<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I let out a whoop. \u201cWhoa, look at this!\u201d With my hand, I brushed the dust off the ornate purple bottle I found in a pile of debris in the attic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry tiptoed gingerly through the clutter towards me. He leaned in for a look, his eyes growing as big as saucers. \u201cNo way, man… is that a genie bottle?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI doubt it,\u201d I replied. \u201cI don\u2019t think genie bottles are a real thing.\u201d I lifted the bottle for a closer look. It was covered with intricate designs etched into the glass. Exotic, kind of Arabic or Islamic or something. Of course, I\u2019m no expert, so it could be alien for all I know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I handed the bottle to Larry. \u201cWhat do you think, bro?\u201d A mischievous grin spread across Larry\u2019s face. \u201cLet\u2019s find out. I\u2019m going to rub it and release the genie!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah…no…let\u2019s not.\u201d I cautioned. \u201cYou’re always so quick to jump feet first and ask questions later. Maybe we should\u2026wait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait for what?\u201d Larry snickered. \u201cYou think that old bottle is going to sprout wings or do a tap dance for us? You just said you didn\u2019t think genie bottles are a real thing. You, my friend, are too cautious. You never jump feet first.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I shrugged. \u201cSure, why the heck not? I\u2019m ninety-nine percent sure nothing\u2019s going to happen, anyway. Genies are myths, like Bigfoot, the Tooth Fairy, and Santa Claus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry rubbed the bottle slowly with his bare fingers. Nothing happened. He rubbed a little harder. Nothing. Harder. Still nothing. \u201cIt\u2019s a dud,\u201d he sighed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHere, try this,\u201d I said, as I handed him a rag I found on the nearby shelf. He resumed rubbing until the dust was removed, and the bottle radiated a luminescent glow, but nothing happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He shook his head and chuckled. \u201cYou were right. No genie here.\u201d He handed the bottle to me and I put it back on top of the pile where I found it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My stomach growled, and I rubbed my tummy. \u201cMan, I\u2019m as hungry as a genie locked away in a bottle for a thousand years. Let\u2019s get lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHaha, I\u2019m starving too,\u201d Larry agreed. \u201cI want a sandwich and chips and…\u201d He paused mid-sentence, his mouth wide open, pointing to the bottle. \u201cLook!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I followed his finger to see what got Larry\u2019s attention. I think my mouth dropped as wide as Larry\u2019s. A faint wisp of blue smoke\u2026coming from the bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speechless, we watch the wisp of smoke grow larger, swirling, coiling in the air above the bottle. The larger it grew, the faster it spun. Larry and I stumbled backwards, tripping over boxes and old furniture as we tried to put some distance between us and whatever was emerging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The miniature cyclone stopped spinning and dissipated, leaving in its place a figure dressed in baggy exotic clothing and a turban, exactly as you would imagine a genie from Arabian Nights would wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was tall and nearly touched the slanted ceiling of the attic. His blue-toned skin was iridescent, unearthly, unlike anything I had ever seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHoly genie in a bottle,\u201d Larry gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The creature\u2019s piercing black eyes bore a hole straight through me. \u201cWho awakened me from my slumber?\u201d he boomed, his gaze sweeping between Larry and me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry appeared to be paralyzed and unable to speak. I tried to answer, but my throat was suddenly as parched as the Mojave Desert. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry regained his composure first. \u201cUh, that would be us, sir… Mr. Genie,\u201d he stammered. \u201cWe, uh, we found your bottle and…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cAnd you both want a wish, no doubt, as your reward for freeing me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry nodded eagerly. \u201cYes, but don\u2019t we get three wishes, not just one?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie glared at Larry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I held up my hand. \u201cWhoa, whoa, hold your horses, bud. Before we go making wishes, what\u2019s the catch? There\u2019s always a catch with these things, isn\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry shot me a withering look, which I ignored; I kept my eyes locked on the genie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie\u2019s lips curled into a smile\u2014more of a smirk than a smile, to be honest. \u201cYoung man, you are wise beyond your years,\u201d he said. “Indeed, there is always a price to pay for gaining riches and power beyond mortal means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the price of a wish?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Genie blurs, then in a flash of blue magically materialized in front of me, his face mere inches from mine. He smelled ancient and musty, like dried herbs, old parchment paper, and who knows what else. I bet he didn\u2019t do much bathing in that bottle all these years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have been held prisoner for many centuries. You rescued me. In gratitude, I will be a most generous genie. I will give you more than one wish, more than three wishes if you desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry clapped his hand. \u201cYay, now we\u2019re talking!