This Standoff Never Stood A Chance: He vs. She

Her eyes exude pearl-grey patience

with the timer nearly run out

and panic bides seconds on a storekeeper’s face

gracefully aged enough

to qualify as somebody’s grandpa.

Her question…straightforward

but coupled

with a disarming comprehension of commerce

and transaction principles.

Not blinking.

And not moving without an answer.

“That Atlas Puzzle Book for my time please, Sir?”

Responds to preliminary queries without hesitation

that He felt stupid asking,

“What’d you need it for? Can’t it wait? Maybe you can find one at the library? Your Mama know ya here? How ‘bout I give you some candy instead?”

No. He. Didn’t.

This one

ALL business.

“I’m a kinesthetic learner, you even know what that means? I need to commit the countries to memory fast. Already checked County Library, Papi, y nada. Do your Mama know YOU’RE here? Does my face look like it wants candy? So…you got work for me or what?”

Out of the two,

no question

who got the bigger kahunas.

Short stuff delivered an impromptu employment breakdown:

“Man gets job that pays money per hour on standard contract. Job responsibilities laid out in said contract to be completed per standard workday. It’s Saturday 10am; ergo, there are tasks left. I’m asking to finish said tasks for time equal to but not exceeding the book cost. No formal contract, no go-between. Cuàl es el problema? What’s the problem?”

Man doesn’t wanna seem patronizing

as Man is aware that Girl can slice him up for an early lunch.

“It ain’t that simple,” Man says, “You’re like, five. There are child labor laws.”

Girl says, “Informal agreement, off the books. Quid pro quo.”

Man’s jaw drops.

Girl’s foot taps.

Says He’ll, “Catch flies like that.”

Girl’s face questions Man’s competence for employ.

Doesn’t need a word said as

has a countenance brought forth

from generations upon generations on a mission.

Ain’t wasting a minute.

Tries to feel sorry for Man.

Fails.

Adjusts body position to power stance.

Huffs once to puff out cheeks She’s been told

are irresistible.

Exudes energetically how much of a no-brainer this is

but will accept a yes or no.

It’s lack of response that’s infuriating.

Caramel-colored hands reach up for a handshake

of 'live and let live'

and Man knows His last ten ‘til payday

will buy said item without further argument

as He searches recesses of mind for 5-year-old resolve,

and a shortcut for life transformation,

since he had to

have missed a step.

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