Pensive looks come across my face.

Was this what I had been looking for?

For all my life, I’ve searched.

And now I’ve found.

The tiny, sea-smoothed rock fit perfectly in my hand.

Time ceased to exist

As I ran my fingers over it.

All my wealthiest dreams sat right in my hand.

Anything I wanted was possible.

All desires were conquerable.

If this was indeed the stone I was looking for.

I glanced around.

Millions of sea-washed stones lay at my feet.

Is this the one in millions?

The one that will grant my deepest desires?

This is it. I’m sure of it.

A tremble at the thought of all I could accomplish.

Suddenly doubt washes over me like a flood.

Am I wrong? I must be.

It looks like all the rest.

It can’t possibly be the one I want.

Do I really want riches? Will it change me?

Will I ever be normal again?

I set it down and turn around.

As I walk away, I look back.

Perhaps it really is the stone I search.

Maybe it is the Philosopher’s stone.