Life can be Hard But
Each day, I drive to work. My wife drives to work in the other direction. Our kids put themselves on the bus and spend two hours at home, doing their homework, until one of us returns. Our lives revolve around providing for our two kids. We haven't taken a trip since our honeymoon and get very little time together. I just want a break. I don't even know who my kids are becoming because I never spend time with them.
When I make my commute to work, I always pass a fishing pond. I used to fish when I was young with my dad and it is where we really bonded. I hoped to take my kids with me soon, but I'd have to brush up on my skills first before I tried to teach them.
One day, I got off an hour early from work so I decided to try fishing out again. I pulled into the small little pond, got out my fishing pole and sat down on the bench. My first try I throw the cast out and reel in a stick. It sucks, but I can try again. I throw another cast out. Thinking I have a bite, I reeled it in again, but this time it is a plastic garbage bag. Confused, I try again. This time the same thing happens, but instead, I reel in a little pot. This pot, I open it and a blue man jumps out.
The blue man was aggressive, angry from being held captive. I asked him for his story. He replied, " I am a prisoner to that pot. I have been trapped for years. Your kind always leaves me places where no one will find me for ages after they have used my powers."
Sensing his incoming tantrum, I say; "What kind of powers? Tell me about your strengths." Giving him the opportunity to boost himself, instantly calming him.
He then reveals he is a genie, with great power but enslaved by the owner. I reply, "Give me a life of more leisure and less stress so I can spend more time with my family, and I will set you free."
This calms the genie. He finally saw a chance for freedom and he took it. Agreeing almost instantly, he granted my wish. Moments later, I got a call from work, saying I got a raise- the new position meant fewer hours and more money. My wife called a few moments after that and told me she got a similar offer. Happily, I set the genie free and started dreaming of the new freedom we both found.
Author's Note
I based this slightly off of
The Story of the Fisherman. I updated the story and also gave more insights on why he was fishing which was unnecessary to the original. I also changed the genie slightly. The fisherman's genie is homicidal but this genie is more like a toddler without a nap. I figure since he is a dad, it would be better for him to deal with something he was used to. Also, the fisherman does not let the genie go, but slavery is bad so I made that change.