called out nearby.

Gwen turned around. Jeff was staring at her in confusion.

"What are you doing praying in here? Mom is looking for you to help hand out the gift bags to the guests!" Jeff said.

Gwen froze for a second, her eyes darting around the room to look for Sienna.

"What are you looking for? Come on, hurry up!" Jeff gestured, waving his hand at Gwen.

Gwen’s breath hitched. Was Jeff talking to her? Gwen whipped her head toward the mirror—the reflection was still her own face. So why was Jeff calling her Sienna?

Gwen's heart pounded like a drum. Did she look like Sienna to everyone else? Were the old man’s words actually true? With her chest heaving, Gwen followed behind Jeff to meet his mother.

"Sienna! Where on earth have you been? The guests are about to leave. Hurry up and hand out these gift bags!" Susan, Jeff’s mother, grabbed Gwen’s arm, addressing her as Sienna without a second thought.

Gwen glanced over toward the pavilion. Standing there were Daisy and ... Sienna. But as Gwen took a closer look, shock paralyzed her. Sienna was wearing Gwen's cheap dress, while gold bracelets, rings, and necklaces now adorned Gwen's own body. Gwen wanted to scream in pure delight. The old man’s crazy claim was real!

"Sienna, Gwen and I are heading home now!" Daisy and Sienna approached Gwen, who stood rooted to the spot. Even Daisy called her Sienna.

'Dear God! Was this really happening? Was this not a dream?' Gwen pinched her arm hard—it stung.

Susan nudged Gwen's elbow. "Sienna, why are you daydreaming? Come on, give them their gifts!"

Internally, Gwen roared with triumphant joy. She had truly become Sienna!