The Wishing Journal

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She circled the parking lot a few times before finding a stall. Maybe coming to the mall wasn't the smartest idea Y/N had. It was bustling with families and couples, and it only served as a  reminder of the loneliness that seemed to be plaguing her day.

She made her way past the crowded food court and toward the main area with shops. Y/N began looking for the first store to buy a birthday gift for herself only to be stumped. None of the stores were seeming to be what she was looking for. She began to seriously question whether she should just leave and go back home to her wonderfully warm bed when a strange new store caught her eye.

It definitely stood out from all the other shops around it. While the other shops seemed to go for an almost cutesy atmosphere, draped in beautiful bright colors,  this store looked more like a tarot, shaman, mystical crystal ball type of store. Seemingly finding her target for today's shopping venture, she headed towards the store, not really minding that other people seemed to avoid it.

A bell rang as she entered the store. Glancing around the store, it seemed like the exact replica of the way she was feeling at the moment. Dark and gloomy. As Y/N  went into the store a little more, she noted that each shelf was filled with odd trinkets, half of which she had never seen before. Her curiosity growing with each passing shelf before something glittery caught her eye. Turning towards the object, she realized it was a very pretty journal. It looked quite antique-ish.

The cover was a pale dusty brown and covered in rose gold vines circling around a few gems in the shape of a single rose. The petals of the flower somehow looked so soft and so real despite being made of crystals. It was one of the most unique looking journals Y/N  had ever seen.

As if the journal was compelling her, Y/N  began to reach out to touch it.

She was about to make contact with one of the delicate petals, when a soft scratchy voice snapped her out of her trance.  "You seem to be drawn to that journal."

Jumping slightly, she pulled her hand back quickly, like a thief being caught red handed. Whipping her head in the direction of the voice, Y/N  took notice of a little old woman sitting behind the counter, a small smile on her face.

"Oh, um... yes. Sorry, I promise I wasn't going to steal it or anything, I just um... I wanted to look at it more closely. It's so beautiful," Y/N  rambles, trying to explain herself.

The old woman's smile only widened. "It is beautiful, isn't it?"

Y/N nodded her head in agreement. "I've never seen anything like it." 

"I like to call it the wishing journal. It's one of a kind."

Agreeing, Y/N thought, that was an appropriate name for such an enchanting journal. Quite frankly she still couldn't believe it was real at all.

"Would you like it?" the woman asked.

It certainly had to cost a fortune, Y/N thought. There's no way she could ever afford something this beautiful and delicate. 

As if reading her thoughts the old woman added, "Free of charge, of course."

Y/N's eyes nearly fell out of her head. "I- I couldn't possibly just take it for free," she politely refused. Even though the mere thought of leaving the journal behind was hurting her.

The woman carefully grabbed the journal before Y/N could argue back and bagged the book in a velvety smooth pouch. "Think of it as a birthday present," the woman said, flashing her a kind smile.

Shyly Y/N took the bag and bowed, thanking the lady all the way until she had left the store. The woman smiled at her as she left, giving her a small wave and head bow in return.

Y/N couldn't believe her luck. The whole encounter had lifted her mood, so much so that she decided to stop at the ice cream parlor and get a sweet treat to enjoy by herself at home. She ordered her favorite flavor to go and then she made her way to the mall exit.

She was halfway to her car when she realized, had she mentioned that it was her birthday to the older woman?

She shrugged off the slight suspicion that poked at her subconscious. She must have mentioned it in passing while they were talking. Y/N got in the car and started driving home to enjoy her frozen treat and her exquisite journal.

After changing into her comfortable stay at home clothes, Y/N plopped on the couch, a giant scoop of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream in hand and turned on her TV. She flipped through channels for a few minutes before settling on National Geographic. It was something about marine life. She tried to focus on the soothing voice of the British narrator but all she could think of was the day's events. She brought out the journal she acquired and admired it as she ate the ice cream.

She so desperately wished she weren't alone right now, so she could one, share this heavenly ice cream with someone, and two so she could show this beautiful journal to someone.

She thought it was a little too beautiful to write in, but took out her pen anyway.

Hello journal,

(Sorry I don't know what else to call you) But I'll say this, you are definitely one of my most prized possessions. I can't believe that sweet old woman just gave you to me for free! I was so sure I'd have to go home without you today. Although, I'm not sure how she knew it was my birthday today. Maybe I mentioned it and forgot? Either way my day didn't start off great but it went pretty well in the middle. I just wish someone was here so I could share you with them. Anyway, until next time.

- Y/N <3

Y/N put down her pen, and yawned. She guessed she was more tired than expected.

She stood up putting her bowl of ice cream back into the freezer and went straight to her bedroom. Quickly brushing her teeth and slipping under her cool bed sheets, her eyes began to droop close. Through her bleary vision she could have sworn, for a second, the rose on the top of the journal glowed a light pink, but that must have just been her imagination. With those last thoughts out of her brain,  Y/N drifted off.

—-----------------------

"Are you awake now?" A deep voice called out softly

"No," Y/N responded, barely registering anything.

Soft laughter followed her sarcastic reply. "I didn't think so," the voice responded, laughter still filling it.

She should have been offended or at the least annoyed, but all she could think was, what a soothing voice.

A hand brushed through her hair lightly. "I have to go to work now, but I'll be waiting for you when you're finished with your classes today, ok?" The voice whispered, so as to not wake her too much from her sleep.

"Mhmm..." she hummed in acknowledgment.

Y/N heard a faint chuckle, and the ghostly touch of soft lips pressed against her temple before slipping back into dreamland.

"Sleep well my love."