The Selfless Wish
In a small town named Brinn lived a young boy named Henry. He was the only son of his mother, Mabel. Mabel and Henry were poor but shared a rich bond of unshakeable love and mutual respect. Their favorite pastime included stargazing on the terrace of their tiny house under the watchful guise of the night.
Their peaceful life took an unexpected turn when Mabel fell gravely ill. Desperate to save his mother, Henry took up a job at the local stables to save money to buy medicine.
One night as they were stargazing, Henry noticed a shooting star. He hastily made a wish, pleading for his mother's well-being. However, the shooting star instead of falling ended up spiraling downward and crashed in the nearby forest.
Intrigued, Henry decided to investigate. He found a large crystal shimmering in the moonlight amidst the burnt debris. It was a Star Crystal – a wish granter. With a hopeful heart, he held the crystal up and wished for his mother's health.
Days turned into weeks and Mabel's health grew worse. The Star Crystal remained silent and cold. Despite his mounting despair, Henry never left his mother’s side. They spent countless hours watching the sky as Mabel's healthed weakened.
One evening, Mabel gave Henry her beloved locket. It was a family heirloom, passed over generations. She urged him to sell it and use the money for a better life after she was gone. But Henry couldn't bear the thought of losing his mother, let alone using her locket to start a life without her.
Mabel passed away peacefully, her hand held tightly by Henry, under the starlit sky she loved so much. Anguished and devastated, Henry returned home, clutching the locket and the Star Crystal.
Henry noticed the crystal glowing brighter. He held out the crystal, demanding why it had not granted his wish. The crystal hummed and a soft, ethereal voice filled the room, claiming to grant his wish now.
Confused and angry, Henry protested, his mother was no more, it was too late now. The crystal calmly replied, 'I was unable to grant your wish as it defied nature's course. Everything that lives must one day come to its end. I can, however, grant you another wish now.'
In silent acceptance, Henry finally understood. He asked the crystal to bring happiness to his town. Despite his personal loss, he chose his people over himself, earning him the respect and love from every heart in Brinn. The crystal hummed once more and granted his wish.
Years passed, and Brinn flourished. The crops yielded more, new schools and a hospital were built, there was joy and prosperity everywhere. While being a proud pillar of the community, Henry lived a life of simplicity, cherishing the memories of his mother and reminding everyone the power of a selfless wish.