A new day dawns in Florida. The sky is clouded over, blocking the sun and heat. It's my favorite kind of weather here. I don't see any of this though. I'm still asleep in my apartment. I won't be for long though.

I yawned as I woke up, stretching and scratching a random itch. It's dark in my room, just the way I like it. My bed is in the living room, doubling as a luxury seat for movies, since it's set up in front of my 92 inch TV and computer. All of my windows are covered in black construction paper to block the light for optimal movie conditions. That, and I really don't like bright light.

Sitting up, I stretch and grab the remote to turn on my TV and Stereo. Just another average day at my place. A bright flash before I can even press anything changes all that. I quickly shield my eyes with an arm, partially blinded. It only takes a few seconds for my sight to return.

"I am here to grant you one wish."

Wha? I lower my arm and stare in disbelief. Floating in front of my TV is a classic bluish genie, with a sash tied around his middle, dividing his upper human torso from the ghost-like tail that's trailing from out of my TV. The only other things he's wearing are a turban and an open vest.

Dumbfounded, I say the first thing that comes to mind, "Am I dreaming?"

Normally when I dream and I ask that question, something happens that proves that this isn't reality. Other than the genie, nothing else has changed though.

"No, you are not dreaming."

I blink, dumbfounded. Either I'm hallucinating then, or this is really happening. Still a little out of it, I slowly extend my hand and say, "Hi, my name is Matthew…"

The genie, arms still crossed, gives a small eyeroll and responds, "I know who you are. I am here to give you one wish. Choose."

I blinked. The Genie seems a little rude. I lowered my hand, feeling a bit more awake. It seems the Genie simply wants to get down to business. Well I can oblige that.

"Do I have to be specific with my wish? I've heard of the Monkey's Paw type of wishes. I'm not going to suddenly find my brother died and left me 100 dollars if I wished for a hundred dollars would I?" I asked.

The Genie seemed to straighten up and responded, "You do not have to be specific with your wish, nor is there a cost as implied by the Monkey's Paw legend. You will get what you want, not what is implied by your words. I am not a lawyer out to get you. I am only here to grant you a wish."

I nodded, relieved. I'd sometimes wondered as a kid, and even as an adult, what I would wish for if I got a wish. I already know what I want, but I also understand I have to be careful that it doesn't bite me in the butt later.

"I only have one more question… if that's alright?"

The Genie responded, "Ask, and I may answer."

Taking a deep breath, I took the plunge and asked, "Why me? That is, why do I get a wish? Why not someone less fortunate than I am?"

To my surprise, the Genie actually smiled at this, and responded, "Why not you? You get a wish because I choose to give you one. That you would think of another, rather than simply be greedy and wish for ultimate power or riches, speaks well of you and tells me that I chose well. At the same time, what makes you think that I do not give wishes to those less fortunate than you? You are not the first that I've given a wish, nor will you be the last. As for why I would choose you, call it your lucky day. I follow the draw of those that need a wish throughout the cosmos. It is simply your turn."

I felt a bit embarrassed by his answer. Part of what he said though made me wonder, "What would you wish for?"

The genie's smile became a slight smirk and said, "I wished to be a Genie. Now, that is one more question than you said you had. Come, make your wish."

I gaped at his answer, then nodded quickly. The Genie seems to be in a rush, so I won't hold him anymore.

"I wish to be able to enter and exit any picture."

"Done."

The Genie then made a show of snapping his fingers, and then with another bright flash, he was gone.