Monica looked at the cascading water in the fountain, to the shining coins below. Pennies, nickels, and quarters rested at the bottom, all spotless from the constant churning in the chlorinated water. She stared deeply at them, trying to ignore the giggles and lip smacking next to her.

Her older sister Lisa and her boyfriend Pat sat on the edge of the fountain, taking a break to make out for the third time. Monica looked at them in annoyance, watching their tongues explore each other’s mouths. Pat opened an eye and looked at Monica, and started pulling away from Lisa, suddenly looking embarrassed.

“Hey, I got an idea! Let’s make a wish.” He said, digging into his pockets for change while nonchalantly trying to readjust his arousal.

“Wow, fun.” Lisa said sarcastically, flicking her hair and throwing an annoying glance at Monica. The only way their mother allowed her to go to the mall with her boyfriend was to bring her younger sister along, and Lisa was making it a point to remind her constantly.

“Here, we each get one.” He handed out the coins. Lisa sighed and took hers, Monica took hers quietly, and Pat kept one for himself. He cupped his hands together and breathed on it, shaking it like he was about to roll dice. Monica looked at the coin in her palm, watching it catch the light.

Pat tossed his in, as did Lisa, each coin hitting the water with a little plip. Monica curled her fingers around the quarter, and closed her eyes thoughtfully. After a moment, she turned her hand and held it above the water, letting it fall in.

“What did you wish for?” Pat asked Monica.

“Probably to have you all to herself.” Lisa teased, and they laughed.

“Well, I did wish to get lucky tonight.” Pat said, and Lisa hit his arm.

A second later, his phone chimed. Pat dug it out of his pocket and checked it.

“Huh,” Pat said, eyebrows raised, “my Dad just texted to say he’s working a double. He’ll be home late.”

“No way.” Said Lisa, and he showed her the proof.

In the mall lobby, an employee hurried past, pushing a big cart of luxurious boots, coats and coach bags. One of the bags fell off the cart, and he kept on without noticing.

“There’s no way,” Lisa said, snatching it up, “I wished for a new pur-” she stopped suddenly, and felt her stomach.

Suddenly Lisa coughed and hacked, convulsing so hard she dropped the purse.

“Ohmygod, Lisa! Are you okay?” Pat tried to steady her, but she got worse. Something gargled in her throat, and she wretched a violent stream of red onto the tile. Blood splashed all over the purse and her knees buckled.

“Help! Somebody help!” Pat shouted, his voice echoing in the lobby.

He looked desperately at Monica, and was surprised to see her smiling.

“Jesus, Monica, what did you wish for?”