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHere is the price: each wish I give you will cost ten years of your life. It will be instant, the moment I grant you the wish you will age ten years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I swallowed hard, my mind reeling at the implications. No way I would ever give ten years for anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry let out a low whistle. \u201cSo, if we make three wishes…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen you will be 30 years older when you leave this attic,\u201d the genie said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere is no limit to what you can ask, save these: First, the wish is for you alone. Second, you cannot use a wish to kill or harm someone. Third, you cannot ask to live forever. Immortality is impossible for humans. Lastly, you cannot use a wish to reverse a previous wish. Which means you cannot reverse time. You cannot get back the years you lose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie folded his arms across his broad chest. \u201cI await your command.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I ran a hand through my hair, my mind racing. \u201cThat\u2019s a steep price,\u201d I said. \u201cWhat wish could be worth ten years of life? I\u2019m out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry looked less conflicted. \u201cMan, I\u2019m thinking this is a pretty sweet deal. I mean, a few years of my life to get anything I want? I\u2019m in, baby!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I shot him a warning look. \u201cRemember about jumping feet first? Let\u2019s slow your roll. Look bro, you\u2019re already 31. One wish and you will be in your 40s. Two and you will be middle-aged, and three will make you a senior citizen. Four? Don\u2019t even think about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks man, but I\u2019m going to do it,\u201d he said. \u201cOnly one wish. I think it\u2019s worth ten years to make a wish that will change my life. “<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, don\u2019t,\u201d I implored Larry. \u201cTen years is a long time. There is nothing worth giving away ten years of your life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think there is,\u201d he retorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I needed to persuade him somehow. Say something to change his mind. \u201cI don\u2019t know about this genie guy,\u201d I said. \u201cHe\u2019s a big blue freak who lives in a bottle, and stinks.. How do we know we can trust a smelly genie who hasn\u2019t bathed in centuries?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry stared at me in silence, his eyebrows raised. Okay, great, he\u2019s listening. Let\u2019s close the sale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I continued my pitch. \u201cAnd how does he know English if he’s been locked up in a bottle for hundreds of years, huh? Shouldn\u2019t he be speaking Arabic or Persian or something? And seriously, he\u2019s going to give us some kind of magical wish, like he has special power?. Come on, magic, voodoo, and the supernatural is not real, bro. This doesn\u2019t pass the smell test. Literally.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think he\u2019s the real deal,\u201d said Larry. \u201cI mean, the guy looks and dresses like a genie, at least the kind I\u2019ve seen in the movies and stuff. Why not give it a try? I\u2019m only going to make one wish, that\u2019s all I will need. I trust him.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie muffled a sound that sounded a lot like a snicker. I frowned and gave the genie my best evil eye. I lost this round. I hoped nothing bad was about to happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour wish is my command,\u201d said the genie. \u201cTell me your wish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uh\u2026well I don\u2019t want to seem greedy, but I think this wish will solve all of my problems. Larry hesitated a moment, as if rethinking his decision, then continued. \u201cI wish for one billion dollars in cash!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDone.\u201d The genie waved his hand with a magician\u2019s circular flourish. I heard a whirring noise, then a loud clunk as a large metal box materialized on the attic floor in front of Larry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWow!\u201d he gasped. \u201cNo way!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I echoed his surprise, but for a different reason. \u201cWhoa!\u201d Before my eyes, Larry\u2019s skin wrinkled, his hair developed strands of gray, and he instantly looked ten years older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry grinned as he opened the lid to the box. His eyes widened as he reached for the contents, then his face crumpled like the handful of bills he clutched in his hand. No!\u201d he shrieked. \u201cYou bastard!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I moved closer to the box to see what caused his distress. He was holding a bunch of orange $500 bills. Monopoly money. Worthless for anything other than Monopoly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He rushed over to the genie, his hands clenched into fists. The genie stood passively like a statue, arms folded, face stoic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou liar,\u201d Larry shouted. \u201cYou cheated me. You gave me fake money. I want my years back!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie held out his hands in a defensive gesture. \u201cYou never said what kind of money. You asked for money and I gave it to you. That was all I could get on such short notice. I can grant wishes; I can\u2019t do magic. It is real Monopoly money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGive me my years back! Now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t do that,\u201d said the genie. \u201cYou know the rules. I kept my promise and gave you your wish. Would you like another wish?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo!\u201d I shouted. Don\u2019t do it. You are 41 now. Is it worth another ten years of your life to trust a cheater? I tried to warn you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry paused for a long moment in thought, and exhaled a slow sigh. \u201cI\u2019ll take my chances,\u201d he replied. \u201cI\u2019m already this far in. I need to be more specific this time, so there\u2019s no misunderstanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I made the T signal for timeout with my hands. \u201cHold on, hold on,\u201d I said. \u201cJust because you\u2019re invested doesn’t mean you have to dig yourself deeper. Don\u2019t get lost in the \u2018sunk cost fallacy.