Subject: The Wish
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Posted on: 2016-10-30 05:27:00 UTC

Gaspard turned the cube over in his hands, studying the intricate carvings inlaid on five of the faces and the ornate ruby with the immaculately polished facets on the sixth. He looked at the cloaked figure in front of him.

“One wish?” he said.

“Only one,” said the man. “Say it aloud and press the button.”

“And this works?” said Gaspard, placing the cube button-up on the table in front of him. “Just like magic?”

“It is magic,” said the man, crossing his arms. “Go on. Make a wish.”

Gaspard looked back at the cube. There were a lot of things he wished for-- an end to war or to disease or to unhappiness. Or perhaps food for everyone on Earth or even--

The cloaked man leaned in. “You can be selfish, too,” he said simply.

Gaspard leaned back a little, wondering if this man was able to read minds. His gaze fell upon the cube again as he wondered-- what would make him happy?

“I... I’m not worth spending a wish on,” he said slowly. “I’m not the smartest or kindest or wisest person here-- there must be someone better qualified than me to be entrusted with a wish. I don’t deserve this.”

Even though the man’s face was obscured by his cowl, Gaspard could feel the disappointment in his eyes. “Are you sure?” he asked.

The Spy returned the gaze. “Give it to someone who really needs it.”

The man wordlessly pushed the cube back towards Gaspard, who seemed to recoil from it. “I’ll say it again. You are allowed to be selfish.”

Gaspard stared at the wish-cube in silence for a long few minutes. Then, ever so slowly, he raised his hand and placed it on the big red button. “I wish to not die alone,” he said in a tiny voice as he pressed the button.

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