On the monitor is a photo of a burning fireplace. A warm blanket covers my feet. The cocoa in a large mug smells invitingly. There are several books lying on the sofa next to me. The perfect setting for relaxation and rest.
But I'm trapped. I try to get up, but it doesn't work. The pages of the books hold my body tightly, cling to my hands, holding me in place. The only thing I'm allowed to do is take a sip of a hot drink. My torso is petrified in a half-sitting position.
The clock on the wall is ticking, but the hands are not moving forward. The lights are off, only the computer and the lights on the Christmas tree are glowing.
A burnt stick on the floor reminds me of my stupidity. Who knew that wishes come true on New Year's? All I had to do was imagine my dream coming true and light a Bengal light. When it burned out, I found myself on the sofa in an endlessly frozen nightmare.
When I dreamed of a long-awaited vacation, I didn’t expect to be stuck there forever. Apparently, the wording was wrong. Or maybe I’ve been bad all year and now I’m being punished. To distract myself, I recall the past twelve months. No, I didn’t seem to offend anyone, didn’t do anything bad, didn’t commit any naughty acts. Although I have no idea about Santa Claus criteria. Maybe I’ve been on the list of naughty children for a long time, I just didn’t know about it.
I diligently go through all the texts I’ve read and films I’ve watched on this topic in my head, but I can’t find anything useful. I have nothing else to do anyway, except think, immerse myself in memories, or read. The selection of books in my wish that came true is boring, all New Year’s stories for the little children.
I leaf through each one in search of valuable clues, but I quickly become disappointed. There are only gifts, Christmas trees, toys and funny animals. In other circumstances, I would read a couple of fairy tales, but not now. I don’t want to sleep or eat, the needs of the body have switched off. But the brain continues to work.
At first my brain was looking for a way out, now it is exhausted. Sooner or later, in this trap, I will go crazy. I look at the clock longingly. January 1st, midnight and one minute. From now on, I am stuck in this moment.
I wonder how much time has actually passed? It seems like I have been stuck on the couch for an eternity, surrounded by paper jailers.
A crazy idea suddenly occurs to me, and I perk up. It’s still New Year’s, which means I can make a wish again! Or is it too dangerous? What if it gets worse? No! I have to take a risk!
"I want my last wish to be cancelled!"
The clock hand trembles, the pages of the books let go of me and crawl in different directions. They disappear in a bright flash of light along with the mug of cocoa, the blanket and everything else. My usual environment remains.
I jump to my feet, because I am free.
I look around the room and see a box with a note under the Christmas tree:
"We are truly sorry, because we screwed up with your wish. But you fixed it yourself, well done! As an apology, we give you a talisman in the form of a star, which will bring happiness, health, love and success. Without any side effects, we promise! Happy New Year!"