The Mirror of Erised
Once upon a time, in an antique shop nestled in the corner of an ordinary town, lay a peculiar object that basked in dust. This object was an exquisite mirror, known as the Mirror of Erised. Numerous myths and legends surrounding the mirror had prevailed over the centuries, only adding to the intrigue and allure the mirror held over the locals.
In the heart of this town lived a loving couple, George and Elsie. They led a simple and content life, owning a small bakery known for its star-shaped pastries. Despite their happiness, one thing was missing from their life: a child of their own.
One day, whilst wandering through the town, a glint caught George’s eye. As he peered into the antique shop, he saw the breathtaking Mirror of Erised, education by tales of its mystery. Unable to resist his curiosity, he took it home, gifting it to his wife, Elsie. They cleared an inconspicuous corner of their home for the mystical mirror.
For a while, all seemed normal, until late one night when Elsie found herself staring into the mirror. Suddenly, she saw herself holding a bundle of joy, a baby. She brought George to witness what she was seeing, but all he could see was himself on a sailing boat, conquering mighty waves.
The couple were both confused and thrilled by what they saw. The tales they had heard circulated stating that the mirror showed the deepest desires of one's heart. The couple realized that the mirror was showing them their secret and heart's yearning; Elsie's to become a mother and George's to have an adventure.
Blinded by their desires, they both found themselves spending countless hours in front of the mirror, lost in their dreams. Their life began to revolve around the mirror, as the bakery business started to decline, and their closeness dwindled.
One day, Mr. Frederick, the elderly shopkeeper, who had sold the mirror to George, visited their bakery and immediately noticed their distress. A compassionate man, he offered a listening ear to the couple. Hearing them recount their experiences with the Mirror of Erised, Mr. Frederick was saddened. He told them, 'The mirror shows nothing more or less than the deepest desire of our hearts. But it gives neither knowledge nor truth. You must understand, it is not real.'
That night, the couple was lost in thought. They looked into the mirror one last time, reflecting on their desires and dreams. They understood then, that as much as one should dream, one must not forget to live and value what they have.
The next day, George sold the mirror back to the antique shop. The couple returned their attention to their bakery, putting heart and soul into their work, and soon their business flourished once again. But above all, they found happiness within themselves and together, they continued living a life of gratitude for all they had, without forgetting their dreams.