“How long is this going to be?”

“She’s eight, Rick. And my little sister. Just chill.” I turn to see Casey, wand raised like she was about make a rabbit appear somewhere unseemly.

“Are you…ready?” she asks. Her little blue eyes fall on Rick. She may as well have asked “Are you…Satan?”

“Finally,” Rick sighs. He’s dying to see the new Bruce Willis movie. I’m dying for the inevitable nap I’ll take as the body count mounts. I have the good graces to smile at Casey. She smiles back before scowling at Rick.

“Welcome, ladies and germs, and prepare to be astounded!” Casey declares.

I elbow Rick in the ribs when he snorts in his silly yeah-right way.

“Watch as I make this ball disappear.” She waves the wand. I blink. The ball vanished. I’m surprised I missed it.

“Wow, Case, that was great!" I say.

Rick leans forward. “Is it done?”

“Just one more trick.” Casey points the wand at Rick. A gust of wind whips through my hair. Beside me, Rick is gone.

“I never liked him,” Casey says before she skips from the room.