PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Ann Hall
“Do you believe in magic, Uncle Joe?” Little Farida asked as they strolled through an antique store.
“Black magic, maybe.” he mumbled, then pursed his lips and replied, “No, not really.”
Farida trailed her fingers on old trinkets, polished to a high sheen. Twenty years ago, his answer might have been different. The naivety of youth was magic in itself. Opportunities abounded, dreams were limitless and life never-ending. Then we grew up and traded magic for mortgages.
He watched his niece contemplate a row of coloured vases. “You know djinn live inside bottles?”
An enchanted smile lit up Farida’s face.
100 words
Sometimes when I feel jaded with the world, I wish I could go back to my teens. I’d do things differently. Take more chances for sure. The youth may be naive but in a way it is a blessing. It gives them the, admittedly blind, courage to take risks with a much bigger space to learn from mistakes. ( I hope I remember this when my daughter is a teenager!! I might take back my words!)
I added the black magic bit because in these parts of the world, the practice of and belief in it is widespread crossing different backgrounds and religions too. A black magic conference voted Botswana as having the most powerful black magic in Africa. (Weird but true.) Me, personally, I don’t give it much thought – other than in my fiction writing.
Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by leading author Rochelle. The challenge is to write a story with 100 words or less.
Click here to read more flash fiction.
Fajr, Books & That First Cuppa 
“Then we grew up and traded magic for mortgages” is a lovely line
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Thank you, Neil. Mortgages are on my mind as we’re thinking of buying our first home. But the free-spirit in me can’t help but feel the burden that comes with it.
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I’m with you – wouldn’t it be nice to go back and do it all again, only better. Still, in some ways we should all try and keep believing in that little bit of magic. Nice write.
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I totally agree, Iain. We really should hold on to that bit of magic in our grown up lives. And that’s where books, movies and music help us to tap into that lost realm inside us.
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Ah, the sweet innocence and magic of a child. No wonder grandparents love them so much 🙂
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My mom used to say she felt young again when she had grandkids!
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Lovely take, Fatima. I agree with you and others that I would welcome back the naivete of youth, even if it is for a minute or two here and there. Incidentally, I wrote about a Genie (djinn) as well.
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Thank you, Varad. We were on the same wavelength!
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Nice, sweet story.
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Thank you, Claire.
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Be careful what you wish for…
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Joe was sufficiently in tune with little Farida to work some harmless magic of his own for her delight. What a lovely story, Fatima!
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Yes he realised he might be spoiling some of that wonderful magic for her. So played along. Thank you Penny!
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Great story telling. sadly mortgages are one of life’s necessities.
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Thank you, Michael.
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Dear Fatima
Oh to have the imagination of a child. You certainly captured it with grace and charm. Nicely done.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle.
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Oh this child’s viewpoint is so sweet. And Uncle Joe, too, rekindling that old magic. Wonderful story, Fatima.
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Thank you, Kelvin. Wanted to create a magic of my own this week.
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That was so sweet. And I, too, loved the “traded magic for mortgages…’
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Thank you, Dale!
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Ah. To contemplate the possibility of the supernatural, without feeling afraid or reluctant. That childhood is magical indeed!
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Yes, Farida is a child of an inquisitive nature! Thanks for reading!
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I enjoyed your interpretation of this photo prompt – magical! 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you, Susan. Glad you enjoyed it.
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It would indeed be fantastic to return to childhood! A lovely take on the FF prompt.
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Thank you so much!
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Charming story filled with whimsy. Nicely done …
Isadora 😎
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Your story is wonderful! I didn’t know what a djinn was – but now I do! Very clever tale – thanks for the entertainment! Nan
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