The Genie

“You’re kidding me, right?” Ben stared dumbfounded at the woman for a moment, then shook his head. “Look, lady, whatever gag you’re trying to pull, just move on, okay?” He sidestepped a couple of paces down the sidewalk, shifting the bags full of his purchases and the antique basket to his other hand. He then made a show of intently studying a display of flower planters in front of the thrift store. ‘Why did all the crazies seem to find him?’ he thought.