Jeremy and the Wish

This is bugging me. Jeremy sighed as he closed his eyes for the sixth time. “I feel like something is going to jumpscare me at any second.”

“Perhaps that’s what you want.” The cat said in a bored voice.

“I want the truth.”

“Do you?”

Jeremy opened his eyes and groaned. “I thought I did. That’s the only way I could enter Bizzaro Magica, right?”

“Wrong. You found your wish, but that doesn’t mean the truth is what you’re seeking.”

“What else could it be?”

The cat licked one of its paws. “How should I know? It’s your wish, boy. Only you know what it is you’re looking for… But it’s not uncommon to want more than one thing. Perhaps the truth isn’t that important now?”

“No, that can’t be right. I need to discover the truth about this place so I can write about it.”

“Why?” Jeremy looked at the cat, hands itching to push it off the table like in a cartoon, but stayed still as the cat studied him. “Why is the truth so important? You said it yourself. People are going to be mad at you for the things you write. And many won’t believe you anyway. So, why focus on the truth when you could have anything else?”

“Because I…” Wait a minute. Isn’t that what I was thinking about Luminara’s wish?

The cat lightly batted Jeremy’s wish. “Go on. Finish your sentence. It’s rude to leave things half-said, and one never knows when you’ll get the chance to finish it. Or if you ever will.”

“That’s… kind of deep.” Did my wish change after meeting Luminara? I can write about the Bizzaro Magica and get something else. But what else do I want? “Maybe I should be logical about this?”

“What do you mean?”

“I already have whatever I need to get what I want, right?”

The cat nodded. “That is one of our guarantees, yes.”

“Then what triggered the entrance to let me through? I knew I wanted the truth, and being here is enough for me…” But that’s not the same as getting a wish granted, is it? The way Luminara described it. I should be able to feel the direction of the merchant who has what I want. But I haven’t sensed anything, and now… What do I want? “If all I want is the truth, then I already have it… unless there are other kinds of transactions?”

“Sorry to disappoint, but no. All transactions, regardless of what one is searching for, are handled the same way.”

“Then, why don’t I feel drawn to anything? Do I just need to walk around some more?”

“It couldn’t hurt.”

Jeremy sighed. “You’re not very helpful for a guide.”

“First of all, I’m a cat. I’m not supposed to give straight answers. I won’t lie, but you must solve your own problems. And second, I never said I was here to guide you. You needed help getting in. So, I showed myself and offered advice. What happens from here is up to you.” The cat stretched while staring at Jeremy. “This is what you do for a living, yes? Find the truth about things?”

“More or less.” I’m still in high school, but if I could find a way to make this work after graduation…

“Then, you need only apply the skills you’ve gained on yourself. No one knows you better than you do, boy. No one knows what you truly want. But don’t let a few setbacks get the best of you. You did get into Bizzaro Magica and Oddities. That means you meet the requirements for our services. Why don’t you try eating something? Food has a way of making problems disappear sometimes. And it’s not like there’s a time limit to how long you can stay here.”

“There isn’t?”

“Didn’t I just say I don’t lie?”

Jeremy nodded and started walking. The road was bustling, but Jeremy never felt like he was being suffocated. And it wasn’t long before the air filled with the scents of frying meat, vegetables, and other things that made his mouth water. I’m glad I make a habit of carrying some cash wherever I go. But will getting food count as my wish? I doubt the cat would tell me to get something to eat if it would get in the way of Bizzaro Magica’s services….

“Step right up. Get your curry buns here! Hot and fresh every day. Come on up and try something you’ve never had before!”

Those are fighting words. Jeremy followed the voice until he spotted a wagon made of white plastic, carrying a large pot and several shelves filled with containers that all had steam coming out of them. That wagon looks like it’ll topple over. How is it supporting the pots? And where’s the rest of the food?

A black panther wearing a red apron and a matching hat reclined against the far side as she called out to me. “Greetings, young man. You look like you have a healthy appetite. Can I interest you in some curry buns?”

We’ve gone from talking animals to animals that can cook… Jeremy grinned. “You sure can! Do you have anything spicy?”

The panther laughed and flicked her tail to a small iron pot. “I do indeed. How many buns would you like?”

“How much are they?” I don’t see any registers. Does this mean she only accepts cash?

The panther chuckled. “The price is room in your stomach, dear customer. I do not need anything else.”

“Does that mean they’re free?”

“Indeed. Not everyone comes here to gain something. I came to share my love of curry buns with anyone willing to eat them. Is this your first time here?”

“Yes, ma’am. I thought I knew what I wanted when I arrived, but…”

The panther nodded knowingly. “But time has passed, and your desires have changed. Don’t worry. It’ll come to you in time.” She used her tail to open the pot, and three blue curry buns the size of Jeremy’s head floated out and placed themselves in a shallow basket. “Here you are. I hope you’ll visit again soon.”

“These are huge! Are you sure you don’t want any payment?”

“I’m sure. As I said, I enjoy feeding others. I know you’ll find what you’re looking for soon.”

“Thank you very much!” Jeremy picked up a bun and took a bite. The dough broke easily, hitting the inside of his mouth with steam that should have warned him about the meat mixture. But the curry made itself known before Jeremy could rethink his actions. Holy cow. I think my tongue is melting, but it tastes so good!

The panther laughed as a plastic cup filled with a bright orange liquid appeared in front of Jeremy. “Care for a smoothie, young man? There’s no shame in needing relief from the heat.”

Jeremy grabbed the cup, chugging the contents as a wave of fruits cascaded his throat to battle the fire inside him. Jeremy didn’t know how long he stood there, but the panther and the cat were staring at him in concern. “Are you alright, boy? Your face is turning white.”

Jeremy nodded and watched in delight as the cup was refilled. This place is fantastic. I wonder if anyone chooses to stay here? He gulped, wincing as the burn finally receded, and took another bite. The heat didn’t make him cough this time as he slowly ate all three buns. “This was the trip. Maybe I should ask to see the perfect curry bun. I could be like one of the people who eat fox stew and never get enough!”

The cat tilted its head. “Does that mean you wish to stay in the Bizzaro Magica?”

Jeremy finished off his smoothie and thought about it. The way the cat said that… “Is… that possible?”

“Of course. Many of the vendors live here. You could even apply your skills to joining their ranks. If that’s what you wish?”

“I… uh.” That sounds good. I could look for the truth forever and still find new things to explore. I could help people find their wish. I can’t be the only one who thinks of these things. Jeremy took a deep breath and sighed. “But there’s a catch?”

“Indeed. Time moves differently between realms. For example, if you were to leave right now. You’d find that not much time has passed in your world. I believe it’s only been about ten minutes. But staying here can change everything. No one will force you to stay. But we can’t guarantee that the world will be as you know it should you decide to return to your normal life.”

“I thought that would be the case.”

The panther yawned, looking more like a pampered pet than a predator. “It would be wonderful to have a new face here.”

“It would.” The cat agreed, but Jeremy knew the choice was his.