I have one wish left, in my life.
Fortune has followed me through my days. I have been fortunate in family, with a wife who was as perfect for me as could be imagined, and children growing strong and clever and wise. What a delight, to see your own strengths and foibles on display in raging miniature as they develop into entirely new creatures! It is magic, of a sort.
I have been fortunate in business, both with a moderate success and a temperament that desires no more than that. Comfort was all I wanted and comfort is what I have had.
Now fortune has left me. Or, rather, been taken from me, by a drunken man who considered red lights optional.
The police have just left. They were very polite. Very respectful. My family felt no pain, I was assured, certainly nothing like I was feeling now.. If there was anything they could do, I should not hesitate to call.
I will not hesitate, but the police cannot help me.
It has been many years since I climbed into the attic, but the little bottle was still there. The last little bottle. My last wish.
I cannot wish for the driver to die. That would leave me still alive, and in torment. But killing myself would leave justice undone.
I apologize, to all of you. It is not fair. I know that. But perhaps I am not thinking clearly just now.
If this world ends, if this whole world ends, there is no more pain.
I tug the tiny cork, and mist begins to swirl.
I am sorry.