\u2019 Cut bait. You\u2019ve already given this fraud ten years of your life, don\u2019t lose any more. The blue man here has proven you can\u2019t trust him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry ignored my pleading like he didn\u2019t hear me. Why was he not listening to me? Greed? Tunnel vision? Stubbornness? Whatever the reason, his next words shocked me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want a hundred billion dollars, in U.S dollars, deposited electronically to my bank. Real spendable dollars, not fake. Don\u2019t cheat me this time, or I\u2019ll put you back in your bottle and throw it in the ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat is your wish?\u201d asked the genie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry nodded. \u201cIt is.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He again waved his hand, although I couldn\u2019t see or hear anything happen this time. No whirring, no clunk, just silence. \u201cDone\u201d said the genie. \u201cCheck your bank account.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m calling,\u201d Larry said as he whipped out his cell phone and dialed the bank. He spoke in low tones for a few minutes, then ended the call, his smile stretching ear to ear. \u201cOh man, oh man, I can\u2019t believe it, the money is all there!\u201d He jumped up and down with delight. \u201cOne hundred billion\u2013freaking\u2013dollars, with a capital B. I\u2019m richer than King Solomon!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I barely heard what he said. I looked at Larry in horror. He had visibly aged another ten years. I pointed my finger at him. \u201cDude\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know,\u201d said Larry, \u201cI don\u2019t care, man. I\u2019m so filthy rich now that I\u2019ll never have to worry about anything again. It was worth giving another ten years of my life for this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, I\u2019m ready to be done with that genie,\u201d I said. \u201cHe\u2019s literally sucking the life right out of you. I don\u2019t trust him as far as I can throw his bottle. Besides the smell, there\u2019s something unsavory about him.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I address the genie. \u201cHow the heck do you know about modern electronic bank deposits, you\u2019re literally from the middle ages.\u201d The genie remained stoic, standing motionless with arms crossed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My displeasure at the genie didn\u2019t seem to phase Larry. He grinned and said, \u201cIt\u2019s all good man, I have all I need. Now It\u2019s your turn for a wish bro. You gotta catch up to me a little bit, I can\u2019t be the only one who is old.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before I could answer, Larry\u2019s phone rang. Still smiling, he looked at the caller ID and said, \u201cI wonder what they want?\u201d He answered, and his smile drooped as he listened to the voice on the other end. \u201cYou can\u2019t do this to me,\u201d he said. \u201cYou just can\u2019t. I\u2019ll call the cops.\u201d I couldn\u2019t hear the person speaking, but the look on Larry\u2019s face said it wasn\u2019t good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He ended the call and looked at the floor, the most dejected I have ever seen him. It was like flipping the light switch\u2013one moment bright and cheery, the next moment dark and morose. \u201cHow did that happen?\u201d he muttered. \u201cThis ain\u2019t right, man, it just ain\u2019t right.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I waited in silence for him to explain. When he looked up, tears glistened in his eyes. \u201cThe bank said the authorities seized my account. Something about laundered drug trafficking money or something. I\u2019m insanely rich one minute, and dirt poor the next.I have nothing now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey seized a hundred billion dollars? Is that even legal?\u201d I asked, unable to believe such a thing could happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry nodded and looked back at the genie. \u201cYou\u2019re a real jerk, you know that, you blue freak? I trusted you. How could you do this to me again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie gave a smug laugh. \u201cHold on young\u2026I mean\u2026older man. The money was real currency, like you asked. I can\u2019t control where it comes from. I got what was available, it\u2019s not like I can rob a bank. I\u2019m only a genie; I can\u2019t grow money on trees.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s sure a lot of \u2018cants\u2019 for a genie who is supposed to do a lot of \u2018cans,\u2019 Larry snapped. \u201cI want another wish, and I don\u2019t want to pay ten more years. This is fraud. You can be prosecuted for that. Don\u2019t you stand behind your product?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t change the rules. And a wish is not a product. If you\u2019re unhappy with your purchase, I\u2019m sorry, there are no refunds. But take me to court, and good luck with that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I looked at Larry, horrified he would even consider making another wish after the two previous disappointments. \u201cNo brother, don\u2019t do it man, please stop, you\u2019re already 51 years old. That\u2019s twenty years you\u2019ve given of your life, and for nothing.\u201d I shake my finger at the genie. \u201cHe\u2019s a liar, a thief, and a cheat. You can\u2019t trust him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie ignored my accusations and said, \u201cwhat is your next wish?