It was a Saturday morning. Tony and Jeannie were having a leisurely breakfast.
"I'm sorry, Jeannie, but your food tastes. . . off."
"'Off,' Master?"
"The eggs taste bland, the toast tastes like cardboard, and the orange juice tastes bland." He drank the coffee. "And the coffee tastes like hot water!"
"Let me taste it, Master." She took her fork and tried some of the eggs. "You are right, Master! Let me try again."
She blinked, and the food became replaced by a fresh meal. However, it didn't look right. The eggs looked green, the toast looked grey, the orange juice looked white, and the coffee looked like water!
"Jeannie!"
"I am sorry, Master; there seems to be something wrong with my powers!"
"It's OK, Jeannie, don't panic! Try a simple spell."
"Like what?"
"Make the food disappear."
"Yes, Master."
She blinked; the food started to slowly vanish—then it reappeared!
"Master!" She started to cry.
"OK, Jeannie, there's something wrong with you. Is there a special doctor that can help?"
"Of course, Haji, the top genie!"
"Well, call him."
"Yes, Master. HAJI! HAJI!"
He appeared. "Jeannie, my favorite daughter!" He hugged and kissed her. "And why have you summoned me? Has your dog of a master been mistreating you?"
"Oh, no! He is the best master I have ever had!"
He nodded. "Well then, what is the problem, Jeannie?"
"I am having problems with my powers!"
"Problems with your powers?"
She and Tony quickly explained what happened.
"Aha! I think I know what is going on. Jeannie, take your shoes and stockings off."
She did this.
"There are red spots on your feet!"
She looked. "Oh, my!"
"Raise your pants legs."
She did this.
"They're on my legs, too!" she said.
"You have the Genie's Curse!"
"The Genie's Curse?" she and Tony said together.
"It is a malady that sometimes affects genies. It is non life-threatening, and it goes away naturally after about a month. However, while it is there, it severely affects a genie's powers."
"I see."
"Now, there are two choices: You can let it run its course, or there is a cure."
She looked at Tony. "Master?"
"It's your choice, Jeannie."
"I would like the cure."
"All right," said Haji.
He blinked. A large bathtub appeared in the living room. It contained a creamy thick mud.
"Mud from the Plains of Andorra. You must bath in it for at least an hour"
"I will need to change my clothes."
Haji blinked, and she changed into a one-piece black bathing suit.
"Thank you, Haji."
She stepped in the tub and settled herself in it.
"Now, spread it all over yourself, up to your neck." She did this. "Good. After an hour, check your feet and legs. If the spots are gone, you are cured. If some are still there, you will need to stay in for a little longer. I will look in on you, later today."
"Thank you, Haji."
"You are most welcome, my daughter.:
He kissed her on the cheek, then he turned to Tony.
"I am sorry I called you a dog!"
"That's OK," he said. "And thank you."
They shook hands, and he vanished.
They watched TV, as Jeannie sat in the tub. Tony made sandwiches and soft drinks for the two of them.
He looked at his watch; an hour went by.
"It's been an hour, Jeannie; you can check your legs."
She lifted her left leg, rubbed off the mud, and looked at the skin. Then she did the same with her right leg,
"Master, the spots are gone!"
"Wonderful!"
She got out of the tub and gave Tony a muddy hug!
"Jeannie!"
"Oops! Sorry, Master!"
She blinked, and the two of them became completely clean.
"Hey, your powers are back!"
"Yes, Master!"
They hugged again.
"Now, I have a few wishes for you."
"Yes, Master."
"Change into a dress." She did this. "Now, change me into a tuxedo." She did that. "Good. Now, after Haji sees you again, let's go to a restaurant, tonight!"
She smiled. "Yes, Master!"