Hans and the Magic Box
Once upon a time, in a city named Lagoria, there lived a poor young boy named Hans. He was known for his goodness and kindness, but no deed, it seemed, could alter his life's circumstances.
Hans lived with his widowed mother, who struggled to feed the two of them, given her poor health. Despite his young age, Hans took it upon himself to work and earn for their survival. He would spend his mornings doing chores for the wealthy homeowners, while his afternoons were consumed by tutoring younger children from his neighborhood.
One breezy afternoon, as Hans was finishing a lesson in the park, an elderly man approached him. The elderly man looked frail and worn, his eyes brightening with wisdom and experience. He introduced himself as Alden, a former philosopher who had lost his wealth and family years ago.
Alden lived alone near the outskirts of the city. He was particularly drawn to Hans because of the lad's commendable spirit despite the miseries he faced every day. He offered to teach Hans in return for some help around his house. Seeing the opportunity to learn and possibly uplift his condition, Hans eagerly agreed.
Over time, Hans’ routine included visiting Alden’s house where he was taught various subjects. From literature to mathematics, from sciences to arts, Alden shared his rich knowledge with the eager boy. Meanwhile, Hans helped tidy up the old man’s house, repaired whatever needed fixing, and would often cook for Alden.
One day, during his lessons, Hans came across a peculiar wooden box. It was finely carved, embellished with various symbols Hans couldn’t comprehend. Overcome with curiosity, he asked Alden about it. Alden’s wise eyes softened as he nostalgically remembered the tales his grandfather told him about this heirloom.
Alden shared how this box was said to possess immense power. According to the legend, it was said to grant the heart's most profound wish once a century. However, the last time it worked was a hundred years ago, on the night of a blue moon. No one had been able to use it since, and the story slowly started to become a mere fable. There was a twinkle of hope in Alden’s eyes when he shared that the next blue moon was just around the corner.
The day of the blue moon arrived. As per the legend, Hans and Alden positioned the box under the ethereal light.
Hans was given the honor to make a wish. He thought of the decrepit conditions of his house, his mother's failing health, his struggle for survival, and Alden's lonely existence. As his heart fluttered with numerous selfish and selfless wishes, he realized the truest wish of his heart - the end of all sufferings, not only his but everyone else’s. It was a wish larger than life, overwhelming for a boy of his age. Yet, he wished.
Something miraculous happened. The box radiated an intense light, bathing everyone in the spellbinding moonlit garden. When the light subsided, a soft voice echoed from the box, 'Your wish is granted'.
Shocked and thrilled, Hans hurried home, only to find his house transformed into a comfortable and well-furnished dwelling. His mother looked healthier, brimming with joy at their newfound fortune. Over the following days, Hans noticed significant changes around him. The city bloomed with prosperity and happiness. The homeless were homed, the hungry were fed, and the poor were no longer poor. Lagoria became the epitome of a prosperous city, all thanks to the unselfish wish of a kindhearted boy.
Hans' life transformed drastically. However, his values remained intact. He became renowned not only for wealthy status but for his wisdom, virtues, and humbleness. Alden, too, lived his remaining years in comfort, happy to have had a hand in changing his beloved city's fate.
The story of Hans served as a beacon of hope for many generations, reminding them of the power of benevolence, humility, and endless possibilities when one's heart truly wishes for the good of all.