“What a thoughtful birthday gift,” I smiled.
Cindy grinned, “You put the wishing stone in your left hand and make a wish.”
After she left, I decided I’d try, “I wish I had tonight’s Lotto numbers.”
My right hand grew heavy. Suddenly it was in my hand, tomorrow’s newspaper and the results.
“I wish I had this when I was a kid,” I said without thinking.
A dummy appeared in my right hand. The room grew large.
“Goo!”
My class re-entered the room, “Look at the cute baby!”
I realised I was a baby too young yet to speak, the stone too big for my hand.
Schools and students have permission to use this graphic for non-commercial, educational purposes.
Ross's Writing Blog 
The Writers Village
October 2, 2012 at 12:02
great one… I’m still smiling as I write this. Randy
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:47
Thanks for the comment.
I had always liked the idea where wishes don’t always go in the direction expected. 🙂
Older Mum (@Older_Mum)
October 2, 2012 at 17:19
Be careful what you wish for! :o).
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:51
Thanks for the comment.
Very true words. I remember in a recent film the advice given was there is a price to pay for magic. I’m sure wishes often work the same way.
Bob Evenhouse
October 3, 2012 at 02:52
Too bad. He’ll be searching for that stone all his life!
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:55
Thanks for the comment.
I was wondering if I were to continue the story Cindy might smile as she picked up the stone and say, “Now you know how I felt when you handed me this stone twelve years ago.” 🙂
Bob Evenhouse
October 7, 2012 at 10:53
Nice! Too bad flash fiction doesn’t allow that much elaboration. That would have been an excellent ending.
newpillowbook
October 3, 2012 at 22:53
Oops! People never learn, do we?
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:56
Thanks for the comment.
Many stories warn us of the dangers of granted wishes. Still, it would be tempting to try. 🙂
Let's CUT the Crap!
October 4, 2012 at 12:53
Older Mum is after my own heart. Stole my words: Watch what you wish for. Well done. Not what I expected therefore more enjoyable.
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:56
Thanks for the comment.
Watch what you wish for was certainly on my mind. 🙂
Sandra
October 4, 2012 at 19:29
Great take on the prompt! 🙂
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 08:59
Thanks for the comment.
I was trying for something a little different. Ends up the photo took longer to make than the story write.
DancingInTheRain
October 5, 2012 at 05:48
Great take. Interesting and well-written too – but I’m not smiling. Such a shame….
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 09:01
Thanks for the comment.
No problem re bringing on a smile. We can’t always satisfy readers. Still, the process is worth the effort. 🙂
jeanelain
October 6, 2012 at 07:07
Terrific! I love a piece that makes me smile! http://jemcogdell.blogspot.com/2012/10/priceless.html
Ross Mannell
October 6, 2012 at 09:04
Thanks for the comment.
The theme has often been used to warn us wishes coming true may not always turn out as expected. 🙂
Delft
October 7, 2012 at 02:06
Oooh. Bad luck, eh? I guess this is a beta test version of the wishing stone, it definitely needs some safety features.
Ross Mannell
October 8, 2012 at 22:02
Thanks for the comment.
The idea of a beta test version going wrong is a good one. It might work well with children. Thanks for the idea. 🙂