Then something wierd happened; my anger drained from me. One second I was happy my mother was now a Collie, then I saw what I did and felt ashamed. This was not something I'd normally do. Then again, this wasn't normal.
"I'm sorry mom," I told the dog who looked up at me with big brown eyes and nuzzled my hand. I petted her and felt the softness of her fur. At least I didn't turn her into a Mastiff.
I needed to make this right. I couldn't leave either of them this way...well...Ms Barnes, maybe. So, hoping that wishes went both ways, I closed my eyes and wished for my mother to return to her normal form. Then I wished that Ms. Barnes was back to her own age. I put my mother to sleep and watched as the soft fur drew back into her body. Her body started to lengthen, her limbs became longer and her front and back paws became hands and feet.
When she was back to normal but still sleeping, I wished her clothes back on and had her stand and walk back to the front door. As I was making all these wishes to get things back to the way they were, anger started to build up in me agian. I started to think, what if I forgot something and they found out about me? I'd have both of them wanting my power, my wishes. I looked at the two figures, still asleep and hate filled my heart with fire.
"No!" I yelled and started toward the front door. I had to get out. I had to leave before I didn't something worse to them. I made one last wish as I headed out the door. I wished they were awake and forgot about the whole thing.
This just made me angier. I touched the ring with my other hand and held onto it, like someone was going to jump from the shadows and take it from me. But they won't get it. They'd have to go through me.
"Hi Joe," Mr. Benson said pleasently. He was my neighbor and was taking his usual stroll around the town. "How are you?"
"You can't HAVE IT!!!" I screamed. Then I added. "Rabbit."
Instantly, Mr Benson shrunk down into his clothes. As he did, I could see long ears starting to form just as he vanished into his flannel shirt and chinos. I didn't even look back. I just kept walking. He would just have to be a rabbit forever. So what?
Now, I was furious. People will find out about Mr. Benson, make the connection between Ms. Barns and my mother. Then they will come after me, all of them. He changes people, he needs to be put away. But first...the ring. I want the ring. I need the ring. Give me the ring. That's what they will say. Oh yes. They will NOT get it. I'm going to make sure of that.