The performer's heart nearly stopped.
"AH!"
He immediately threw himself forward.
Fortunately, years of catching his monkey during performances had given him excellent reflexes, and he managed to catch the baby just before it reached the ground.
However, the force of his desperate movement caused him to lose his balance.
Thud!
The performer fell backward, landing heavily on his bottom.
The baby remained safely cradled in his arms.
"…"
Silence.
The entire audience stared at him. The performer stared at the baby. The baby stared back.
For a moment, neither seemed capable of understanding what had just happened.
Someone in the crowd suddenly shouted.
"AMAZING!"
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Thunderous applause erupted.
"INCREDIBLE!"
"He turned a monkey into a baby!"
"How did he do that?!"
"I didn't even see him use a technique!"
"That was wonderful!"
The crowd went wild. Several children began jumping excitedly.
"Again! Again!"
"Do it again!"