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want the perfect male body,\u201d Larry said. \u201cI want a physique that will make women swoon, and men die of envy. Stone-hard muscles, washboard abs, legs like tree trunks\u2014fit and healthy in every way. The pinnacle of male perfection for all eternity, the body of Adonis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDone,\u201d said the genie. He waved his hand, and once again, I heard a loud whirring noise and a heavy clunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I couldn\u2019t believe my eyes. Standing in the middle of the attic was a finely chiseled marble statue of an impossibly handsome, muscular man standing in all his glory, stark naked. Adonis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh no, no,no!\u201d Larry shouted. \u201cNot the statue. Me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou requested the body of Adonis,\u201d the genie said, barely concealing a smirk. \u201cI gave it to you. It\u2019s better than flesh. It will last for eternity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I could barely tear my eyes away from the gorgeous statue, but when I finally looked at Larry, I barely recognized him. He looked so much older now, at 61. His hair was mostly grey and thinning, and his skin wrinkled and peppered with age spots. I felt sad for my best friend. He made a deal with the devil and he lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh Larry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tears flowed from his eyes, and I felt tears escape mine. I gave him a hug. \u201cNot fair,\u201d he sobbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie stood there, impassive, arms folded, smugly looking at us. \u201cDo you want another wish?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry looked at me. I shook my head and mouthed \u201cno.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes,\u201d he answered the genie. \u201cOne more wish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I looked at Larry in disbelief. Surely he is not serious. I again shake my head, and Larry looks away. Oh no, He\u2019s going to do it. One or two more wishes, and he will be dead by day\u2019s end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTell me your wish. Choose wisely. This may be your last. Make it count.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis wish is not for me this time. I wish that all wars in the entire world will be stopped. That there be peace everywhere. No more hate, torture, or killing. That is my last wish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie frowned. \u201cI can\u2019t grant that wish. Your wish must be about only you. No one else. And not the entire world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Larry paused for a moment, thinking. I could almost hear the gears in his mind clicking and whirring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s clear I\u2019m impulsive, and I rush into things without thinking too much, and don\u2019t always make good decisions, and maybe they\u2019re kind of selfish,” he said. \u201cBut not this time. Please grant me this wish. Give me wisdom to help change the world and make it a better place. Let me be the change I want to see. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I gave Larry a thumbs up, and I was beaming inside. What a selfless request. It takes wisdom to wish for more wisdom, and that comes with the passage of years, if it ever comes at all. And the years certainly passed for him today, right before my eyes. I\u2019m sad about that, but I\u2019ve never been more proud of my friend than now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will grant your wish,\u201d said the genie. \u201cWisdom won\u2019t come by magic. I can only help open your mind to see the opportunities, and make decisions that benefit the needs of others. That is indeed true wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The genie looked at me, his black eyes softer and less intense than before. \u201cLast call for a wish, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo thanks. I will keep my years and help my friend change the world in whatever way we can. There is nothing better I could ever do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen I will grant his wish and be on my way. Not back in that wretched bottle. Please smash it and throw it away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I nodded in agreement. The genie waved his hand with an exaggerated flourish, and he disappeared in a wisp of blue smoke, leaving Larry and me alone in the attic. I am glad to see him gone. Genies can\u2019t be trusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I watched the smoke dissipate, then turned back to Larry. He had aged another ten years. Old now at 71, with white hair and slightly stooped back, but with a youthful sparkle in his eyes. Still young at heart, ready to make his mark and change the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We go down the stairs to the kitchen, and I get the bread and fixings to make sandwiches. We eat in silence at the counter, Larry lost in his thoughts, and I in mine. There is little to say in this moment of reflection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t know our plans, but this is so much bigger than me, and I\u2019ve never felt better about the future than now. I’m ready to help my friend do whatever we can to change a turmoil-filled planet into a better place, one heart, one mind, one world at a time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I let out a whoop. \u201cWhoa, look at this!\u201d With my hand, I brushed the dust off the ornate purple bottle I found in a pile of debris in the attic. Larry tiptoed gingerly through the clutter towards me. He leaned in for a look, his eyes growing as big as saucers. \u201cNo way, man… […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2316,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[24,20],"tags":[17],"class_list":["post-2315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fantasy","category-humor","tag-short-story"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":7}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/The-Price-of-a-Wish.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2315"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2315\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3918,"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2315\/revisions\/3918"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twistytales.com\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}