Three best buddies, Alan, Brad, and Carl, were traveling down route 15 on their way to Las Vegas when they saw a small gleaming object blocking their path. All three men got out to see what it was.

“It’s a magic lamp,” said Alan, rubbing its side. Within seconds a puff of smoke burst forth from the lamp, and a genie appeared.

“Since three of you found me,” said the genie in a booming voice, “I will grant you each one wish.”

“What if four of us had found the lamp?” asked Carl.

“Let’s not get into that,” said the genie. “Just make your wish.”

“I wish to win the largest jackpot in Las Vegas history.” said Alan.

“I wish to marry the most gorgeous woman in the world,” said Brad.

Now it was the Carl’s turn. “I just want to be happy,” he said, “I wish for whatever will make me happy.”

“I grant thy wishes,” said the genie, and he and the lamp disappeared in a puff of smoke. The three friends got back into their car  and sped to Las Vegas’s Sultan Casino. Once on the casino floor, each man went his separate way. Alan found a lucky-looking slot machine. Brad went to flirt at the bar, and Carl went to take a nap in their suite. Then, just as the genie had promised, Alan pulled the lever of the slot machine, and won the jackpot. Brad ordered several rounds at the bar and then eloped with the then-gorgeous bartender.

The next morning, Carl wandered downstairs and found Alan still pulling away at the slot machine.

“What are you doing?” Carl asked, “You’ve already won more money than you could ever spend.”

“But it’s so much fun,” Alan said. So, Carl thought he’d try it. He feed a machine, and pulled the lever. The bell dinged, and Carl won two-hundred dollars.

“Doesn’t it just make you want to play more?” Alan asked.

“No. I won enough,” said Carl, and he headed off to Breakfast. There he ate the greatest pancakes of his life. They were so good in fact that he requested to speak to the chef. The chef turned out to be a sweet and smiling young woman, and they fell in love almost immediately. It did not take Carl long to realize that he didn’t need a lot of money to be happy, or the hottest woman alive. He just needed a comfortable living, good cooking, and a loving woman for company.

This story is written and owned by Alex Schattner