Ailish Is Granted Three Wishes

     Ailish was a daydreamer, a believer in magic and a sweet little girl filled with big hopes and quite an imagination. She was an only child and so she would seek out plenty of fun to pass her day away. Living in the country was lonely without a friend to share some fun and laughter.

     Ailish had made friends with her doll and a worn out teddy bear. She could be heard in the distant grass, laughing out loud and chatting up a storm.

     If the wind was calm and the birds were quiet Ailish could be heard saying the craziest things. Her voice would be that of a little girl then her voice would change to the low voice of a tired little bear. Sometimes her voice would sound like a pitched voice of a jolly little dolly.

     One wonderful thing about having her dolly and teddy bear as her friends was there was never an argument. There were only conversations that ended with a pleasant goodbye or an endless response of wonderful laughter.

     Ailish named her pretend friends after magical people from the story books she had read before going to bed at night. The teddy bear was called Peter and dolly was named Miss Mary. The names were quite perfect. She would never change their names, ever.

     Saturdays were always long and hot. Mom would pack a light lunch for Ailish to take on her many picnics to the rock called Magic Rock. Mom would pack water, juice box, cheese and crackers and a special treat that was hidden in a paper bag. Ailish would always get excited thinking about her special treat all day.

     Not once did she rush ahead and open her treat first even though she wanted to so many times. Ailish had a special time at the Magic Rock. It was quite a ways from her house but close enough to run back to if there ever was a storm in the sky.

     Along a well beaten path that led straight to the Magic Rock Ailish had spotted something unusually strange and a bit magical. It was lying among a pile of rocks and fallen branches. She walked carefully towards the shiny object. She stood in puzzling amazement.

     She read many books and remembered reading about magical things. The object appeared to be similar to a book of magic. It was just lying there waiting to be opened so Ailish decided to do just that. She was shivering with excitement. For some reason she was feeling really lucky.

     She had read that there awaits great things inside a book of magic. She recalled the rules that were made for anyone who stumbled upon such magic books.

     1. Approach the magic book with care.

     2. Tap the cover three times and step back.

     3. Always remember to close your eyes and count

         to five before opening them.

     4. The most important thing to remember is to be

          very careful what you say when speaking. Be sure

          every word is from the heart and truthful.

     Ailish realized that she was in for a magical surprise and so she knelt down to the magical book of surprises.

     Ailish lifted the book and placed it on a tree stump and stared at the book for a while. She then took a deep breath and tapped the cover of the book. She stepped back and continued to watch what happened next.

     The book slowly opened and colourful starts lifted from the pages into the air. Her eyes were beaming from the beautiful colours. Then all of a sudden there stood a little creature in the middle of the page. It was very small but really pretty. Ailish remained quiet. A tiny voice spoke directly to her and spoke some familiar words that Ailish had heard before.

     'Hello my child. I am Heidi Ho from a world full of wishes that long to be granted. Do you have wishes that you would like to be granted? If you do please speak clearly and most of all please be very patient. I shall start by asking your name' asked the little creature of the magic book.

     'Hi. My name is Ailish. I do have some wishes I would like to be granted. How many wishes am I allowed? If I am permitted to ask' Ailish asked with hesitation.

     'I am pleased that you have opened my magic book of wishes to be granted therefore three wishes you will have' replied Heidi Ho in a very clear voice.

     'I cannot believe I have three wishes but I will start by wishing for a real friend who will play with me and become my very best friend. I hope this wish is not difficult' replied Ailish hopefully.

     'My dear Ailish the day following the next full moon this wish will be yours. When you awaken all will be revealed' replied Heidi Ho.   

     Ailish felt all jittery inside. It was too hard to believe how lucky she will be when her first wish is granted.

     'Now Ailish what is your second wish? What does your heart desire?' requested Heidi Ho

     'Wow! Okay! I would like to have the biggest dish of ice cream with all the toppings there is. Can you make this happen for me Heidi Ho?' asked Ailish with lots of excitement in her voice.

     Ailish, this is a great wish. I am happy to grant you this tasty wish. There will be plenty of ice cream to share with others' said Heidi Ho.

Ice Cream

     'Oh wow! I am so happy. I love this wish so much' screamed Ailish in an extremely excited voice.

     'You now have one last wish Ailish. Please make this one last wish big. Make it one that will last forever and ever. Take your time' Heidi Ho requested in a gentle voice.

     Ailish took a deep breath and thought real hard. She closed her eyes. She blew out her cheeks and thought deeper and harder.

     'Oh Heidi Ho I have thought about my third wish. I wish that mommy, daddy and I discover something beautiful that will enrich the rest of our lives. Is that too much to ask for?' asked Ailish with hope in her heart.

     'This last wish you have requested will make you and your family so very happy indeed. You will be surprised and jump for joy as soon as your wish comes true. Go about your day now and remember your wishes will come true' replied Heidi Ho as she disappeared in a puff of smoke.