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The first golden rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains, casting long, slanted shadows across the living room floor. The house was already stirring, but the air inside was thick-heavy with something unspoken. On one side of the room, the family stood clumped together, exchanging furtive glances, their unease palpable. On the otpposite side, Kyra stood stiff-backed, her arms crossed over her chest like a shield, her grandfather beside her.
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The weight of accusation settled between them like a storm cloud.
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What happened?" Lily asksd, finally breaking the silence, her voice cutting through the tension. There was a hesitation there-curiosity laced with apprehension, like she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer.
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Emilys mother stepped forward, each word deliberate, ensuring Emily could hear her loud and clear. "She summoned a demon and was making a deal with the devil." The words landed like a gavel, final and damning.
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Emily rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply. "It's not the devil. It's a genie. He's told you like eighty times." Frustration curled around her words.
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"He's a liar, Emily, and you're bringing a curse upon our family," her mother shot back, her voice taut with conviction.
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Emily's temper snapped. "NO, I'M NOT! NOW SHUT UP!" The words left her in a sharp, unrestrained burst-anger and hurt colliding in her chest like flint against steel.
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Grandma's voice cut through the air like a whip. "Watch how you talk to your mother, girly." The quiet authority in her tone held the kind of weight only decades of experience could forge.
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But Emily wasn't backing down. "No! She doesn't know what she's talking about, and neither do you. We're talking about genies, not tomatoes!" Her voice climbed higher.
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"Emily, hold your tongue," Grandpa interjected, his voice a calm counterweight to the storm brewing around them. "All these words do nothing. Remember when I told you-actions speak louder than words?" He gestured toward the lottery ticket on the table. "You can shout all you want, but until these are cashed, all this fighting solves nothing."
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Uncle Joe practically vibrated with energy beside them. "That's right, baby! Jackpot, jackpot, JACKPOOOT!" His enthusiasm burst through the room like an overfilled balloon ready to pop. "When does the station open?"
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"In about an hour," Evan's mom replied, her voice layered with both skepticism and resignation.
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"Well, let's go! I can't wait anymore. Maybe they'll let us in early," Uncle Joe urged, his excitement infectious.
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"He's right," Mom said, shifting her gaze back to Emily. "Let's go prove that this demon is a liar." Her eyes flickered with a steely determination. "And after it leaves, you're going straight to the backyard to pick a switch."
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Emily clenched her jaw, her mother's words digging under her skin like splinters. "Actions speak louder than words," she muttered.
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As the group turned toward the door, a voice chimed from above, stopping them in their tracks. "Ah, ah, ah."
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All eyes snapped upward.
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A blue head peeked out from the ceiling.
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A collective shudder passed through the room. Grandma took a cautious step back, her lips tightening.
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"Oh my," she muttered under her breath.
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Two of Emily's older sisters screamed and bolted for the kitchen, their fear sharp and immediate.
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"I wouldn't do that if I were you," the genie said, voice smooth, almost amused.
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Uncle Joe narrowed his eyes. "Do what?"
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"All of you leaving at once. It looks too odd-so odd it would raise suspicion. Suspicion leads to a premature downfall reversal." The genie leaned forward, his otherworldly gaze locking onto them like a predator sizing up its prey. "When was the last time your whole family joined together to play a lotto ticket? I'm assuming never. You see, the downfall is that your sweet Uncle Joe becomes a gambling addict."
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Uncle Joe scoffed. "I'm not an addict! We just need the money," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.
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The genie's smirk widened. "And because he becomes one, after the lottery, he tries his hand at something he's never done before-stocks. With blind luck, he picks three underdog stocks that inexplicably soar to unseen levels. Improbable, but not impossible. Lightning does strike in the same place twice. But if you undermine the downfall before the wish is granted, it voids the wish. Another untold rule."
"PERFECT! LET'S ALL GO TOGETHER THEN," Mom snapped, her glare burning a hole through Emily.
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"NO!" Emily's voice cracked with desperation.
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"Yeah, NO," Uncle Joe echoed, his enthusiasm dampened.
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"Now hold on," Grandma's voice, steady and sure, sliced through the rising panic. "If what this thing is saying is true, then we could use the money."
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"YEAH!" Uncle Joe seized the opportunity like a drowning man clutching a lifeline.
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Emily's mother whipped toward her, eyes wild. "Mom, you can't be serious! This is your granddaughter. Her soul is on the line."
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Grandma exhaled slowly. "I'm getting old, Jane. Your daughter refuses to learn how to garden, and no one else here knows how to either. This house won't survive on fish alone, and sooner or later, that pond will be empty. Even if I taught everyone how to garden, it wouldn't be enough. Our house is falling apart, bills are piling up... This might be our chance to get ahead."
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Jane's expression twisted with disbelief. "Mom, have you lost your mind? After all your time in the church, you're going to make a deal with the devil?"
