Amy decided to make a few more wishes. She knew where John - the soon-to-be dragon - was going. She could always catch up to him later. She thought carefully about her next wish, then spoke to the machine.
"I wish that John - the boy becoming a dragon - would become my loyal obedient pet, and obey all my commands," said Amy.
The message disappeared, replaced by a blinking cursor. She heard a loud whirring coming from the machine, and she was afraid that she had broken it somehow. Suddenly, a new message appeared.
"Wish accepted. Please insert coin to complete transaction and grant wish....."
Amy quickly inserted a quarter. She only had a few left, but this wish was worth it! The machine began to make its familiar gear grinding noise, but this time a strange collar and leash popped out. She looked at the screen for answers, but only saw the same message as before.
"Wish granted! Would you like another wish? Please insert a coin!"
Amy was disappointed. Was this some kind of trick? She pulled out the collar and leash to examine it, and a small sheet of paper drifted to the floor. She bent down to pick it up and read it.
"Congratulations! Your are now the proud owner of the Master and Pet Leash Training System (Patent pending). Simply attach the collar to your pet and grasp the leash. An unbreakable bond between the Master and Pet will be created, and the Pet will be guaranteed to obey any command the Master gives. Please enjoy this product, and try our other fine gifts!"
The rest of the writing was smudged, and she couldn't read the manufacturer's name. She shrugged her shoulders. It didn't matter. This was going to be tougher than she thought. She looked back at the machine. She wanted to make a few more wishes, but she felt like she was running out of time. If John got too big, it might be hard to get the collar on his neck. Amy thought for a minute, then decided to try another tactic.
"I wish that I could have a wish that would be granted at a later time," said Amy.
The machine whirred for a long time. Amy was sure her wish had been rejected, and was about to leave. Suddenly, a new message appeared.
"Wish accepted. Please insert TWO coins to complete transaction and grant wish ..."
Am sighed. She only had two quarters left and she didn't have time to get change. But what other choice did she have? She might need the wish later to catch the dragon. She inserted two coins, and ran out the door.
The machine whirred after she left, and a familiar message popped up.
"Wish granted! Would you like another wish? Please insert a coin!"
Amy was already gone, so the wishing machine silently waited for a new customer.