The Phone Book


by Bob Thurber

After the show my mother took me backstage to meet her new fiance Walter the magician (aka The Amazing Wally) who was packing props into a trunk. "I have to use the girl's room," mother said. I studied Walter's eyes as he watched her strut on her heels, clip-clopping like a racehorse. When she was out of sight he asked how I liked the show. "It was okay." "Just okay?" "I don't believe in magic," I said. "Ah," he said, "a sceptic. I see." He took a white dove out of a cage, wrapped it in a black handkerchief. "Clap you hands." I clapped my hands. "Good. But do it slow. Like you're applauding in slow motion." I clapped my hands together very gently. Walter opened the handkerchief, and there was a white rose! He handed me the flower. "I won't let you turn yourself into my father," I said.

 

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