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Grandma's gaze remained steady. "Now, Jane. I've cast out a few demons in my lifetime, and there's one thing I know-the name of Jesus has power. Not once have I spoken Jesus and seen a demon unshaken. I just said it twice, and this thing hasn't budged an inch. I don't know what this is, but it's not a demon."
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"I'm a genie, Grandma."
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"Well, I haven't seen one of those before."
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Emily's mom's mouth fell open. "You're kidding, right, Mom?"
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Grandma folded her arms, her expression unreadable. "Look, honey. I've spent over half my life deep in the Catholic Church, assisting in more exorcisms than I can count. And I've learned that there's more beyond the veil than just angels and demons. Fairies, spirits, ghosts, ghouls-they all walk their own paths, some choosing good, others evil, neither bound to God nor the devil. Without a shadow of a doubt, I can tell you-this is not a demon."
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The genie tilted his head. "Wow. Granny knows her stuff."
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Emily's mom staggered back slightly. "I can't believe what I'm hearing."
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"All I'm saying is we should go along with Chris's original plan to see if this being is telling the truth or not," Grandma said, her voice cool, unwavering.
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Before Jane could respond, Uncle Joe threw his hands in the air. "Well, that settles it!" And with that, he dashed out the door with the lottery ticket.
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A heavy silence settled over the room, thick with anticipation.
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20 minutes stretched into an eternity.
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Then-
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The phone rang, slicing through the tension like a blade.
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Emily's breath caught.
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"Looks like someone has news for you," the genie murmured, amusement dancing in his eyes.
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Her mother's trembling fingers reached for the receiver. "Hello? Joe?"
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"WERE RIIIICH, BABY, RIIIIICH!" Joe could be heard through the phone
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Emily's heart pounded in her chest, each beat faster than the last. Her mind raced as the words of Uncle Joe blared through the phone, and her excitement surged like wildfire. "I KNEW IT! I TOLD YOU ALL!" The images of wealth flooded her thoughts-maids, designer clothes, trips to places she'd only dreamed of. It was a future so bright, so dazzling, she almost couldn't breathe. "HE'S NOT A LYING DEMON!"
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"I'm gonna cash this baby in and head straight to the casino!" Uncle Joe's voice was brimming with excitement, his enthusiasm unfiltered and wild.
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"Casino?" her mother's voice wavered, a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
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The rest of the family echoed her, their voices overlapping, disbelief thick in the air. "Casino?" they repeated, as if the very word sounded alien coming from their lips.
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"Oh yeah, baby!" Uncle Joe crowed, his voice thick with joy. "We're gonna double our profits with some of this genie luck we've got!" His laughter crackled over the phone, an intoxicating mix of exhilaration and madness. It buzzed through the room, sending a ripple of adrenaline through Emily's veins.
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"Let me talk to him," Grandma's voice cut through the excitement, sharp and commanding. She reached over, snatching the phone from her daughter's hand. "Joe, bring your behind back here. I don't know what's gotten into you, but I'm not letting you blow those winnings at a damn casino."
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Joe's voice crackled back over the line, unbothered, full of that same wild energy. "You don't have to worry, Kathy. We've got genie luck on our side. I can easily double these winnings. Not only will we be set for life, but our future generations, too. We're gonna win big. I'll be back later tonight. You guys just sit tight. Oh, and tell Emily not to make any more wishes-I have a few ideas for a wish of my own."
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Before Grandma could even respond, the line went dead with a click.
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Grandma cursed under her breath, a rare and bitter sound coming from her. It felt out of place, coming from someone as controlled as she was. Without missing a beat, she grabbed the phone again, dialing the gas station where Joe had called from. When the clerk answered, her voice was tight with frustration. "Where's Joe?" she demanded.
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The clerk paused, then answered in a clipped tone. "He just ran out the door. I guess he's in a hurry."
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Grandma stood there, phone still pressed to her ear, her jaw set in frustration. She cursed again, louder this time, as the silence in the room thickened. She was about to dial again when everyone just stood there, processing what just happened.
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Then sarah, wide-eyed and hopeful, finally broke the silence. "Are we rich?"
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Lily let out a sharp sigh. "We were. But Uncle Joe's about to blow it all. We're gonna be stuck fishing for the rest of our lives."
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Emily's stomach twisted. Her chest tightened with a cold fear. "Noooooo! He can't! That's MY money!" Her voice rose in panic, a mix of helplessness and frustration flooding her.
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Her mom's voice rang out, cold and firm, cutting through the air like a knife. "Good. Let him spend it. Money is the root of all evil, and I don't care if we won. The spirit is evil. Whether he lied or not, it's not of God." She paused, fixing Emily with a stare that could freeze fire. "Emily, I'm telling you one last time: Avoid these wishes before it's too late."
