Monday, September 29, 2008

Capitulate, panache, and verbiage

You talk funny, the girl said with a smile.

I scowled. For your information, this is a priceless artifact. You cannot possible appreciate its esteem, its significant, its--

She began to giggle.

Oh for god's sake, how much do you want for it?

She felt around in her pocket. I have a dime.

My eyes nearly popped out. A dime?! For this? For my most treasured--

She giggled again.

I looked around the room. There were only a handful of other patrons, and none were headed my way. A tent full of dyed silk scarves and exotic plant life was drawing the crowd. This might be my only chance for a sale.

Fine, I grumbled. She handed over the coin and I reluctantly relinquished the headdress. She put it atop her small blonde head and skipped away. Her shoes flashed with red lights every time she took a step.

I dropped the coin into a purse hidden under my folding table. I sat back down. I grabbed the flyer that listed my goods and their prices. I fanned myself.

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