Frank's mind reeled as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. He was inside his own daughter’s body, experiencing the world through her senses. He could feel her heart racing, her chest tight with emotion.
"Amanda?" Mary's voice called again, closer this time.
Footsteps approached the door.
Frank panicked. He didn't know how to control Amanda's body or voice. What if Mary realized something was wrong? He tried to will Amanda's lips to move, to say something, anything. He had to act normal, had to be Amanda.
"I'm... I'm coming, Mom," he called out, startled by the sound of Amanda's voice coming from his - her - mouth.
He stood up, wobbling slightly as he adjusted to Amanda's body. The door opened, and Mary stepped in, concern etched on her face.
"Sweetie, are you okay?" she asked, moving closer.
Frank nodded, trying to mimic Amanda's mannerisms.
"I'm fine, Mom," he said, wincing inwardly at how unconvincing it sounded.
Mary frowned, studying her daughter's face, "You don't look fine. What's going on?"
"It's... it's just school stuff," he mumbled, averting his eyes, "And I miss Dad."
Mary's expression softened. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Amanda's body. Frank stiffened at first, unused to physical contact after years as a spirit, but then he relaxed into the embrace. He could feel the warmth of Mary's body, smell her familiar perfume. God, he had missed her so much.
As Mary pulled away, Frank caught sight of their reflection in Amanda's mirror. It was jarring to see Amanda's face staring back at him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. He wondered if Amanda was still in there somewhere, aware of what was happening.
"I know you miss him, sweetie," Mary said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Amanda's face, "I miss him too. But he'd want us to be happy, to live our lives."
Frank nodded, feeling a lump form in Amanda's throat. He wanted to tell Mary everything, to hold her one last time as himself, but he knew he couldn't. This wasn't his life anymore.
"I just need some time alone," he managed to say, hoping it sounded like something Amanda would say.
Mary hesitated, then nodded, "Okay, honey.”
Mary kissed Amanda's forehead and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Frank stood there, frozen, overwhelmed. He could feel Amanda's heart still racing.
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