Suddenly, the rock flashed, but unlike its usual brilliant light, it blinked and stuttered. Unbeknownst to the girls, Jessica had given the magic of the rock a very tall order. As usual, the rock took its cues from the mental expectations and preferences of the wisher. Unfortunately, the rock was more accustomed to the sophistication of adult wishers, and a seven year old girl like Jessica had a very limited but all-encompassing idea of what "pretty" meant. Even with its limited range, the rock had its work cut out for it.
So, in an effort to conserve its energy, the rock chose (as much as a non-living magical item can choose) to change things in Jessica and Ashley's general vicinity first. Everything else would alter as they encountered it. Therefore, as far as they were concerned, the two girls had changed their world, when in reality, the rock only had to deal with things a small number at a time.
Jessica and Ashley gazed about them in wonder. The entire street looked vastly different. For starters, everything looked pink or otherwise pastel in color, the buildings, the trees, the people, even the ground. Meanwhile, the street had been replaced by a peaceful cobblestone path, perfect for a leisurely walk, without a car in sight. Never again would anyone have to look both ways before crossing.
"What happened?" Ashley asked, before glancing at her friend. Then, she gasped. Jessica now wore a purple dress with a frilly skirt and matching Mary-Jane shoes. It matched her own pink dress perfectly. They both looked like princesses. In fact, everyone walking down the sidewalk looked like a princess. Thankfully, there were no icky boys around.
"I don't know," Jessica replied. "But I think my wish came true. Everything looks so pretty!"
"The rock glowed when you made your wish. Maybe it's the rock."
"A magic rock?" Jessica held up the rock, turning it over reverently. It never occurred to her to doubt the idea. She had always dreamt of finding such a thing, and now her fantasies were coming true. "How wonderful!"
In classic child-like fashion, any fears of the unknown quickly dissipated. Wandering around, the girls found themselves enjoying this strange new world. Somehow, they understood that they were in no danger and that things would work out fine.
Peering through a store window, they saw row upon row of frilly dresses and girly outfits. To their delight, they could also see tiaras, faux fairy wings, and anything else a little girl might like to put on in a game of make believe. Behind the store counter, a beautiful woman wearing a radiant gown waved to them. Giggling in their excitement, the girls waved back.
"Excuse me, young ladies," a melodious voice spoke behind them. Turning, they saw another lovely young woman smiling down at them. She was dressed in a baby-blue uniform with puffy shoulders, matching hat, and heels. A heart-shaped badge on her chest identified her as a police officer, though she resembled no police officer the girls had ever seen. "Are you going to school? You may want to hurry if you want to see your friends before the bell rings."
"Oh, that's right." Ashley clapped her hands, feeling unusually eager to go to class. "Jessica, do you think our school's pretty, too?"
Jessica nodded. "It's gotta be better than before. C'mon, let's go look!"
