The Magic Show

by solaris2001

“Abracadabra!” The magician pulled back the velvet curtain, revealing an empty cabinet to the awestruck spectators. Sitting front row, the motherless child cried hysterically, washed out in the din of gasps, laughter, and applause. Taking his bow, the magician ignored the despondent boy clambering at the footlights, reentered the spotlight and raised a wrinkled hand, silencing the crowd save the whimpering child. The magician drew the curtain, spun the box smoothly, and bellowed, “Abracadabra!” He threw open the curtain and the woman stepped out, taking her bow at the magician’s side, unconcerned with the child whose mother would not reappear.