And together the genie and the boy had traveled the world. Together they fought wars and conquered nations. The boy wished for and found gizmos and gadgets and wealth and prosperity. He played hard. He ate well. And now exhausted, the genie turns toward his bottle for comfort and the boy toward his turned down covers for warmth and protection. He mutters to the genie, “Are there any more wishes? I need one more.” The genie solemnly replies, “They are all used up. I am sorry. What would you have wished for?” The boy simply glanced toward the window where just outside a world of chaos loomed for in the wake of their fanfare the boy and the genie left corruption, leaderless nations, dying soldiers, wasted resources and no joy remained as they had sucked the fruit dry. A single tear traced the boys cheek. “I wish I could take it all back.”
