By: William Shaw.

That thing? It’s a monkey’s paw. Yes, just like in that story. Except that paw was a left-hander, whereas this is a right-hander. It makes all the difference in the world, sir. Go on, wish for anything. All the money I’ve made today? Well, this yard sale was meant to raise funds for the local school for the blind, but I’m sure your need is greater than theirs. Here you go. No, it’s not much, is it? Tricky business, fundraising. Still, I’m glad to get that thing off my hands, if you’ll pardon the expression. Would you like a bag?

© 2025. William Shaw

William Shaw is a writer from Sheffield, currently living in the USA. His writing has appeared in Strange Horizons, Daily Science Fiction, and The Georgia Review. You can find his website at williamshawwriter.wordpress.com and his Bluesky at @williamshaw.bsky.social.

Posted February 4, 2026.