One summer day, I saw an object lying on the ground as I walked through the woods. A pendant hanging on a chain glistened at me. I picked it up, rubbed the grime off the charm, and saw words inscribed on the back of it. Dreams that stay inside lie next to the heart, left to die.

After cleaning the token, I decided to put it on. A triad of colors pushed out of the pendant! The colored light enveloped the woods, and it appeared like three gems sparkling with green, pink, and blue hues.

I ripped off the necklace and flung it onto the path. Then a weak sound came out of the medallion, a barely audible voice that spoke, “One gem for one desire.” I trembled but realized it must be a magical pendant, and I had the chance to make my dreams come true.

My voice vibrated with uncertainty. I thought a practical joker hid in the woods, waiting for me to reply, but I felt I was alone.

I took the risk. I said in a whisper, “I wish for happiness.”

“It is only inside the person that one can find true happiness,” a voice answered.

I witnessed the green sparkle disappear into the air. Feeling as if I had just gotten cheated out of life’s greatest treasure, I grew sad.

The voice spoke again, “One gem for one desire.”

I replied more brazen, “Please give me peace of mind.”

The soft voice said, “Only the brave who know who they are and what they desire and act accordingly will ever know true peace of mind. It cannot be given or wished for; one must earn it.”

The pink brilliance flickered away.

I knew that I had to ask for something that I could possess externally, so I asked, “I wish for success.”

No sound came out of the pendant, and the third blue sparkle disappeared.

I picked up the pendant and clutched it tightly. I began to weep. I walked away feeling more alone than ever and disappointed I didn’t get any of my wishes.

The three brilliant colors emanated once more from the piece resting in my palm, and a resonating voice echoed through the woods, “To find treasures, you must be the treasure first. To find the truth, you must live your truth. To attain your dreams, you must never deny who you are.”

The pendant turned to dust in my hand, and I let the remains fall to the path below me. I continued on my journey and knew what I had to do. I would be the one to grant my wishes.

Francesca M.E.