The Genie and The Girl: Part 2

His arms crossed, the genie looked down on the girl with utter contempt. He tried to imagine what he was in for. What would a kid her age want? She might feel like she’s too old for toys. He thought he remembered something about smart phones. Only he was in that lamp so long he had no idea what that was. But he had a pretty good inkling that’s what she was going to ask for. Actually, she may not even ask. A lot of them didn’t even say “I wish.” They often replaced those two words with “Gimme” and “I command you.” He grew so tired of having to remind people that he granted wishes, not demands. Their needs had to be voiced in the form of a wish. It was just a reminder of how he was to serve mankind forever.

“Greetings,” he said wondering why the child hadn’t reacted. She stared at him with a look that suggested all he did was bore her. She was probably so spoiled nothing could impress her anymore. Not even a real genie. Don’t you believe in magic, kid? All her expression seemed to say is, Yeah, but I don’t care.

As glad as he was to be out of that lamp, he was in no mood for another bratty attitude. He didn’t care how unfriendly his next words were. “Look, you know the drill, kid. You get your three wishes and I return to my life of complete solitude and eternal servitude. And three wishes only. No more.” Apart from freedom, if he could wish for anything it’s that he could deny his master their wishes if they tried to make off with more wishes. “All right, wish away.”

The girl bent down and picked up the lam, examining it as if it was the most fascinating object in existence… and it probably was. Then she locked eyes with him. Her expression never wavered. She didn’t even smile. He anticipated the slow, gradual lifting of the frown he usually saw once his new master got over the incredible revelation that a genie just appeared in front of them. This kid didn’t look shocked at all. She hadn’t even opened her mouth. He wondered if she was blind or something. But she couldn’t have been from the way she looked at him.

“Take your time.” He couldn’t complain about this. The sooner she chose, the sooner he’d end up back in that thing. As if she realized this, the girl finally spoke.

“My first wish…” The genie rolled his eyes. What unnecessary impulse will he be fulfilling now? “… Is for your freedom.”