(Author's Note: Credit for this episode should go to the original author Jack deMule.)
"Hello, may I help you?" asked the Wizard, walking out from behind the curtain at the back of the shop.
Jack studied the old man for a few seconds. Then he looked around the cluttered room and shook his head. "Naw, I guess not. I heard this was a costume shop, but I can see I was mislead. Looks more like you're into antiques."
The Wizard chuckled. "I wondered when you'd be in to pick up your costume, Jack. I have it right here." He rummaged through a corner of the shop, and returned with a very fine-looking donkey costume.
Jack didn't even wonder how the old man knew he was coming to pick up a costume, or for that matter, how the guy knew his name. He was too intent on buying a costume. He stroked the costume's soft gray fur and frowned. "No, I'm sorry, that won't do. You see, I'm looking for something a bit more permanent."
A broad grin lit up the old man's face. "Why yes, of course. Maybe this will interest you." He retrieved a dusty old photo album. Its gold embossed, black leather cover, was tattered from many years of use. "Look through this and see if there's anything in here that interests you."
After several minutes of flipping through the album, Jack shook his head. "Nope, can't say there's anything there that trips my trigger."
A crimson tinge crept across the old man's face. "You really are being difficult," he said, through clenched teeth. As the Wizard's anger subsided, a wicked grin appeared on his face. "Oh, I have just the thing for you." He took a small charm from a curio cabinet near the front of the shop. "Take this, and when you see something you like, presto! This charm will take care of everything."
Jack took the small pewter horse and examined it. "Uh, okay. How much do I owe ya?"
The Wizard began to chuckle. "Everything you have," he said, seemingly joking. Then, as he calmed down, he took Jack by the elbow, and escorted him to the door. "Try the charm. If you like it, we can arrange a payment plan you can live with." The Wizard smiled to himself, knowing that Jack would soon become whatever he sees that he likes.
Jack headed for the mall exit, a big silly grin on his face. I'll head for Kentucky, he thought. They have a lot of nice horses in that area.
