Aladdin opened his eyes slowly, allowing them time to adjust to the blinding light ray. His body was covered with sand and all he could see from afar was a sand dune and what looked like dried bones sparsely distributed in the field. He remembered why he was there, to search for a fortune, but wondered how he got sucked in the sand. He became alerted when he touched his pocket and realized it was empty.
"Where is my purse?" He mumbled as he struggled to get on his feet. His body was sore as if beaten with a log of wood. Barbara, the chief priest, had told him the only way to get to his fortune was through the map which he had placed in his purse.
The journey was getting longer and discomforting than he had expected. He wondered how the others had survived, *if not for the dust storm, he still should have some water and food" he thought as he wandered through the desert. He perceived what looked like a map, "that must be it" he said dashing toward the direction but saw the torn up pieces scattered closely. He gathered them matching the pieces together hoping to get the spot where the fortune lies. He cursed as he observed the part where the spot to the fortune was missing. He looked around a few more times searching for the missing part and sat near a shrub that barely covered him from the burning sunlight feeling exhausted.
Fortunately, Aladdin did not give up when it seemed hopeless but is his "good fortune" worth living only ten years for. If he is able to make an impact and not just enjoy a life of riches, then I guess it would be worth it.
Great story. Aladdin was determined, and his determination paid off.
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The juxtposition between fortune and fate you crafted is an interesting way to explore the concept - Particularly the use of the name Alladin, given it's connotations to a story of 'happy ever after', rather than finite time.
Morning Dwixer; Aladdin may not mean 'Happy ever after' in the sense that it is its ACTUAL meaning, but it would connote it, given the Disney story of the same name. Was mid 90s Disney I think - either way, it had some catchy songs.
From sparsity in the desert - a true symbol of the void, of nothingness and poverty - to abundance. I feel we all have to do our own desert time to enjoy what comes next.
The story drips with irony. It's not easy to pull that off in such a short piece, but you did. It is the kind of bargain that classically might be made with a demonic entity (one might say Faustian). Really well done. Sophisticated. Your character will learn that ten years goes very quickly.
Great 'hook' and use of the prompt. Thank you for sharing this story with us. We appreciated that you support other authors with your comments.
Hi @dwixer,
It was me that threw the Faustian term at you. Your writing is so sophisticated, so rich with intention, that I thought I'd use some sophisticated language. You can handle it :))
Great job here. Hope you are well my friend in these tumultuous times.
Aladin is brave, even with what he was passing through, he still succeed in knowing his future, about him dying in ten years time, that is so bad, because, with what I have read, it seems Aladin is Still a young man.
Is true
@dwixer I like your twist on Aladdin so captivating
Just 10 year to live a good life after the whole suffering. I pray he will be a great leader. At least he knows that the future is bright.
What a great story and thanks for sharing.
A bit of irony that made me read it from beginning to end. I really enjoyed it. It was a good read.
but will 10 years be enough yo fulfil these. one thing about fortune is that it makes time very short.
But will 10 years be enough to fulfil these? One thing about fortune is that it makes time very short.
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