麻豆社

By Jessica Noble

Lucy felt a sudden emptiness overcome her. That wish, that dream of becoming a doctor, gone. No more. It practically shrivelled up inside her. It could never work, it was too farfetched. She wasn't smart enough. She could never get into her dream school. Guess she'd just have to focus on something else. At that moment a dark shadow filtered past her. Uh, nothing. She returned her focus to her homework.

The thief of wishes, satisfied with his work, crept out of the house. Not that he needed to. No one paid him a second glance. He was merely a shadow that wandered the woods. In search of his next victim. He took joy in other's misery. At least, he thought so.

Hours later he had stolen many wishes. Father would be proud, he thought. But he wasn't, anyway on to the next wish. He spotted a small house in the hills. He glided off the tree and flew down the chimney. Almost like Santa, he thought. But Santa brought joy and happiness and he brought sadness and misery. He crept into the living room, nearly stepping on the dog's tail, although he was a shadow he had the privilege of being able to touch. Slowly stepping up the stairs he moved into her bedroom and became worriedly amazed. The girl's room was covered in posters of elegant women in sparkly dresses. In her open closet he saw an array of recently polished ice skates and hung up were 5 beautiful dresses. Many medals and trophies lined the walls. She was an ice skater, and a good one according to her lined walls.

Anyway, he shouldn't get distracted. Back to his work. He flew over to the girl's bedside. He held his hands up high and pulled. The wish in a long stream of silver sparkle, flew out of the girl's right temple. He immediately caught hold of it. An unknown force struggled against him and try as he might he couldn't break the strand. This was one strong wish. He struggled for about three minutes until finally he gave up. He released the strand of silver and sighed. She was determined. He'd never experienced such a strong wish. He sat at the end of her bed to rethink. He'd try one more time and if this didn't work he'd leave her, yes.

He pulled. The smile on the girl's face disappeared. She jolted awake, got up and started ripping down her posters, tears streaming from her eyes.

At this moment he realised how heartless he and his family had been. Ripping people's wishes to shreds. Silently he walked to the girl who had sat down to sob. He took the strand he was holding and placed it against her head. Then he flew out of the open window and sat on their swings. He was happier making people happy. He'd do this instead. He sighed. Content.