Ravioli Wishes

It was day 45. Havalan had been home alone due to the pandemic lockdown. Her husband and kids were stuck in New Zealand. They were visiting his family when the whole world shutdown. No flights in or out of the country for the next two weeks, but at least they were safe.

Havalan trudged to the kitchen for her usual meal. A bowl of ravioli, the kids’ favorite meal. She pushed aside the peas, corn, and green beans searching for what appeared to be the last can. The dented, dusty can with its faded label was possibly expired.

“Magic Ravioli O’s? I wonder how long this has been back there?” she said checking for an expiration date. She was unable to make out the numbers on the can.

“Whatever, I am sure its fine. With all these preservatives, this stuff should still be good.”

Havalan used an old dish towel to wipe the dust from the can. After opening it, she stared at the pasta and sauce, then gave it a quick whiff.

“Smells fine,” she said dumping the aged contents into the pan. She hadn’t cooked a real meal in weeks. Havalan stared at the concoction as it began to bubble. The scent had changed, but she was too hungry to care.

She poured the ravioli into her favorite black monogramed bowl and sat on the couch. She stared into the bowl, longing to be with her family. Havalan wished she was with her family in New Zealand.

“Mommy!”

The shrill squeals startled her. Havalan must be imaging things. Her husband and children had returned home.

“Havy, what are you doing here?” asked her husband. “How did you get here?”

She looked around. She was no longer in their cramped apartment, but in her mother-in-law’s living room.

“I-I-I don’t know. One minute I was sitting on the couch eating this bowl of ravioli and now I am here. I wished I was with you all…”

Surely, her ravioli had not granted her wish. That was impossible. But there she stood…with her family.

Havalan tried to make another wish, but nothing happened. Her wish to be with her family was the only thing she truly wanted.