Generous Spirit

More lights appeared from beneath the waves. Soon, the shallow water was full of jeweled sturgeon, as many as the stars in the night sky. They all spoke with a single voice as deep as the sea: "For your generous spirit, you may make a third wish." The fisherman thought, until the fog cleared and the moon rose high in the sky. Patiently, the many sturgeon waited. "I wish for death," said the fisherman. "I am old, and the next step awaits me." No one ever saw the fisherman again. He left behind only his boat, his rod, and a single fish scale that crumbled to shimmering dust with the sunrise.