**Sibling Swap: A Basketball Deception**

Jackson had spent the entire school year counting down the days until summer, not for lazy afternoons or family vacations, but for the coveted basketball camp that he had worked so hard to earn a spot in. It was a stepping stone for him, a chance to showcase his skills to scouts and potentially secure a future in the sport he loved. The morning of his departure was nothing short of chaotic, with final preparations and nerves running high. Unbeknownst to Jackson, his father had committed him to help their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, with yard work early that morning. Jackson, being the responsible and kind-hearted boy he was, couldn’t refuse. As the minutes ticked by, his anxiety grew. His phone buzzed incessantly in his pocket with frantic messages from his sister, Lily. <My bus is almost here. You done yet? ?> <I'm stuck here! No way I'll make it on time. ?> From her position at their front window, Lily spotted the bus slowly making its way down the street. Her pulse quickened. Jackson's future hinged on this camp, and he simply couldn't miss it. She sprang into action without a second thought. Rushing to Jackson’s room, Lily pulled off her sundress and rummaged through his dresser. She quickly pulled on his boxers, shirt, and a pair of jeans, cramming her feet into his boots, despite them being a size too large. Stuffing her phone into her pocket after swapping its purple case for her brother’s more inconspicuous black one, she grabbed his duffle bag and darted out the door, just as the bus wheezed to a stop. The keen eyes of the bus driver gave her a quick once-over, but he accepted her presence with a curt nod — so Lily's impersonation of Jackson had, so far, passed muster. Ten minutes later, Jackson sprinted back into the house, breathlessly making his way to his room. His heart sank momentarily when he saw Lily's sundress sprawled on his bed and a hastily scribbled note resting atop it. “Jax, go for your dreams. Love, Lily” A wave of mixed emotions washed over him — gratitude towards his sister’s selflessness and frustration at missing the bus. But he knew Lily would be able to hold her own, at least for a while, and he would have to play his part in the deception. He grabbed the sundress and headed to the bathroom, the water from the shower washing away the sweat and grime from his morning chores. After drying off, he shaved carefully, ensuring he wouldn't miss a spot. He pulled on Lily's panties and bra, adjusting them awkwardly before slipping into her tank top and skirt. He applied a little lip gloss and brushed his hair, trying to mimic her casual style. When his mother walked in a while later, she took one look at him and smiled warmly. "Lily, I didn't expect you to be back so soon." Jackson returned her smile, the unease he felt earlier now replaced with a comforting thought. While he navigated the day as his sister, she was out there doing the same for him, allowing him to chase his dream. Their sibling bond had never felt stronger, supported by mutual trust and an unspoken promise to always have each other’s backs.