The Masterpiece - Part 1

It was the worst day in Hermione’s life. This morning her landlord, signore Cartaio, had thrown her out of her flat because she didn’t have the rent. Now, Hermione was sitting with all her belongings in an alley. It wasn’t that much: some clothes, her drawing utensils, and her paintings she hadn’t sold. Without doubt, Hermione was in a terrible situation. She loved art and always had the dream to become a famous artist and create a masterpiece. Though she had some talent, her paintings just didn’t sell. Finally, all the money was gone and she was thrown out of her flat. With no idea where to go or what to do, she probably would face starvation on the streets. Maybe she should just die here, between the trash cans...
Suddenly, Hermione spotted something in the rubbish. It was an old-fashion oriental oil lamp. Not surprisingly, the lamp was dirty. Curiously, Hermione took the lamp and began to clean it with her sleeve. Suddenly, the lamp began to vibrate and green smoke emanated from it. Hermione was frightened and fell down onto the pavement. The lamp dropped to the ground and the smoke began to form into a human shape. Hermione backed away from the lamp, a fearful look on her face. Finally, the smoke formed into the shape of a young woman with long brown hair. She was wearing a tiny yellow top, but her legs simply dissolved into a trail of green smoke, into the lamp.

“I’m Martha, the genie of the lamp! You summoned me and now I’ll fulfill three of your wishes, Mistress!” the girl explained.

“A genie? And you will grant me everything I wish for?”

“As long as your wish doesn’t violate the rules: I can’t kill somebody, it’s only three wishes and none more and you can’t wish that I’ll be bound to you forever”, Martha explained.

“I see!” answered Hermione. “I’m an artist, but my works don’t sell. I wish that my paintings would sell.”

“Wish granted!” Martha said and blinked. A moment later, a mailman was ringing the doorbell of the house Hermione had just been evicted from.

“Does Signora Pacini live her? I have a letter for her.” Hermione heard him ask the Landlord.

“I’m sorry, she doesn’t live here anymore!” Hermione heard the Landlord say. Hermione sprang to her feet and rushed to the mailman before he could drive away. “I’m Hermione Pacini! Do you have a letter for me?”

“That’s right. This letter is for you.” The mailman gave her the letter, which Hermione ripped open immediately. It was an invitation to a vernissage that was held the next day. Hermione was very surprised as there wasn’t a vernissage announced at all. Obviously, Martha was responsible for this. But it was still one day away, and Hermione had no place to stay.

“If you think I’ll let you in again, you’re wrong!” announced the landlord angrily and slammed the door. Hermione could have used her second wish for a place to stay, but instead, she took her cell phone and called a friend.

A few minutes later, Hermione returned to Martha: “Tomorrow, I’ll go to a vernissage. You can come along, if you want. Hopefully, I’ll sell one or two pictures there. But for now, I’ve called my friend Antonio, and he will let me stay with him for the night. He’ll be here in a few minutes to bring my stuff to his house. Martha, could you please help carrying my stuff?”

Before Martha could answer, she felt again this annoying urge to obey her Mistress. “Of course, Mistress!” the genie said.

“Don’t call me mistress! Call me Hermione.” The artist replied. “Thank you for helping me.” And so they waited for Tony to arrive...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Part 2: [link]
Part 3: [link]
Part 4: [link]
Part 5: [link]
Part 6 Variant A: [link]
Part 6 Variant B: [link]
Part 7: [link]
Part 8: [link]

This story is based on an idea by .

Once more, I'd like to thank for the proof-reading.