Psychic Sally

Sally was psychic, she could guess all of her friends' favourite colours before they said them. Everyone thought this was pretty neat, well except for Carl who thought she was simply a good guesser. He thought of a challenge for her.

Carl got in front of the whole group and said, "Favourite colours are fine, but if you're really psychic then tell me what I want to be when I grow up!"

Everyone Ooo'd and Ahh'd as no one knew Carl's ambition, he kept it a closely guarded secret. Perhaps he was afraid that if he told the world, his wish wouldn't come true.

"This will take a minute or two", Sally said as she closed her eyes and sat down cross-legged in the field.

The wind blew across the field and Sally listened. The sun beat down and Sally soaked in its slow, hot pulse. The grass, it whispered to her, she noted each and every word that passed from the green blades. She sat meditating this way for several moments, the other children sat a little ways off, rapt with anticipation: would she be able to do it? Had she fallen asleep? It was near nap time after all...

Just as the other children were about to give up hope Sally opened her eyes. She smiled sadly, looking years beyond her age. She turned to Carl, "Are you sure you want me to tell them?"

Carl was momentarily shaken by the quiet look of confidence in Sally's eyes, but he shook the fear off and replied defiantly, "Go ahead, there's no way you could know just from sitting there!"

Sally frowned then turned to the group, "Is everyone ready?" They all nodded, so she began. "The reason we don't all know what Carl wants to do when he grows up is that he doesn't know. Well that's not quite right. Today he's 100% sure he wants to be an Astronaut, sailing above the clouds, exploring new planets and galaxies. But yesterday he was just as sure he wanted to be a Plumber, keeping houses safe from leaks. And next Thursday he might want to design Wind-mills. Its not that he doesn't know, but rather that he wants to do everything there is to do...he hasn't told anyone because he thought we'd all make fun of him. I'm sorry Carl."

But Carl didn't look angry, he looked just as amazed as the other kids. "Yes, that's right." he admitted shyly.

The Children all gasped, they Ooo'd and Ahh'd again. They all said together, "But Carl! that's the coolest ambition of all!"

Carl smiled bigger than he ever had before, then he hugged Sally and whispered, "Now I believe you"