*Originally published in Daily Science Fiction in 2020, audio originally created by The Centropic Oracle.

Behind the observation glass, James pinches Tanya. Her tender skin turns bright red. It’ll turn into yet another bruise. 

James watches his sister cry, I watch James, and the doctor watches me. 

“Isn’t it risky?” I don’t take my eyes off James. With a son like him, constant, close supervision becomes habit. 

“A clean wipe is usually successful in kids. They haven’t had time to form strong habits, and we can always revert to his current scan if problems arise.” The doctor’s low voice is meant to be reassuring, but it cracks with a hint of anticipation. I don’t blame him. It’s a new procedure. Doctors must geek out over this kind of thing. 

Tanya wails as a nurse pulls James away. I can’t tell if she’s in pain or upset that she’s being separated from her big brother. Bruises, cuts, even broken bones: no matter what he does to her, she adores him. 

“He’ll keep his memories?” 

“Only the personality changes,” the doctor assures me. His leg jiggles like the tail of an excited puppy. 

Grinning, James kicks the nurse. She curses under her breath and casts a too-familiar glare at the observation window. He laughs—that beautiful, pure laugh only children have. 

I want to love that laughter.

“Do it.” 

It’s an out-patient procedure and the effects are immediate. When we return from the hospital James picks up his toys, plays carefully with Tanya, and eats his peas without complaining. He tickles his sister until they collapse in giggles. His laughter still makes me wince. 

At night, he falls asleep without struggle—the little boy any parent would beg for. I kiss his angelic forehead, creep into my bed, and cradle the hard drive of my real son.