Three Wishes

Nine months ago, he became an Ex-Pat. Jimmy pulled out a cigarette stick from his breast pocket, lighting it up and watching smoke unfurl from its tip like a dancing ghost.  For the umpteenth time that week, he hadn't been able to close his eyes in a proper night sleep. He didn't have insomnia or anything like that. He was just worried, homesick and tired. Tired of everything, tired of life even. If he didn't have people he desperately needed to smile at him and say, “I'm proud of you,” then he would've packed his bags and returned home. His twin sisters, Grace and Faith, called every evening to either ask if he'd be returning home for Christmas like he promised, or if he'd be sending them money to install frontal wigs so their friends would respect them. But he knew he couldn't return home, at least not yet. Not when he'd lost six pounds in the past four months, and had consistent bags under his eyes like pandas. He needed a means to double his hustling game. Not like he hadn't tried, or wasn't trying enough. He just realized that life was kinder to some people and mean to others like himself. Jimmy was raised in the best home in Limpopo. His parents didn't have all the money but they loved him and tried to provide everything he needed as a child. He was comfortable, until his mom took in again and his dad died in an accident. Then life stopped smiling at his family. His mom had to work all day long on the farm with her protruding stomach, just so he could stay in school and have nice stuff to eat. He didn't know if it was worth it. Maybe she should've just stayed home while he left school and joined most of his mates hawking in the streets. Maybe then she wouldn't have died at childbirth and left him to raise two girls who he was only seven years older than. He sighed again as his co-worker and best friend, Drew walked up to him, two cups of black coffee in hand. “Yo, quit smoking man. It's bad for your lungs,” Drew reached for the cigarette still between Jimmy's lips and crushed it under his feet. “You look like you haven't slept in months. Still staying up all night?” Jimmy shrugged limply, taking the coffee Drew was offering. “I just can't find the rest when I need it.” Drew sighed, drinking deeply from his cup. He too was an Ex-Pat who had a wife and three kids waiting back home in Peru.The only difference between both of them was that Drew had two well paying jobs but had to see his family only once a year. “Look, I have this in-law you could speak to, I already spoke to him about you. Told him you're a first class honors student and that you need a job ASAP.” Jimmy raises his brows, “And?” “And he wants to meet with you, brother. You've just got to skip work tomorrow. He said he wants to see you in his office by 8am. I can assure you that man wouldn't be seeing you until noon or thereabout.” Jimmy sighed. If he took a full day off work, he'd be denied pay for that day. He was very interested in the opportunity but every single penny was important. What if Drew's uncle didn't offer him the job? He'd be losing fifty dollars and that'd make him short on his savings. He couldn't afford to be short. “Thanks man, I appreciate it.” He flashes a weak smile at Drew as the other man hands him a complementary card. Vincent Miller of 3son Limited. Interesting name for someone who'd be needing a pharmacist. The next morning, Jimmy grabbed the fairly new bicycle Drew had gifted him for his birthday and cycled all the way to 3son Limited. It was one of the biggest firms Jimmy had seen since he traveled to America. If Drew had an uncle who owned this place then why did he have to work two jobs? Shaking the thought, Drew smiled at the receptionist and told her of his appointment. “Director Miller's been expecting you, this way please.” The receptionist smiled at him and nodded for him to knock at the door, then she walked away. When he heard, “Come in!” He said a short prayer then turned the door handle. Then he stopped short. “Dad?” His hair and brows were graying and his face was wrinkling but it was definitely him. The man at the other side of the table opened his mouth in shock, then closed it again. Tears welled up in Jimmy's eyes. All the while he thought his father was dead and had to bring up his sisters himself, but the man was alive and well, living as a CEO in another country. “Jim boy, I can explain.” But Jimmy was already walking out the door, tears blinding him. What was he going to explain to his sisters? His father hurried after him, dragging him back. “Jimmy, if you give me five minutes, I promise to grant you three wishes no matter the cost.” He knew his three wishes already. The man would have to take full responsibility for his sisters, give him shares in his company, and then will his entire fortune to them. That, or there was going to be no conversation. Surprisingly, his father nodded in resignation and even waited for Jimmy to put it in writing so he could sign. When the formalities were over, Jimmy took a peek at his watch. “Speak. Your time starts now.”

Ps: Hi @theinkwell, after our last conversation, I had sleepless nights because of this story. I was torn between delivering a punchy, emotionally charged ending and giving my readers closure. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.