Charles was always a quiet unicorn.  He got good grades in school and never caused trouble. He fit in with everyone else. He didn’t stand out in a crowd. He went about each day knowing there was no such thing as magic. There would always be a void in his little unicorn heart. He was just another human being living another unremarkable life. Except for he wasn’t a human.

What Charles didn’t know yet, was that there is magic. He himself is among the most magical of creatures. Every night he would wish that there was something more. Maybe a funny man in a big blue box would take him away or maybe a letter describing a school for witches and wizards would come in the mail. He didn’t know, he didn’t even care. All he wanted was to find that magic; find that place where he could shine.

So, there he sat in his room, thinking of how life could be. Little did he know that day would change his life. He went about the day as he usually did; wake up, go to school, go home, do homework. There was nothing that said it would be a good day.

The sky was grey and dripping with rain when he woke. The roads were wet and as he walked to school his heart filled with longing. Why am I here in this sad, grey world? he thought as he trudged along the sidewalks. His school bag felt heavy on his shoulder, almost as heavy as his aching heart. He hated his high school. The people there were so boring and close-minded. No concept of imagination, he thought bitterly.

Whenever he brought up magic, the other students scoffed. “Magic, Charles? Are you stupid?  If magic existed, we wouldn’t be in school right now. We’d all be flying around in the sky like birds!” A student named Amy remarked. Charles just crossed his arms and walked away. They won’t tell me what I know. I’ll show them all that magic exists! That was his plan. It seemed stupid even to him. What Amy said was true but he wouldn’t admit it.

The whole day he couldn’t concentrate. Even his most favourite subjects passed in a blur. All he could think of was finding that one little piece of magic. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. He could be eaten by witches or kidnapped by faeries. He could be consumed by evil on his quest. There were so many things that could go wrong. He wasn’t even sure where to begin looking! It all seemed like a dream- just a children’s tale that he’d devote his whole life to and then grow old and insane alone.

He sighed and glanced at the clock. There were only a few minutes of class left. Soon the bell would ring and he could begin his journey. He directed his attention back to the blank piece of paper on his desk. He was supposed to be taking notes. How could he possibly concentrate on vocabulary when he was about to go on a life changing quest?

Suddenly, a loud ringing sound filled his ears. It took him a minute to realize it was the school bell. Frantically, he closed his books and packed everything up. The teacher stared at him, annoyance written all over her pale face. “Did I tell you that you were allowed to go yet, Mr. Wesley?” She called as he raced out the door. He didn’t even notice. His mind was already far, far away.

Charles looked up at the sky as he ran out of the school. The sun was blazing like the depths of his soul. There were no clouds to block the light. As he looked at that orb of burning light, he knew what he had to do. There was no doubt in his mind or shadow over his heart. He had to find magic at all costs.

NOTE: The events in this story are not exactly how it happened. This story is based on real life.

I hope you enjoy that tale. I’ll write Part Two, tomorrow. I’m now off to the post office to mail a package to my dear, sweet PLC.