The monkeys paw

Mrs. White still believes the wish will be granted, and that her son will come back to them..... as he was. Mr. White now understands that the granting of a wish guarantees that something horrific will happen..... that what you get is far different than what was intended.

"It's my boy; it's Herbert!" she cried, struggling mechanically. "I forgot it was two miles away. What are you holding me for? Let go. I must open the door."

"For God's sake, don't let it in," cried the old man trembling.