The young monk, Aelred, lived at the Abbey his entire life. He could only imagine going to foreign lands. He kept the accounts of the Abbey’s wealth. Many left children and items at the Abbey in exchange for prayers. For Aelred it wasn’t the wealth of the donations but more the strangeness and beauty and the stories that were attached to the items.

A scented, small chest that is exotic and smelled of cedar and spices had arrived. The chest contained an incomplete set of beautifully carved chessman, an illustrated book and an opaque bottle. Curious of the bottle, Aelred opened it. To his surprise a djinn appears and offers him three wishes. But Aelred is sure the djinn is a demon sent to temp him and sends him back into the bottle. Aelred had to be careful and not tell anyone of the djinn, they would probably not believe him anyways.

The Djinn was not made to stay in the bottle forever. After much indecision, Aelred let’s the Djinn have more freedom. Djinn is happy, enthusiastic and spends much time reading the Bible. When Djinn starts very meaningful conversations with Aelred about the scriptures meanings, will Aelred see the true light?

“Three Wishes and a Miracle” is a short story with a strong message by Mere Rain. The author brings two characters together who are almost alike. Aelred and Djinn have both spent time in seclusion. Aelred not knowing any different and Djinn waiting for his next turn at freedom. Djinn helps Aelred to realize he has more self-worth and there is more to his faith and he needs to learn how to be free and live a wonderful life.

I like Mere Rain’s short stories. She always has some type of interesting message built into her stories. Gives everyone something to think about. Nicely written, easy to read and likable characters.

(I Review for Queeromance Ink)