“As thanks for freeing me from the bottle. You may have one wish.”
“I thought the tradition was for three wishes.”
“Don’t believe everything you are told.”
I turned away from the Djinn and reached into the messenger bag at my side. My little buddy was sleeping peacefully. I pulled him out carefully, tucking his body into my arms. Making sure he was held comfortably and firmly, but loosely enough that he didn’t feel trapped. Scratching him behind the ears, I looked the Djinn firmly in the eyes.
Finally I spoke. “One wish is all that I need. This is Jacob. I’ve had him since he was a puppy. He’s devoted his life to me. Jacob has been there through the roughest times in my life. All that I want is for his youth and health to be returned to him. To give him the body he had when he was two years old.”
The Djinn’s eyes bored into me. As though he was seeking any hint of duplicity. His expression one of bemused puzzlement. Several long moments passed before he spoke.
“I could bring you wealth, power, and fame. Teach you the very secrets of magic and the universe. You could have immortality for yourself, and all that you would ask of me. Is to return your elderly dog to the prime of his life?”
“Would immortality bring me anything but the pain of watching everyone age before me? The same pain that I feel from watching Jacob get quickly older, while I’ve only gone from my prime to early middle age. Fame, wealth, power? Anyone with an internet connection or TV knows that those do not bring happiness. No, that does not tempt me. My only desire is another fifteen years with my little guy.”
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“You aren’t interested in the secrets of the universe? How about women? I could bring the greatest courtesans of the ages to your side.”
Images flickered in the smoke swirling around us. Complex arcane symbols, mathematical equations, and suggestions of supple forms were hinted at and then dissolved away.
“No, I’m happily married. I can’t imagine knowledge bringing me more happiness than reading a book with my little buddy curled up on my lap. Besides, this is why I hunted you down. I never expected to find a vessel sealed by the great King Solomon himself in the back of a barn in Upstate New York.”
An exasperated look appeared on the Djinn’s face.
“Fine. Whatever. Wish Granted.” Echoed through the barn as he faded from view. Like smoke dispersing into the wind.
Jacob started wiggling in my arms. Asking to be let down. As soon as his feet touched the floor. He started running. Wait a second. Running? He hadn’t been able to run for a couple of years now. Laughing uncontrollably, I chased after my little buddy as he ran out of the barn. Into a world he would have many more years to explore.