MANES’ MORNING

I’m Manes.”

“I know who you are Manes.” Before old Barke could ask, the child what he was up to today, the canal urchin moved on to do his morning routine of telling the folk of Drebolynij Barge Town who he was.

“I’m Manes.”

“Hello my little eel,” said kind Mother Fish “Would you like to help me gut my precious fishies? They are nice and fat – a good catch this morning…” She stopped and knew that her little eel was long gone. She smirked, “I’ll never learn, will I?

Manes always thought it strange that Mother Fish was an expert fisher of long writhing eels since she was round and short, just like a soft moiren urchin.

“I’m Manes.”

“Don’t bother me, Mani. Can’t you see I’m busy with this net?” Netter Crilor was always busy with his nets. His were the best on the Grand Central Canal. “I have to get it done before tomorrow’s Gesjin-lynij festival. Mother Fish said that the grenods are fat and plenty this year.”

Manes stayed a little bit longer, stunned that he almost forgot about the big day tomorrow. “That’s right, the festival!”

“Yes, so go on now, let me get back to work.” Why does he always stay longer with me? It’s always like that, what you don’t like sticks to you. He smiled knowing that he actually loved the little brat.

“Will you help me make my grenod mask?” Manes said with his eyes wide thinking of the great fun he will have tomorrow.

“Don’t I always?” Crilor already had the mask’s design sketched on a piece of paper in his pocket. “See you tomorrow this time.”

No response.

“I’m Manes.”

Sasu the fishmonger inspector was waiting for him and quickly turned around, surprising little Manes. “I have something for you this morning, Mani.”

“Yes? What is it?” Manes loved surprises.

“First you have to guess what hand it’s in. Sasu thrust his clenched red chapped fists in front of the smiling boy. For a short moment, his smile went away. He thought the surprise could not be very big. His smile quickly returned since it was a surprise all the same.

“That one.” Manes pointed to Sasu’s right fist. Sasu frowned. Just as quickly Manes followed with his own pout. “Can I choose again, please?” Manes still kept his signature pout - something that was becoming quite an asset to the wondering canalchild.

Sasu feigned being put out by the request and put a hand to his chin, making it look like he was thinking whether to give the boy another chance. His thoughtful grimace quickly turned into a wide grin, showing the inspector’s browning teeth. Manes’ pout opened into a large hole of happy surprise once he saw Sasu’s rotting teeth.

“There’s no need. Here you are.” Sasu opened both his permanently fish-scented hands to reveal two surprises. Two bright yellow and orange miniature grenod earrings for his festival mask Netter Crilor was making for him.

The little canalchild’s eyes opened so wide that the inspector seriously thought they would fall out of his head.

“Here, take them Mani. You will have the coolest grenod mask during the festival tomorrow.

Manes carefully took the earrings out of Sasu’s rough hands, being very careful not to damage the precious bobbles.

“Thanks Inspector. Thanks so much!” Manes gently placed his new treasures in the pants pocket that did not have any big holes and went on his way to the next person to greet. He even thought to make a rare repeat visit to Netter Crilor.