I slowly reached the door, balancing groceries in my arms. As I unlocked the door and kicked it open, I heard a voice in my living room. The voice sounded muffled, as if it's owner had been mumbling. Assuming it was one of my siblings (they all have keys,) I continued into the dining room, not bothering to look. I set the bags down on the table. " George, Katie, Christopher, if that's you, I need help with the groceries!" I yelled out, turning back to the front door. I could see all of the colored holiday lights shining from the living room. Maybe I had left the television on before leaving. As I reached the entryway, I turned and glanced into the living room.
Standing in the living room was a strange looking man, smirking. "May I help you?" I asked sarcastically reaching for the metal bat leaning against the wall by the front door.
"I am here to grant you five wishes," the man said blankly.
"Um, no thanks. I've seen how this movie ends," I said sarcastically.
"This is not a movie," he asked stepping forward cautiously. "I am here to grant your five wishes."
"Then get out of my house," I spoke angrily grabbing the bat and holding it menacingly.
" Is that one of your wishes?" he asked. I thought for a moment. If this was real, I didn't want to waste a wish.
"I wish for my family members to live in their dream homes with all their housing expenses taken care of legally," I said, refusing to lower the bat.
"As you wish," he answered and gave a little nod.
Just then my phone rang, it was my mother, I could tell by the distinct ringtone. I withdrew my phone from my pocket.
"Hello?" I asked, keeping my eyes trained on the "genie."
"You'll never believe what just happened! A man just showed up at my door and gave me the deed for that plot of land I have been looking at for awhile. He also gave me a phone number for a contractor. He said everything was paid for. Do you know what is going on?" she yelled excitedly.
"Mom, I have to go," I replied without looking away from the Genie.
"The same man went to your Aunts, and your siblings, did he come to you?" she asked.
"I'll talk to you later mom," I repeated.
"Are you still coming to my house on-" my mom started, and the genie chuckled.
"Love you, k Bye," I said quickly and hung up the phone. "So let's say I believe you. What is the catch? Magic always comes with a price."
"There is no catch," he said stepping forward.
"I said I believe you, not that I trust you," I replied stepping backward, Tightening my grip on the bat.
" Fair enough," he chuckled raising his hands in surrender. "What is your next wish?"
"I want all of my family's debts settled, expenses cared for, as well as money to live a comfortable life until their deaths."
The Genie simply nodded, "It is done, what is next?"
"I want the money to start my own business the way that I want to, to cover all expenses of the business," I said lowering the bat. "Please sit."
The genie sat on the couch and closed his eyes for a moment. I sat in the chair across from the couch. "it is done. You have two more wishes."
"I want several charitable foundations started and fully funded to help fund educations and homes for the families of fallen soldiers, officers, and firefighters," I said with a smile.
"It is done," he spoke with a nod.
"Lastly, I would like to set you free," I spoke.
"I am already free, this is a job, not a cures. What is your last wish," he said with a smile.
"My own paid for property with my dream house on it," I said with a smile, "Close to a viable location for my business."
The genie smiled and nodded. "I am always happy to serve. I hope you enjoy your wishes," he said as he disappeared in a puff of green smoke.
I went outside to grab the last of the groceries, and a man approached, the same one my mother described. He had the deed to a property and the money necessary to build and start my business. This was going to be an amazing Holiday season.