The first time I saw 45, I was 5 years old playing at the park by myself. She had been there for 27 years, always getting intimidated by every little thing. She was wearing sunglasses, hoop earrings

Once upon a time, under the sparkling sun, Theo, a jubilant 5-year-old, entered the local park alone, his heart full of excitement. His young mother had finally given him the permission he so dearly desired. Theo was in paradise, bouncing from one playground equipment to another - from the slide to the swing, to the merry-go-round. Hidden under the shade of an old oak tree, a peculiar figure sat watching him. It was Daniya, a homeless woman, who had lived a long, hard life on the streets for the past 27 years. Her skin was a rich hue of ebony, contrasting her long, curly black hair that shone even in the minimal sunlight. Despite her rough life, she carried a peculiar elegance. Draped in a black tank top, a short, purple jacket, and short shorts, her elegance was further highlighted by the presence of hoop earrings, long purple nails, purple strap-on sandals, and a black tote bag. She was a beautiful enigma, often intimidated by the smallest things in life. As Theo cheerfully played, Daniya approached him, her nerves trembling slightly. With utmost kindness, she asked the young boy if he had any spare cash. Theo, glancing up at the woman, felt a swell of sympathy. Though he was very young, he understood hardship in his own way. He did not want to disappoint her, but he had left his home with empty pockets. Softly, he replied, "I'm sorry, ma'am. I've got no money." Daniya merely smiled, patting his head before pulling him into a warm hug. As they hugged, everything began spinning for Theo, blurring his senses. When he pulled away, his small hands were clutching the sunglasses Daniya had been wearing, now on his face. Blinking, he felt strange, looking down at the changed reflection of the sunglasses. He was suddenly taller, his skin darker and to his growing shock - he was wearing Daniya's clothes. Theo gave a small yelp, scrambling to his feet. Scared and confused, he quickly pulled off everything that wasn’t naturally his - the earrings, the nails, the jacket, the sandals, the sunglasses and the purse. Spotting his real body lying motionless in the distance, Theo ran towards it, hoping that his reality hadn’t changed. Rejecting the situation, he pleaded with Daniya to switch back, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. Daniya merely shrugged, saying, "You gotta enjoy your new life as a 45-year-old homeless woman." Hearing '45 years old’ terrified Theo more than he once thought. He was older than his mom! Suddenly, he felt his childhood flashbacks maturing, changing with every passing moment. It wasn't long before he only remembered being... Daniya. Now in his new body and head full of new memories, Daniya looked around in confusion. She sighed, going on to reapply her purple nails, put her sunglasses back on, and replace her sandals. She slipped her short jacket back on and threw her purse casually over her shoulder with the yawn of exhaustion. As she stared back at her reflection frowning, she gave a small smile of satisfaction. She – the new Daniya – had her things back. She then began her search for a place to sleep for the night. Her heart skipped a beat when a group of children passed by quietly. Afraid, she hugged her tote bag, ensuring all her belongings were safe. Not too far away, Theo's own body was enlivened by the woman who was once known as Daniya. With her newfound youth and a new free life, she played merrily on the swings, stealing glances from the young woman who had taken her place. Theo, now housed in an older body, was left as the infamous Daniya, a 45-year-old homeless lady who trembled at small things. But deep down, a part of him hoped for another chance at childhood. One day.