Lost Things

It’s amazing what people can lose, isn’t it?

Just walking around I found; a bike helmet, a mountain of singular shoes, pets wandering on their own...I think that gives the picture. Normally I ignore those listed things, but when it comes to books I have a bit of a soft spot.

I was taking my usual walk around the college campus, Spencer University, when I noticed a black book discarded on the side of the walking trail.

From what I saw no one was ahead of me. When I glanced back no one was behind me either.

“Did anyone drop this?” I called.

No one responded. Looking back it would have been stranger if someone had magically appeared.

Normally, there’d be the option to leave the lost thing alone so the owner can come find it. I would have done that if it wasn’t for the rain. It started sprinkling out of nowhere. I knew books and rain didn’t mesh so I picked the black book up and tucked it in my backpack.

I only vaguely remember jogging back to the dorm after that.

Once inside my room I pulled out my text book for Business Communication and that little black book fell out. By all means I should have left it alone or tucked it back away. For all I knew it could have been someone’s diary or something.

Back then I took a different route.

The book caught my eye so I flipped it open. A voice, an actual voice started speaking as soon as I opened the cover.

“Hello, new master,” the raspy voice whispered.

I dropped the book and looked around but didn’t see anyone that could have whispered like that. I mustered my courage and kneeled on the floor opening the book again. That same voice greeted me.

“Welcome back,” the book said. “They always come to their senses.”

“What do you mean they...what are you?” I asked.

I whispered of course. One of the neighboring doors had just opened and that last thing I needed was my neighbors to think I was crazy. The fact I heard a book talk may mean I am crazy but I digress.

The book spoke again.

“Ha, ha ha ha. I forget what simple creatures you are. Just think of me as someone that can grant your deepest desires,” it said. “You just have to say the word.”

That was all rather sudden for me. I closed the book and hid it under my desk so I could have more time to think.

“My deepest desires,” I murmured.

Suddenly I remembered the cost of my student loans. I got a scholarship, but with this expensive school I’m sure I had at least $20,0000 I was going to need.

I normally would have laughed at the thought of anything magical that couldn’t be explained. But if it could keep me from being in debt for years in the future made it worth taking the chance.

I leaned under my desk, pulled out the book, and opened it again.

“What do you desire?” The book asked.

“You said you can grant anything. My desire is $20,000 to pay off my student loans,” I said.

The book laughed then spoke again.

“If that is your wish, but it won’t be for free,” it said. “Your wish will be granted first but your cost will come.”

“Wait,” I said.

“Your wish is granted,” it assured.

I checked my phone and sure enough I had $20,000 in my bank account. After that I looked down to ask the book about what this would cost me, but i couldn’t find it. I tore my half of the dorm room apart to find that book but never did.

Since then I’ve kept to myself. I work from home, and make a point to never get close to anyone not knowing the price for my wish. With any luck, my precautions will be enough. If not, I hope whatever happens is worth $20,000.