As you contemplate what facet of society you want to infiltrate your phone starts ringing. The name “Uncle Jack” pops up on screen. Oh shit did he notice the suit was gone? You answer nervously wondering what kind of wizard punishments your uncle might inflict on you.
“John where have you wandered off to?” he asks in a slight panic.
“I just wanted to go for a morning walk.” you half-lied, hoping you sounded convincing.
“Oh yes of course, daily exercise is very important for a young man. Just let me know next time. My brother wouldn’t be pleased if something happened to you.” He says, breathing a sigh of relief and changing his tone. “Listen I have a few...umm...friends from out of town visiting me today. Just catching up, talking about typical old people things. Price of newt eyes and what not. Stuff that’ll bore you surely. Why don’t you go to the arcade or something.”
“Arcade? This isn’t the 90s Uncle Jack,” you tease, “When was the last time you left your store?”
“You know what I mean.” Jack grunts, “Go see a movie, grab some food. Here, it’s on me.”
A small static shock zaps your from the phone. You yelp and reach up to rub the ear that was against the speaker and feel something inside. Grasping the foreign object between two fingers, you pull out a crisp rolled up $50 note coated with a little earwax.
“Wow, thanks Uncle Jack.” you say deciding not to point out there are apps to send money digitally these days. “How did you do that?”
“How many times do I have to tell you, I’m a wizard.” he answers, “Now the important thing is at your age you should be out socializing, instead of being cooped up inside a dusty old store. So try not to come home for a few hours... and stay out of trouble.”
You both say your goodbyes and end the call. Now your curiosity is piqued. What kind of friends would an eccentric wizard Uncle have? Why does he so desperately want you to stay away from the shop?