coco- Nobody noticed Martina: An Adventure through Time"We don't really know what she's thinking," said her pa. "She's eighteen now but she's not like regular kids. We never really know what she's thinking." Martina exited. Her pa and her aunt poured second cups of tea for themselves. Her aunt added white sugar lumps. She didn't know what to say, she'd spent a decade overseas. "Oh, I brought you both gifts," said Martina's aunt. She opened paper bags at her feet, checking what was in which, and handed her brother some parcels. "They're just small." "Hey, thanks," said Martina's pa. Martina walked into the kitchen, into the kitchen bench. She scalded it for having moved. "Why must you trick me," she said. She felt her way around the counter, to a chair. She waited, with her hand resting on top of it. "Martina?" said her aunt. "I wouldn't..." said her pa, leaning in, waving his hands at his sister, to warn and dissuade. "Martina, I have a gift for you, from Malaysia." Martina was taking inventory of the kitchen bench's contents. "Chicken salad, three place settings - no, two - no, three - no, one - I'll guess it's three - the teapot isn't broken - let's see, let's see." Her aunt lifted a large, squishy parcel that made delightfully crinkly sounds as her fingers closed around it. "Martina?" Martina was taking inventory of the floor. "Caramel carpet - short shag - no stain near the phone stand - let's see." Her pa had collapsed in his armchair. He wasn't watching anymore. Martina sailed through the kitchen, entering from the other door, with her arms stretched out widely. Her aunt displayed bewilderment. "How did she get over there?" "It's better not to ask," said Martina's pa. "She lives in her own way." His sister tapped a fingertip on the side of her mouth. "You can give her the gift later. Did you read that awful thing in the paper today, about the bus driver?" |
 |
|
|
Probability: The Art of the Lazy Ko Lying Snake and The Forgetful Hat, Part 1
|
