Sarah and the Magic Beans — Merri Hiatt

Sarah Carpenter has three days to pay her rent and less than four dollars in her checking account. To take her mind off her troubles, she heads to the local farmer's market a mile from her apartment. A mysterious woman offers her a lavender pouch filled with contents unknown. Instructions to come back in one week and either return the pouch with the items inside or pay five dollars follow. Sarah takes the pouch. In doing so, she opens herself to the promise of hope and the gift of believing in magic. This short story is approximately 7,000 words.