The Fixer often questions, from time to time, the things that people do. Why do people expect others to give them presents on the anniversary of their birth? Why do people think lost pennies found on the sidewalk are lucky or dropped by dead relatives? Why do people say, “God bless you,” after someone sneezes, even though the human race now knows souls do not pop out that easily?
Popping out souls is a long process. Grim reapers only wish that a simple sneeze could pop out souls because then their work would be done. They'd get to take the day off.
But more importantly, why do people wish on balls of gas?
Have you ever blew out your birthday candles and then hesitated when someone asked you what you wished for? You always make something up. You might say something like, “I want this thing that one can buy in a store,” or “It's none of your business!”
However, very few people truly wish for nothing on their birthday. If Thinks and things is nearby, or even invited to your birthday, this would not be a good thing. If you wish for nothing, then you get nothing.
Arlan labeled a sheet of notebook paper, “Birthday Wish List.” His grandma requested that he make one and he wanted to make her happy.
Arlan has wished on many stars before, none answered. Not that Arlan expected his secret wishes to be answered. That's magic and magic isn't real. Or else it doesn't work., he concluded a long time ago.
Arlan tried to think of toys that he wanted but couldn't think of one. He tried to remember watching commercials on television of plastic junk but he couldn't recall any names.
He put the paper and pen under his bed and look at a star through his bed room window.
He did not wish upon the star, he pleaded on it, “Can you make my mom better?”