A wishing well had caused quite a stir in Sonador. It was located within Sonador’s untouched forest. It was rumored that whoever wished at the well would have their desire come true—if they could look directly into the water and see both their reflection and their wish.

Many were happy upon looking. Some wished for a prosperous life and saw themselves sitting at tables with gold-plated nameplates positioned precisely at the center. Others saw themselves in black suits; some wore helmets, standing against the backdrop of a partially finished house. Still others wore white clothing and masks.

However, there were an unfortunate few who did not see their reflection. No one knew why. Some believed they had never truly seen the well at all—fearful of the forest, they scrambled back out.

I packed a good amount of food—dried mangoes, loaves of bread, and a leather pouch of water—enough to cover three days and nights.

As I stepped into the forest, the trees grew taller, their trunks wider, as I made my way toward its deepest core. It was perilous—roots protruded from the ground, and I kept tripping over them. I was scratched and bruised all over. My right leg began to throb from the last fall. Ferns grew thick and wild, blocking the mossy trail that led to the well.

From a distance, I saw light. A clearing. My heart thudded faster and harder as I quickened my pace toward it.

But it wasn’t there.

The open field welcomed me with tall grasses creeping up to waist height. There was no well. How could I ever achieve my wish?

I was already here. What was there left to lose?

I climbed a nearby tree—painstakingly—doing my best to minimize the pain in my ankle. A few more branches up, I paused to rest, settling myself on one of the limbs. From there, I could see it clearly. It had no covering. A wooden bucket lay on the ground, about twenty yards to my left.

I climbed down and made my way toward the well. The sharp grass blades sliced through my pants and into my skin.

Limping, I made it through. I lay down on the ground and closed my eyes. My strength was nearly gone. Was this how painful it could be for a wish? I could feel blood snaking down my thighs, but it no longer bothered me. The journey here had been as arduous as anything I’d ever endured—but I was here.

Barely, I got up and braced myself against the well’s bricks. I raised my head and felt the sun’s warmth on my face. Closing my eyes, I thought of my wish—long and hard. Slowly, I bowed my head and looked into the water deep within the well.

And there I saw more than my reflection.

I saw myself with plates of sumptuous, healthy food on the table, as my family cheerfully reached for them and shared the meal with one another.

It was all worth it.