The Easter Bunny                  by: Roy Del Frink

 

George Robinson lead a colorful life, especially when the holidays rolled around. His favorite day was Easter. He enjoyed dressing in his Easter finest, hiding eggs for the kids on find, chatting with his friends in church, and enjoying ham on this annual rebirth of spring. Alas, time was not on George's side. Now in his seventies, he felt his best years were behind him. He feared his next Easter would be his last. And after being diagnosed as a diabetic at age 68, George could no longer eat the Easter candy he enjoyed growing up. Despondent, he hoped and prayed that he could enjoy Easter like he used to.

About a week before Easter, George prepared to boil and dye the eggs for the hunt. Alas, one fell on the floor and broke. But instead of the usual yolk and albumen, George saw a fully-formed chick emerge from the shell. Surprised as he was, he was even more startled at what happened next.

"Hello, George. I am the Easter Chickie."

"Whaa?" George replied.

"Well, I'm the Easter bunny's assistant. Every year, I seek out a needy soul who has the Easter spirit and grant him a wish."

"That's stupid," George complained. AI never heard of an Easter Chickie before, and I sure don't think you can grant wishes."

"Well," the Chickie retorted, "that's the Easter Bunny for you. He takes all the credit, and lets his associates be forgotten by the public. Besides, if I'm not magical, how do you explain my ability to talk, or that I knew your name?"

George mulled that one over. Finally, he came to only one possible conclusion. "I guess you're right. But I haven't decided what I want."

"Just don't take too long. You have to make your wish within 30 minutes of finding me, and time's a-wastin'."

George considered his options. He could become young again, so he could enjoy several more decades of Easters. He could wish away his diabetes, so he could eat all the candy he wanted. Or he could even wish himself female, so he could try on an Easter dress and sunbonnet, something he'd wondered about. No, George eventually decided, I shouldn't be greedy. Why don't I just wish for the ability to spread joy amongst all those little smiling faces on Easter. "Easter Chickie, I wish I were the Easter Bunny, so that I could spread joy to all the world on Easter Day."

"Wish granted." The Chickie clucked his little wings and pecked at George's nose.

"Ow!" George replied. He didn't appreciate it, but also didn't realize it was part of the Chickie's wish-granting. He passed out, and fell asleep in his kitchen.

 

ONE WEEK LATER:

Georgia Robinson put the finishing touches on her Easter outfit, a strapless sequined nightgown, complete with cuffs, rabbit ears, and a cottony tail. She couldn't have known the Easter Chickie grants no wish at all if you wish selfishly, but gives you all you desire if you make a more selfless choice. She was more than eager to show herself off to the world. But maybe not as much as in the April issue of Playboy, in which she was the "Easter Bunny" centerfold.

 

THE END

 

© 2000
The above work is copyrighted material. Anyone wishing to copy, archive, or re-post this story must contact the author for permission.