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Emily's face flushed with defiance. "NO!" she shouted, her voice cracking with frustration. "Grandpa said if the lotto ticket wins, then it's not a lie! He's NOT a liar! I told you-we WON! And now we're RICH because of ME!"
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Her mother's eyes narrowed, a hard line forming across her face. "Emily, I'm not asking you. I'm telling you. I am your mother, and you will listen."
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Emily's anger flared up. Her words spilled out, raw and desperate. "Shut up! You're just a stupid grown up!" The words burned as she spoke them, but they were out before she could stop herself.
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Her mother's face turned bright red with fury. Without hesitation, her hand shot out, and the sharp crack of a slap rang through the room. Emily's lips stung, the humiliation of it stinging more than the physical pain. "Don't you ever speak to me like that!" her mother snapped, her voice trembling with rage. "I am your mother!"
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Emily's heart pounded, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she felt her own face redden. Her vision blurred with the hot rush of anger. "You're lucky I only have two wishes," she spat, trembling with fury. "Or I'd wish for you to be DEAD!"
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Emily stormed upstairs, each step pounding with frustration, and slammed her bedroom door so hard the walls rattled. She clenched her fists, seething.
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From behind her, a smooth voice cut through the silence. "Your family sure has a way of making things difficult."
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Emily spun around to find the genie lounging in midair, arms crossed, smirking.
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She let out an aggravated sigh. "Tell me about it. No one ever listens to me! I was right, and they still act like I'm the one who's crazy."
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The genie gave a knowing nod. "That does seem to be a recurring issue with them." His eyes glinted with mischief. "So, have you decided on your second wish?"
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Emily hesitated, her mind racing. Then, an idea struck her. "Can I wish for Uncle Joe to stop being a gambling addict?"
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The genie's smirk faded, replaced with an apologetic shrug. "No can do. You're not allowed to undermine the consequences of a wish before the wish is completed or voided."
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"Ugh, seriously?" Emily groaned, flopping onto her bed. "That's so unfair."
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"Genie law," he said with a shrug.
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She huffed. "Fine. Then I don't know what to wish for yet. I'm gonna wait until Uncle Joe gets back."
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The genie gave a small bow. "As you wish."
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Emily was about to relax when the genie straightened, his expression shifting. "But I have to leave for a bit."
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She shot upright. "What? Why?" A flicker of fear slipped into her voice.
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"Don't fret," he assured her, waving a hand dismissively. "I'll be back within ten minutes of your time. Another lamp was found and rubbed in another dimension. Duty calls."
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Emily's eyes widened. "Wait- why are you the only geni-"
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The genie held up a finger, grinning. "Ah, that's another story for another time."
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"But-but-"
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Before she could finish, a plume of shimmering blue smoke exploded around him, swallowing him whole. When it cleared, he was gone.
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Emily sat frozen on her bed, staring at the empty space where he had just been. A pit of unease settled in her stomach.
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She was on her own-for now.
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Emily stormed back downstairs, her anger burning hotter with every step. She barely made it to the bottom when her mother turned, arms crossed, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
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"Oh, are you coming back down to tell us you summoned another demon?"
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"NO!" Emily snapped. "He's gone!"
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For a brief moment, a gleam of happiness flashed in her mother's eyes. Her posture eased, and a proud smile tugged at her lips. "Oh, honey! Thank you! I knew you'd do the right thing. I'm sorry for being so harsh with you, but this is for the best. He was evil. Now, pray to God for repentance, and He'll forgive you for your transgressions."
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Emily's fists clenched. "HE JUST LEFT FOR A LITTLE BIT! He said he'll be back! I didn't throw away my wishes!"
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Her mother's smile vanished instantly, her expression hardening. "Oh." A pause. Then, with a shake of her head, she said coldly, "Well, in that case, I don't know if God is going to forgive you."
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"I DON'T NEED HIS FORGIVENESS! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG!" Emily's voice shook with frustration. "I don't know why you won't listen!"
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Her mother's eyes narrowed. "Watch your tone."
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"You should be listening to me!" Emily shot back.
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"I don't need to listen to you," her mother said firmly. "I'm your mother. You need to listen to me."
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Before Emily could respond, Lilly sighed and shook her head. "Mom's right, Emily. How did you summon the demon in the first place?"
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"IT WAS THE LAMP!" Emily shouted, her frustration boiling over. "I didn't know!"
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Grandpa stroked his chin, nodding slowly. "The lamp? Ah, I see... just like the old storybooks."
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Emily's mother let out a sharp breath, rubbing her temples as if trying to ward off a growing headache. "That's it. If it's not a fish, don't bring anything home. In fact, no more using that lake. The lake is cursed."
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Before Emily could protest, a furious yell erupted from the kitchen-loud enough to make them all jump.
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"YOU DID WHAT?!?!"
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For a split second, silence hung in the air as they exchanged alarmed glances. Then, as if moving on instinct, they all bolted toward the kitchen.
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