Something Blue

Little kids thought Old Lady Callahan was a witch. Most adults dismissed the notion, of course, but everybody in town agreed that the woman was creepy. Margaret Simms thought so too, but unlike most people she wouldn't let that keep her from being nice to the woman -- Margaret understood what it felt like to be an outcast. Besides, Margaret wasn't at all superstitious and thought it was particularly bad that the old woman caught so much flak over children's nonsense. The woman didn't even look like a witch -- she might have a wart on her nose, but she was more likely to wear a pink housecoat and fuzzy slippers than black robes and a pointy hat. So when Old Lady Callahan broke her hip Margaret offered to help out until she was back on her feet. She did yard-work, picked up groceries, and walked Anubis, Callahan's black lab.

She was taking Anubis through the park when suddenly the dog jerked away from her and began running in circles. Margaret chased after the dog, finally catching up to it by the wishing well at the far end of the park. As she bent over gasping, trying to catch her breath, a flash caught her eye. Looking more closely, she saw Abraham Lincoln's face on a shiny penny, seemingly staring straight at Anubis. Margaret leaned over and picked up the coin. It was from the year she was born -- odd that it looked so bright and new.

Anubis bounded up to her, placing its paws on her shoulders and licking her face. He was a big dog, and the **** of his sudden affection knocked Margaret back a step. The penny flew out of her hands and down the well with a small splash.

"Easy come, easy go," she shrugged, and picked up Anubis's leash to drag him home. That would have been that, but as she turned to go she saw a shooting star streak across the sky. Even for someone as unsuperstitious as Margaret, enough was enough. The universe seemed to want her to make a wish, so fine -- she'd make a wish. "I wish my life didn't suck," she declared.