Goodbye Cruel Life... » Places

         The words warning him of the side effects echo in his ears as Leonard climbs into the car besides George. Well, his father. He supposes he should get used to that now. Dad... And he's a son. That thought still fills him with little butterflies and he smiles happily.

"What are you so giggly about?" George asks as he pulls out of the parking lot and glances over at Leonard in the passenger seat.

"Nothing Dad, just happy is all." He smiles some more as he looks out the window watching the whirl of green and blue go by. That's the world, and he's seeing it through new eyes. This time, he gets to do it right. This time, he gets to be a boy. The minutes fly by, just like the scenery and soon they pull up to a large house. Leonard steps out of the car and looks up at the high roofs, the tall pillars. Everything. The house is absolutely stunning and Leonard can't believe that this is where he is going to be living from now on. He turns around to face his new father, same goofy grin as always on his face. "You have a fantastic house!"

His father simply smiles and leads him inside. "You're welcome to take any room that's not mine." Leonard nods to show he understands. "I have some basic necessities for you, but I'm afraid I don't have much in the way of clothes." He looks Leonard over, frowning disapprovingly at the too-large and worn clothes that he received from Patricia. "Why don't you go out? Get used to your new body and pick up some more... suitable clothing." He hands Leonard a small wad of cash. "It's not much, but I need to make sure you come back." He gives Leonard a wink.

Leonard wrinkles his nose. "Of course I'll come back Dad!" He giggles and pockets the cash, already completely emerged into his new role as son to this man.

His father nods with a soft smile. "Then off with you," he says as he pats Leonard on the lower back and pushes him out the door. Leonard just keeps smiling.

---

The bike ride to town wasn't as long or as tiring as he thought it would be. Leonard strolls into town, eager to get some new clothes for his new body. He's still not quite used to things yet, his new height and perception, and just everything. It's all so different, yet the same, and it definitely feels right. He's thinking about all this as he walks down the street when suddenly he runs into a girl getting off a bus, knocking himself over.

"I'm sorry!" He shouts, picking himself up and dusting off. "Are you alright? I'm so clumsy." A frown crosses his face, but only for an instant before he's smiling uncontrollably again as he looks the girl over. She's about his age, Asian, with long black hair and brown eyes. He finds her extremely pretty.