The mayor got back onto the stage. “That was one hell of a show. We’ve never seen anything like this in town before. Does everyone want Rumey to bring water to our town?”
The crowd cheered in agreement. One very vocal guy seemed to disagree though. “That all seemed pretty fake. Just some smoke and mirrors” said the short, round, bespectacled man.
I scratched my head and asked “well what would make you believe it’s real?”
“Make me a sandwich just like that” he answered with a snap of his fingers.
“Hmm, odd request but sure, if that’s what you want.” I snapped my fingers. Suddenly, his flesh, bones, and clothes melted into a strange blob like form, rearranging itself into a grilled cheese sandwich.
“AHHHHHH!” screamed the sandwich, with its bread flapping open in horror. I snapped my fingers once more which caused him to morph back into his normal self. He started panting, freaked out from what just happened. “Th-that wasn’t what I meant b-b-but okay, yo-you’re the real deal, I believe you!” He hugged his legs and rocked back and forth to comfort himself.
“Well, the first bag is all yours then, you can count it to make sure it's all there” said the mayor.
I turned to the bag and noticed Xiz had shoved his head in through the side like a ghost. I could hear him mumbling some numbers and then he popped his head out, turned to me and said “yup, half a mil”.
“No need, it’s half a mil. Before I take this, I’d like to just give you fair warning. When you mess with your fate, the scales need to be balanced again. There will be some… consequences. Is everyone still fine with it?” I scanned the townsfolk to see their reaction.
There was a brief moment of silence as everyone mulled it over and then the crowd shouted in agreement. “Do it, the risk is worth it!” shouted an old farmer, “Our livelihoods are on the line!” yelled a young woman, “bring it on, B-” yelled a kid while his mother clasped her hand over his mouth, and “Yeah, what they said!” said a tall, skinny farmer in the back.
“Stop! I’m getting some bad vibes from this man! Bad vibes! Especially from whatever's in his pocket” yelled a voice louder than everyone put together, came from the middle of the audience, and grabbed everyone’s attention, shushing the crowd. An old man with gray weathered hair, a long bushy beard, and in pajamas stood up from his scooter. He waved his cane in the air and walked hunched over through the crowd to the front. Everyone gave a collective groan, some rolled their eyes, and others watched in amusement.
“Quiet Crazy old Creed, what else are you gonna say? Seeing more ‘demons’ again?” said a man wearing a straw hat with both hands on his hips.
“Well I wasn’t gonna mention it cause y’all would call me crazy again but yes, there’s some weird looking monkey demon floating beside him.”
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“Who you calling weird, wrinkles?” Xiz fired back.
“Wrinkles!?! You’re askin’ for a whoopin’ you hairy devil!” yelled Creed as he stormed the stage, smashing Xiz’s head in with the cane. The townsfolk grabbed Creed and pulled him away as he threw both slippers at him, sending him home.
Xiz rubbed his head. “Why the hell did that hurt?” he muttered to himself.
“Fine, a show of hands, who wants to do this?” asked the mayor. “Denny, count how many.”
People raised their hands then the receptionist from town hall stood up, mumbled some numbers, turned to the mayor, and yelled “75 are for.”
“Now all that are against?”
Denny mumbled some numbers again and then yelled “101 against”. She hopped up onto the stage, grabbed the mic, and said “you guys can’t vote twice. One more time, all against?”
Some hands dropped down. “‘K, I’m counting… 74. Looks like we're getting Rumey’s help.”
The crowd cheered in excitement while some folks moaned and shook their heads. I guess the stuff I said about consequences got to them then. Hmm, maybe I should call this off… but I’ve come too far for that.
“Well, everyone’s in agreement. Thank you, I will head to a secluded spot and do what needs to be done”. I grabbed one bag and headed to the park again. When I was out of everyone's view, I took out the paw and made my wish.
“I wish it would rain here to nourish this dried out town and all its farms.”
The pinky finger twitched and curled inwards. I waited. Nothing happened. I scanned the area, the horizon, stuck my hand out to feel a drop; nada. I looked to the night sky and all I could see was stars which was a first for me after living in a city all my life, very breathtaking, but no clouds. I stared in awe for a bit, remembering the constellations I learned in class and seeing them in real life. Some stars were way brighter than others, some with different colors, and strokes of light purple on the dark blue backdrop of the vibrant night sky. I shook myself out of my wonder. Focus, can’t keep them waiting.
“Xiz?” I asked as I looked around for him. Did I get tricked? I poked the paw. “Yo, where’d you go?”
It curled the 4 middle fingers inwards, stuck the pinky and the thumb out like how someone would make a phone with their hands, and I started hearing Xiz. I put the paw-phone to my ear.
“Hello?”
“Gimme a sec, I gotta get some stuff started,” he replied. Then I felt a poke on my back. I turned around to see him standing behind me.
“Done.” The paw went back to normal, with the pinky curled inwards.
I heard a rumbling sound in the distance. Rain clouds quickly gathered everywhere covering the sky. Then, I felt the first few drops as I heard the start of cheers coming from the town square. I went back to it to see high-fives and hugs being passed around everywhere as the rain intensified. Kids splashed in puddles while some adults opened their mouths wide to the heavens, drinking rain water. I winced at the sight. Probably shouldn’t drink that. Well, what do I know, I’m not a doctor. As I got soaked people showered me in praise, patted me on the back, and gave many thanks. I nodded and said happy to help, you're welcome, and no problem with a smile. I splashed around a bit, borrowed a Divine Drencher and soaked some teens having a water fight, watched some paper boat races in the water, and joined in the fun. I got tired so I gave my goodbyes, went back to the stage, grabbed the remaining cash, and headed out of the town square.