“Carltie dear, don’t do that!” Rebecca’s voice was clear and static-free.
Drowsily awakening from his slumber, Carlton became cognizant that his body was that of a five-year-old boy rather than a Starfleet officer–and that his wife-turned-guardian’s hands were gripping his wrists tightly.
“Duh-uhh-do whuh-ut, Rebecca…uhhh, Mommy?” He also realized that the annoyingly-sharp itching sensation was still centered on his boyish behind, and that he had rolled onto his stomach while reaching back to scratch his prickling-hot, flannel-covered fanny.
“Don’t try to scratch your buns, even though they’re itching intensely,” Rebecca told her recently-rejuved new ward. “The nanolotion’s just been activated, and the quick-healing chemistry produces a strong itching effect–but your bottom’s too sore for you to scratch it without risking damage to your skin.”
“But it’s so irritating,” Carlton whined plaintively, “It just itches so much!” “Sit up, sweetie,” his wife/guardian told him gently, picking up a cup of lukewarm liquid from his bedstand. “This herbal tea will help you, so drink it all down.”
“What’s in it?” He slowly sat up, his hips squirming with discomfort.