You sprint down one of the smaller paths through the park, Jinn tagging along behind you. You finally stop when you are nearly out of breath and you are certain there is no one else in sight. Panting, you look up at Jinn, who, far from being as disheveled as you, stands there clasping your little hand amusedly. It is only at that point you are struck by the absurdity of the situation.
Your one hand in Jinn's, you reach over to hold your stomach with your other as you double over with laughter. You've never done something so ridiculous in your life, let alone had someone to run away from trouble with. And of all people, you end up with a shape-shifting beauty of a genie. While you are in the form of an elementary-school kid. Who would've thought the middle-aged you who never really got along with anyone in her life would feel such a connection with a mythical being? Thank goodness you found that lamp, or you would still be stuck in your everyday life of daily drudgery.
That's right, the lamp. As your thoughts clear a bit, your laughter begins to die away. Wouldn't it be nice if Jinn could stay with you always? But the truth was, Jinn could disappear at any moment if anyone else got their hands on that lamp. Your laughing fit finally over, you begin to walk down the path slowly, hand in hand with Jinn, who matches your small stride as you begin to lose yourself in your thoughts.
You still have one more wish. What if you wished for Jinn to stay by your side forever? Would that break the ties that held Jinn to the lamp? But would binding Jinn to you be no different than Jinn's slavery to the lamp, and merely a change in vessel? Instead of serving the masters of the lamp, his fate would be tied to you and you alone, but it would still be tied. Then should you wish for Jinn's freedom instead?
You glance up at Jinn, who still has an all-knowing smirk on his face as he meets your eyes, all the more unnerving for his teenage face. You look away at the path, a bit discomfited. If you wished him free, Jinn could leave. In fact, Jinn could do anything. So far, Jinn has not done anything malicious to you, but maybe that was part of the restrictions of the lamp? In the legends you heard, djinn were spirits, and some of them were evil, weren't they? What if you freed Jinn and it turned into a disaster?
Finally overwhelmed by your chaotic thoughts, you come to a halt, Jinn stopping alongside you. The silence that was once comfortable feels awkward to you now, and you feel the need to say something to Jinn, but what? Even if you asked Jinn what he would do if freed, is there any guarantee he would tell you the truth? Finally, you can bear it no more, and open your mouth.