Note: To read The Wishing Mapfrom the beginning, click here.

The Wishing Map

Chapter Fifteen: Destiny (Continued)

Previously: Zack and Gina were depressed and plagued by nightmares, when suddenly the mercurial Aunt Aloysia showed up again.

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Momandad and Gina were seated on the couch opposite Aunt Aloysia, who was squeezed into a loveseat made for two regulation-size adults. They’d already opened their presents: Mayan earrings for Mom, made of centipedes paralyzed in amber; a brass hookah for Dad, dedicated to the “Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire;” a scarf for Gina, made by a lost branch of the Romany. It was woven from crystal threads, causing whatever was viewed through it to break into a Picasso-esque array of rainbow-colored cubes.

“I’m going to live in this!” said Gina, draping it over her head. She had sixteen eyes, each a different color.

“Gina’s Face Descending a…