“I will grant you each one wish.” The iridescent cloud that could only be a jinni said to my brother and I. What luck we had! Our journey into the desert was not a waste after all. To me the decision was simple, for I had a family.
“I wish that all my endeavors are successful so that my children will never want for anything, even after I am gone.” I said. The air shimmered like a heat mirage.
The stars burned a bit brighter.
And it was so.
My pockets filled with coins, and when I checked my bag I found that it contained the deeds to several manses and businesses.
My brother scoffed, no doubt disappointed in such an unimaginative wish. He had always been the scholar; more interested in books than women, and so was still unmarried and had no children to occupy his thoughts. And yet his wish was made with equal ease.
“I wish to know all the truths of the universe.” He said.
The air shimmered.
The stars burned.
And it was so.
My brother blinded himself and cut out his tongue before I could restrain him. His screams echoed over the vast empty desert.
“I wish that all my endeavors are successful so that my children will never want for anything, even after I am gone.” I said. The air shimmered like a heat mirage.
The stars burned a bit brighter.
And it was so.
My pockets filled with coins, and when I checked my bag I found that it contained the deeds to several manses and businesses.
My brother scoffed, no doubt disappointed in such an unimaginative wish. He had always been the scholar; more interested in books than women, and so was still unmarried and had no children to occupy his thoughts. And yet his wish was made with equal ease.
“I wish to know all the truths of the universe.” He said.
The air shimmered.
The stars burned.
And it was so.
My brother blinded himself and cut out his tongue before I could restrain him. His screams echoed over the vast empty desert.