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Story One

Cheeky Wishes

Chapter One

Sana Khan had a whole ten pounds of birthday money saved up, but she didn’t know what to buy.

“I think you should get the Mega Craft Set,” Sana’s eldest cousin, Azaan, said.

“I think the unicorn teddy you wanted from the other shop is way better,” said Esa, her younger cousin.

“Well, I think you need to hurry up and decide,” said Uncle Dev. “We’ve been at this for hours!”

Sana squeezed her eyes shut, imagining all the crafty creations she could make but … “I think I need to see the unicorn teddy again,” she said.

There were groans from Uncle Dev and Azaan and a little “yippee” from Esa.

Sana hurried out of the shop with her uncle and cousins trailing behind.

But when they were walking through the town centre, Sana spotted something else entirely.

There amongst the market stalls was one with a large sparkly banner. Under it stood a lady wearing a floaty dress, and the table in front of her was full to bursting with shiny, twinkling treasures.

Sana’s feet took her over to the table before she knew it.

“Wow!” Her eyes raced over all sorts of odd and mysterious objects, including a row of jars that looked like magic potions and a pile of genie-style lamps! There were also trays of sparkling necklaces, rings and jewels; a mound of brightly coloured fancy scarves; and, strangely, tucked in the corner, a hamster cage. At first it looked empty, but then Sana noticed there was something curled up at the back.

“Ooh! Is that a hamster?” Sana bent down to get a better look. There wasn’t much inside – only curly shavings, a food bowl and one of those upside-down water bottles.

But there was a ball of tawny fluff.

Sana could just make out small curved ears and a pink nose until the hamster blinked its eyes open and stared right at her.

And then she saw the sign.

MAGIC HAMSTER AND CAGE FOR SALE – £10!

“A magic hamster!” Sana squealed.

“He certainly is,” said the lady. “I found him on a mysterious island near Peru, but be warned, this hamster’s magic is not for everyone.”

There was a snort behind her.

Sana turned round to see Uncle Dev looking less than convinced. Even Azaan and Esa were frowning.

Sana knew it sounded too good to be true. Hamsters don’t do magic. But she wasn’t sure she really minded. The tiny fluffball was so cute and actually looked a bit sad all alone with nothing to do. She wanted to scoop him up and cuddle him and make him the best home ever.

Sana pressed right up to the bars of the cage. “Hello, little hamster.”

The hamster unrolled from his ball, shuffling towards her on teeny paws.

“Uncle Dev?” Sana asked. “Could I get—”

“Absolutely not!” Uncle Dev said. “Mum said you could spend your birthday money, not get a pet!”

“But he’s all alone and he needs me.”

Uncle Dev shook his head so fast Sana’s eyes could barely keep up.

Sana sighed as she gazed back at the hamster. He stood on his back legs, his paws holding the bars, gazing up at her with big round eyes.

“You are the cutest ever! I wish I could take you home!”

The hamster’s nose did a funny snuffling twitch.

And then something wonderful happened.

“You know what?” Uncle Dev said slowly, his face a bit dazed. “A hamster is much better than a craft set or a teddy. You should get him.”

Sana was amazed. She quickly handed over her money to the lady. She wasn’t sure why Uncle Dev had changed his mind, but she didn’t want him to change it back again!

As Uncle Dev picked up the cage, Sana noticed a hamster wheel at the back that she was sure hadn’t been there before. She shrugged. The lady must have put it in when she wasn’t looking.

Sana skipped happily to the car. This had been the best shopping trip ever!