switched

She wanted more-more than what she had, more than what made sense.
Not because her life was a total mess (okay, maybe a little),
but because something about it just didn't click.

She had the basics: family, friends, a decent life on paper.
But sometimes even a full plate feels empty-especially when the people you care about
are the ones who unintentionally (or very intentionally) make you feel small.

Still, she pushed through.
She smiled a little too wide, laughed a little too loud,
and pretended everything was fine.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.

So, she made a switch. A big one. A risky one.
Did she think it would change anything?
Absolutely not.

But somehow... it did.
And maybe, just maybe, that was exactly what she needed.

...............................................................

To the outside world, McKenzie is the life of the party-bright, bubbly, and always ready with a laugh.
But if you asked her, she'd probably describe herself as a walking disaster with a talent for tripping over absolutely nothing.

Then there's Josephine.
Everyone sees a brainy, no-nonsense, slightly intimidating genius.
McKenzie? She sees the sweetest, most hard-working best friend ever-
A literal angel in human form (who just happens to be four months older, not that McKenzie ever lets her forget it).

McKenzie adores her. Always has.
That is, until her mom decided Josephine was the blueprint for the "perfect daughter."
Cue the comparison Olympics:

"Why is your room a mess? Be more like Josephine."
"Your grades? Look at Josephine's!"
"Can't you try to be more like Josephine for once, McKenzie?!"

So... McKenzie tried.
With a little switch of her own.
How hard could it be to be someone else, right?

(Right?)