Page 9 of Rubbing One Out

Daeliel nodded. “Yes, I was last here three earth years ago. A young lady brought me forth. I granted her wishes and left. She was extremely accommodating in asking for her wishes speedily, allowing me to get back to my world.” He emphasised the last sentence.

“What did she wish for?” Ben asked curiously.

Daeliel wagged a finger. “I’m afraid I can’t say. Djinn/Wisher confidentiality and all that.” He smiled wickedly. “Suffice it to say, she’s a big Hollywood star, so her wishes certainly came true.” He made a moue. “Who knew a film about abduction and other depressing human subjects would be so iconic?”

“What happens when you grant the person their wishes?” Ben leaned against the doorjamb. “Do you, uhm, go back into the lamp straight away?”

Daeliel nodded. “Once their wishes have been granted, I go back to Calodo’r. That’s the lamp’s true name.”

“Do you like it there? What’s it like?” Ben watched as Daeliel’s face clouded.

“It’s got nothing to do with what I like. It’s my duty to be there, so there I am. It’s a beautiful place, and I suppose I’m contented enough.” Daeliel’s tone grew sharp. “Anyway, enough of me. Have you given any consideration to what you’d like to wish for?”

Ben shook his head. “No. I’m still not sure this is real. It’ll take me some time to get my head around all this.” He waved a hand. “I don’t want to waste my wishes. I want to be sure about what I ask for.”

Daeliel heaved a sigh. “Very well. I shall make myself comfortable for a while and give you more time.” He sat down on the bed and pushed his feet into a pair of elegant loafers. “I shall go for a walk, familiarise myself with your world once again. It’ll be good to see what’s changed.”

“That’s cool,” Ben said. “I’ve got to be at work for my shift by ten anyway, so…do you need a key or something, to get back in the house?”

I can’t believe I’m having this conversation. Maybe I’m hallucinating, and this is still a dream.

Deep inside, Ben knew he was awake, and yes, he had asked a magical genie if he wanted a front door key to come and go as he pleased.

“Oh Ben, that’s adorable.” Daeliel stood up, reached out and caressed Ben’s cheek. “Thinking I need a key. I suppose I should have one to create a semblance of normality.” His brow furrowed. “What kind of work do you do?”

“I’m a zoologist at the local zoo. I also look out for the penguins. It’s a small zoo, so we all tend to get involved in more than one function.”

“Oh, a learned man and an animal lover. You’ve become much more interesting.” Daeliel winked. “I shall have to visit this zoo of yours.” He pursed his lips. “I noticed you have another little critter in your living room other than the large dog on your bed. It looks almost dead, did you know that?”

Ben chuckled. “No, that’s my guinea pig. He’s old, so he doesn’t move around much.” Ben made a mental note to double-check Pookums was still breathing.

“Ah. I look forward to meeting him later. Anyway, let me get out of your way so you can get ready for work. I’ll see you later, no doubt.” Daeliel disappeared out of the room.

Ben looked around him. This is truly happening. A genie has visited me. Now all I have to do is make those wishes and life will get back to normal.

As he wandered into the bathroom to take a shower, Ben’s mind buzzed with the possibilities.

Seems like all those stories Mom told me about otherworldly creatures were true after all.