Milkweed: Short Stories for Wizards

The City That Never Sleeps (Messenger Owl Part II)

The City That Never Sleeps (Messenger Owl Part II)

Flying above the sparkling street lights in New York City, broom side, was a time to be had. Not just because of how beautiful the city looked in winter time, but because of the commentary that could be heard on the sidewalks down below.

"What the heck is that?!"

"Is that real?!"

"Hold up—that's that magic kid!!"

"OH MY GOSH! SIGMUND THE SORCERER!!"

"YO! SIGMUND! MY DAUGHTER LOVES YOU!!"

"I HAVE TICKETS TO YOUR NEXT SHOW!!!"

Over his first year at Milkweed Academy, Sigmund's fame had taken off. Instead of spending the winter holiday back home, he'd been ushered into a tour that spanned a couple different major cities across the globe. It was an exciting time for the sorcerer. He'd never been to New York and it seemed he picked the best time to visit. The city was notorious for having a beautiful winter season, as urban as the landscape was. The contrast between the sparkling white of the snow that had freshly fallen that evening and the bright lights around him made Sigmund fall in love with the city. The weather in New York wasn't the only thing he'd fallen in love with in the city though.

Landing carefully at the bottom of a staircase, Sigmund looked up at a beautiful Manhattan brownstone building as he hopped off his broom. Letting the broom vanish, he searched his pockets till his gloved fingers brushed over a folded piece of paper. Pulling it from his pocket and unfolding it quickly, he checked the address, then the building once more. Confirming he was in the right place, Sigmund took in a deep breath, paused and exhaled, a trail of airy smoke from the cold bellowing out. He conjured a gift box into his hands and figured he'd run through a greeting before he knocked on the door.

"Ahem...hi there! Happy holidays! I bought—no...not good. Okay—um. Hey! How are you? Ugh..."

When the door to the brownstone suddenly cracked open, Sigmund jumped and scrambled to collect the gift box that had flown from his hands. It wasn't who he was expecting though. In fact, it was a younger girl with pigtails and a red, holiday dress on who peered at him with wide eyes.

"Oh my goodness!!" She gasped, finally fully opening the door. "It's really him! ERIC! COME LOOK! IT'S SIGMUND FROM TV! I KNEW I SAW HIM FROM THE WINDOW!"

"What are you talking about, Ellie? Close the door! It's cold outs—!"

A tall, older boy this time, also dressed seasonally in a holiday sweater, and he was frozen at the door just as the younger child had been.

"Oh wow...yeah. That really is Sigmund...wow."

"Hallo!" Sigmund smiled and waved sheepishly as he ascended the building's stairwell. Meeting them at the door, he held up the gift box he'd conjured earlier.

"Ja, I erm—I came to visit Erin. I wanted to give her this. T-this is the right place...right?"

"Erin?!" The siblings seemed to ask in unison.

As the younger sister, Ellie, dashed off into the house, the older brother, Eric, ushered Sigmund inside. Tapping the snow off his boots quickly, the sorcerer hesitantly complied and stepped in, letting Eric close the door behind him.

The inside of Erin's home was filled with warmth and the smell of something sweetly spiced baking. A tartan hall runner trailed down the entrance to the front door, past a spiral staircase that was decorated with a lush holiday garland. Family photos, elder portraits and academy photos followed the staircase. Above them, hanging from the tall ceiling in the entranceway, was a beautiful crystal chandelier that gave the room a warm yellow glow. Eric pointed at the coat hooks on the wall.