Elizabeth Opens the Box and Uses the Rock

Jeremy did as his mom (Elizabeth) told him. He put the box on the kitchen table, then headed back to the family room couch for more lazy TV-watching. Feeling bored, Tina joined her brother in front of the TV.

Minutes later, Elizabeth finished up unloading and refilling the dishwasher, then turned her attention to the package that her son had placed on the kitchen table.

He was right. There were no markings on it, identifying either the sender or mailing address. She was about to open it, but then paused. For all she knew, this could have been a bomb, or something. But after thinking that it was unlikely that someone would send a bomb to her, she opened the box anyway.

Inside, she found the rock and the note that was with it.

This was someone's idea of a joke, right? A magic wishing rock? Who would believe such nonsense?

Part of her thought it might have been a ridiculous prank, but another part of her had to wonder. What if it was for real? She looked down at the rock, which she had already taken out of the box. All she needed to say was "I wish", followed by what she wanted, and it would come true ... according to the note.

Still feeling a little silly, she took a deep breath, silently hoping that it would work, then said "I wish ..."