Child’s Play Part IV
Thursday, March 26th, 2009So where were we? Oh yeah, little Max had just crawled into the machine and I once again closed the door, hoping that nothing would go wrong. The machine quaked and stirred. What if Max actually became smaller? Perhaps pocket-sized? I shoved these thoughts out of my head and looked over towards Professor Bookworm. He sat calmly at the control board with a grin on his face. What is that supposed to mean?
“Everything going according to plan?” I asked the professor hesitantly.
“It couldn’t be better! The Senesciator is functioning in perfect harmony with the Ancientometer. Just a little puff of some Nanagas, a tablespoon of blue hair dye and three prunes and we’re in business!
I laughed, although I had no idea what he was talking about. At least he didn’t seem worried.
The machine came to an abrupt halt and a stillness came over the cave, just as it had before. Thick, white steam was hissing from the contraption. No lightening this time. That’s at least a good sign. I ran to the door, took the latch in my hand and pulled it hard. The few seconds it took for the smoke to clear seemed to take hours. There, standing before me, was my buddy Max, exactly the size and age as he was before he stepped in this machine for the first time. I jumped up and gave him a big hug. You know, I don’t usually like to hug and certainly not him of all people, but I’ll go ahead and admit it – I missed the old Max. The baby was cute enough, but I couldn’t stand to take care of all his baby needs for one more day.
As I hugged Max, I heard a roaring laugh from the direction of the professor. I looked over towards him, dumbfounded.
“What are you laughing about?”
“Take a look for yourself!”
I took one step back and noticed that Max was still wearing a diaper and sucking on a comforter.
Max spit out the comforter.
“I’m glad you two are having so much fun at my expense!”
“Oh Max, we’re laughing with you, not at you!”
“Well Ella, now YOU can get into the machine!”
Max grabbed me and shoved me into the little green chamber.
Finally I’m old again! But Pandas, promise one thing to me – don’t tell anyone that I had to wear a diaper and sucked on a comforter, okay? I would lose my good reputation with my friends and especially with the ladies. Don’t tell anyone!
Now Ella’s in the machine. I’ll tell you tomorrow what happened to her. She unfortunately can’t give you the interview with Prof. Bookworm because she’s a bit…busy…right now.
Be sure to come by tomorrow. The chances aren’t bad that you’ll get to try out the machine too. But, of course, only if you have faith in it!
Be good Pandas,
