Credit: Jade M. Wong
The disconsolate Queen abhorred any signs of joy and summoned the evil witch for a curse to eliminate all happiness from the world. But the curse wasn’t invincible. Those who persevered would easily overcome.
Generations went by and the crystal box sucked hope from all those who caved.
Attracted by the luminous pink tinge, Gloria bought it at a garage sale.
“Hey hon, where’s my shirt?”
“Can’t you see I’m busy,” snapped Gloria and Henry stared at his usually patient wife.
“Sorry dear, I didn’t mean to ….”
“Stop bothering me! Seriously, I’m really getting sick of you!”
“Gloria!” Henry looked shocked.
Gloria glanced up.
“Um, I d-didn’t mean…”
She stopped, confused.
Henry went up to her.
“Hey, it’s alright, I’m yours forever, remember?”
With his protective arms around her, Gloria felt a sudden wave of relief and with a determined spirit, silently chided herself.
A week later, she noticed that the crystal box had disappeared.
She wouldn’t find it; she had endured. The curse was once again in search of victims who’d easily give up.
Dollops of Heedful Ramblings 
A modern fairytale. Well done. I’m glad Gloria survived it, but fear for its next victim!
The next victim better have strong willpower! Thank you for reading! ☺
Great story! I’m glad that the crystal box disappeared! Lovely, imaginative and creative story!
Thank you so much PJ!! 😊
Great story, unfortunate it’s a travelling curse and can’t be destroyed before it searches for those with weaker will.
Willpower is key! ☺ Thank you!
oh geez. i am glad she is saved. but i’m scared for the next one. great, creative take! 🙂
Let’s hope the next one doesn’t cave in either! Thank you! ☺
yeah!!!! keeping my fingers crossed. 🙂
amazing tale , was reminded of a tradition here about bringing back cursed objects, you gave me goosebumps!
That sounds eerie! 🙂 Thank you so much!
It is indeed a crystal box seeking out the weak! I wonder how many can overcome it? Clever story.
🙂 Thank you so much!
Cool story! I love curses. Well, reading and writing about them anyway. 🙂
PS. My contribution also featured a cursed gem ^_^
PPS. cruse=curse?
Thank you so much for reading! 🙂
Yes! I’m so proud of Gloria for overcoming the crystal! I wonder where it is now in the world… 😉
Great writing, Saima! Enjoyed this story immensely!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Well done to Gloria for resisting the pull of the crystal box! That disconsolate queen has a lot to answer for as I can see that box finding a lot more victims yet. A very enjoyable read. 🙂
She was one with strong willpower! ☺ Thank you so much!
Wow. Lovely take on this one.
Thank you!
I really like the idea of the curse being able to conquer only those we have given up hope, ie. those who do not realise they’re stronger than the curse. Brilliant tale and creative take on the prompt!
By the way, there’s a typo in the last sentence: “cruse” instead of “curse”. Hope you don’t mind my pointing it out. 🙂
Thank you so much! And thanks for pointing out the typo! I was looking for it (someone else mentioned it) but my eyes were in no mood to find it! 😀
You’re welcome! 🙂
I hope the next person to find the crystal box manages to withstand its effects as well as Gloria did. The queen must have been a very unhappy lady to ask for such a curse to be created. Great story!
It’s all about strong willpower! Thank you so much! Glad you liked it! ☺
What a lovely perspective. I am glad she didn’t get caught in the curse.
Thank you so much! 🙂