Make Up a Story
Stories from Around the World
SHOE SHINE” – 28th July, 2015
Storytellers: Anna, Anne C, Joyce Wa, Jan.
It's early winter in Boston as we look upon a busy shopping mall. Guisseppi, the shoe shiner, appears to be a very small man compared to his customer Manual. We feel its disrespectful that Manual is smoking his pipe over Guisseppi, as he may find it unpleasant.
Guisseppi began his trade a few years before marrying Maria. They have 8 kids, so he works at this spot from dawn to dusk, before going onto his evening job cleaning offices. He is a good Catholic husband, father and provider. As young boy he immigrated with his parents and siblings from Sicily.
Manual owns and runs the restaurant opposite with his wife Lena. It is called 'Pappa's' and has been a success for over ten years. There are six children who help in the restaurant on the weekends.
The two gentlemen have formed a supportive bond from seeing and talking daily. No money exchanges between them. Manual gives Guisseppi soda pop and candy for his family daily and in return has his shoes shined.
Manuel is intensely watching someone opposite looking a bit suspicious. Is this person about to shoplift? No, shortly he moves on but it pays to keep your eye on things Manual thinks to himself.
Guisseppi and Manual have decided to meet at a local park for a picnic and introduce their two families to each other. The children appear to be around the same age range, so it should be a fun day for all.
In the meantime the crowds hurry on by on their way to work - another day and the good life goes on!
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