My first short story published on Short Friction Break in 2017
I stopped dead in my tracks not believing what I just saw. Standing in the front carriage cabin on a busy commuter train packed with people silent and half asleep on their way to work I saw the figure. It seemed like just another commuter, but dress style very reminiscent of another era. The baggy striped pants, fitted vest with watch chain and long coat jacket was like out of an old photo reminding me of my grandfather.
The figure entered our cabin and moved with grace, almost like it was floating. Nothing really unusual until I saw it move through to the next cabin without the doors opening. Straight through the glass. I looked at the woman next to me to see if she had seen it too,but she showed no reaction.
“Did you see that person walk straight through the doors?” I asked her. She gave me a funny look and shook her head, obviously thinking I was just another nutcase on the train. I decided to stay quiet and told myself maybe I had imagined it.
Was relaxing and almost forgetting the whole episode when I looked up and saw the figure standing right next to me. I jumped in fright knocking over a guy’s coffee cup in his hand. He swore from the pain of the hot drink all over his hand and glared at me.
“What is your problem lady? “
“Sorry I got spooked by the person next to me”
“There is no-one next to you. Are you crazy lady or just an idiot”
How rude! I instantly disliked this man and wished his hot coffee had hurt more than just his hand. I could clearly see the figure right next to me, the piercing steely blue eyes looking right at the man with the coffee cup. Then I saw the knife. Just inside the left side of the old jacket. The figure was reaching for the knife and getting ready to strike the guy with the coffee. He had no idea what was about to happen to him.
“Stop”
The figure stopped and looked at me with questioning eyes. I had spoken to the figure without using my voice. We communicated without words, connected via our minds.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“I am your assistance and your deepest subconscious wish maker. I am here to help you take control of your life and live with no boundaries or restrictions”
“What? Are you saying you are my genie? I asked again.
“Yes, you could call me that if you like. Your wish is totally my command. I have no conscience and act out any wish with no feelings or empathy”
I smiled to myself. This was my day. A genie all to myself. I felt like I had won the lottery. I could ask for anything my heart desired. Where to start?
Make the rude guy trip when he leaves the train.
I had to contain my laughter when the guy left the train tripping on his way out spilling the rest of his coffee all over his white shirt. I looked at the genie and noticed his eyes were smiling. I smiled back. Karma is indeed a bitch.
I wish I was slimmer and super sexy looking wearing a top class suit ready for a day at the office.
O.M.G. I saw my reflection in the train window and I looked amazing. Still me, just really toned and beautifully dressed. So classy.
I walked off the train with my genie figure following me. This was going to be a great day.
Except it was raining and as usual I had left my umbrella behind.
I wish I had a beautiful umbrella.
Right away my hands were clutching the most beautiful and stylish umbrella I had ever owned. Perfect. I motioned to the genie to join me under the umbrella, but he declined. Thats when I noticed he was totally dry walking in the rain. Must be so cool to be a genie.
I wish my bank balance was a lot healthier.
I checked my mobile bank account in the lift up to the office. WOW! Do I really have to work with that much money? I love you genie. Again the smily eyes.
I wish for a day full of laughter in the office.
Mondays were always a drag, but with my genie by my side, I was looking forward to my working day. I was still thinking about all the wishes I could ask for when I walked into the office. Too excited to notice everyone laughing and huddling around Peter’s desk. Peter had only recently started in the office and was the hottest guy I had ever laid my eyes on. Making my way through the crowd I noticed they all turned to look at me and laughed even harder.
That’s when I noticed the email up on his screen. The email I had sent him asking him out for drinks. I knew it had been a mistake sending the email late last night after a few drinks, but I had felt game and had celebrated a salary increase with a couple of drinks with dinner. This morning, after sleeping on it, I had had second thoughts, but I still hoped Peter at least would just take it as a compliment. Instead, he had decided to show it to everyone. My photo was staring at me from his screen and all eyes were looking at me waiting for some explanation. All I could think about was how I wanted to just curl up and die right there.
And I did!
English