
The Three Wishes
By Gelson Marafiga

26 Jul, 2023

In a serene little town, there lived a young boy named Jake. He was a ten-year-old with a vivid imagination and a curious mind. One sunny afternoon, while playing in his backyard, he stumbled upon an old, dusty lamp.

Intrigued by its peculiar design, Jake picked up the lamp. It was heavy and covered in a thick layer of dirt. He decided to polish it, hoping it would reveal more about its origin.

As he began to scrub the lamp, a swirl of smoke began to emanate from it. Jake watched in astonishment as the smoke quickly formed into a figure — a glistening blue gênio that hovered before him in the air.

Jake's eyes widened with surprise as the gênio introduced himself. "I am Azaan, the lamp gênio. You have freed me after centuries of confinement. To express my gratitude, I grant you three wishes."

Jake was a sensible kid, he wanted to think through his wishes. He asked Azaan if he could take some time. The gênio agreed, stating that he would return the following day for Jake's wishes.

That night, Jake pondered deeply over his choices. His family wasn't well off, so his first thought was to wish for wealth. But he also dreamt of becoming a famous explorer, and a part of him wanted to use a wish to guarantee that future.

Jake's third wish was the hardest to decide. He understood the power of his last wish and wanted to use it wisely. After mulling it over, Jake eventually fell asleep, the weight of his decision tugging at his dreams.

The next morning, Azaan appeared once more. He asked Jake if he'd decided on his wishes. Gathering all his courage, Jake nodded and took a deep breath. The time to make his wishes had finally come.

"Azaan, for my first wish, I want my family to have enough wealth so that we never have to worry about it," Jake wished. Azaan waved his hand, assuring him that his family would never face any financial hardship from then on.

For his second wish, Jake said, "I want to become a world-famous explorer when I grow up." Azaan smiled at his ambition and promised that his future held great adventures.

When it came time to make his final wish, Jake took a moment to gather his thoughts. He looked at Azaan and said, "I wish for you to have your freedom." Azaan looked stunned. Never had anyone wished for his freedom before.

The gênio was overcome with gratitude. With a warm smile, he granted Jake's final wish. Azaan thanked him profusely, promising that although he was free, he would always be there to guide Jake if he ever needed help.

From that day on, Jake's life changed drastically. His family's financial situation improved, they moved into a nicer house, and his parents started their own business. Life was certainly more comfortable, yet it remained humble and joyful.

Jake's dream of becoming an explorer also came true. When he grew up, he embarked on numerous explorations around the world. His adventures were always filled with excitement and wonder, and his story became a beacon of inspiration for many.

Throughout his life, Azaan stayed true to his promise. Though he was free, he often appeared to Jake, offering guidance during his explorations and life's trials. Their friendship remained steadfast and it was a bond that Jake treasured.

Jake had learned an important lesson from his experience. He was granted three wishes and chose to use one of them to free another being. That act of generosity was the greatest wish he had ever made and it taught him the power of freedom.

He also learned that wealth and success could improve his life, but it was kindness and friendship that truly enriched his existence. This knowledge made him a better person and a remarkable explorer.

Jake's tale became a legend in his town, inspiring the younger generation to dream big and be kind. His story taught them that while everyone has their own journey, it's the choices we make that define who we become.

Despite his fame and adventures, Jake always cherished his small town life. He continued to live there with his family, leading a simple yet fulfilling life. He never let his wealth or fame change who he was at heart.

Jake often thought about his wishes. He realized that he was fortunate enough to be given such a chance, and he hoped that if others found themselves in a similar situation, they would also make caring and wise choices.

Looking back, Jake felt a sense of satisfaction. The choices he made, the paths he chose, and the love he shared all led him to a life of fulfillment. He made his wishes, and in return, his wishes had made him.

The story of Jake and his magical encounter with the gênio lasted through the years. It was a constant reminder of the power of dreams, the strength of friendship, and the importance of freedom.

Azaan, now a free spirit, often visited Jake to share in his laughter and stories. The bond they shared was a testament to Jake's wisdom and kindness. The boy who once held a dusty lamp was now a friend to a gênio.

The story of Jake's enchanting encounter spread far and wide, becoming a cherished fable. It was a tale that taught the value of friendship, freedom, and the power within us to shape our destiny.

Jake's tale was also a reminder that the most powerful wishes are those that come from the heart. A wish to help others, a dream to follow, and the spirit to set free.

Jake had used his wishes wisely and lived an extraordinary life. He had a heart full of dreams, a soul full of wanderlust, and a spirit of generosity that defined his existence.

He touched the hearts of everyone he met, inspiring them to wish for a better world. His journey from a curious boy to a world-renowned explorer became a symbol of hope and courage.

This is the story of Jake, a boy who found a magic lamp, a gênio who gained his freedom, and the beautiful friendship they forged. It's the tale of wishes, wisdom, and the power of freedom. A story worth remembering.

So, whenever you dream, dream big. Whenever you hope, hope for the best. And, always remember: the most powerful wish is the one that comes from your heart. Jake's story is a testament to this timeless lesson.

And so, Jake's story continues to inspire generations, reminding us all of the incredible magic that resides within us, waiting to be discovered. The magic to wish, the power to dream, and the courage to set free.