It was 12:30 the next day, and I’d been at the mall with Erin and Jamie for the last hour and a half. We’d
spent most of the time giving Jamie a lesson in 21st century fashion. She was surprised by how much things had
changed, but was a quick learner.
We were walking out of Macy’s, heading towards the food court, when Erin suddenly stopped. Turning around,
Jamie and I found her staring at a dress by the door.
Walking over, I wondered if she was going to buy the dress; but stopped when I saw that it was $300. Turning
to face me, Erin
said, “I so wish I could afford to buy that dress.”
“Sorry, Erin.” Sighing, I said, “But that would give you an unfair advantage over someone else.”
“Oh, sorry.” Realizing she’d made a wish, Erin said, “Why?”
“The money’s got to come from somewhere; even genies can’t make it out of thin air.” Quietly, I said, “It has
to be taken from somewhere; hence robbing someone else.”
Wincing, Erin said, “I didn’t think of it like that.”
“Everything’s got a price, Erin.” Looking at Erin, Jamie said, “Is that dress really worth taking food out of
someone's mouth?”
Pouting, Erin said, “I didn’t mean it…”
Interrupting her, I said, “Try wording your wish differently.”
“Okay.” Sighing, Erin said, “I wish the dress were on sale.”
A smile on my face, I said, “Granted.”
Suddenly an employee walked over and marked the dress down a ¼ of its original price. “The dress is being
marked down to celebrate the designers’ first child.” Smiling, she said, “It’s only going to be on sale today,
so if you want it…”
Excited, Erin said, “It’s mine!”