Translated from Russian by Julia Stacey
“Alright Cozy, leave your fairy tales for this evening, at that time we will listen to you with pleasure, since TV does not work anyway. For now, though, stop babbling and keep cleaning. It’s almost time to open the shop, and, perhaps, Herr Renck will remember his little whim and find time to drop by after all.”
“My name is Asinak Hook, Herr Stolz.”
“What? What kind of a name is that? I can't even say it. I told you already, I am going to call you Cozy”, said the old man irritably. “Get to work and remember that dishes are waiting for you in the kitchen. And they won't wash themselves as in the old days. Oh! What have I done to deserve all this in my old age? After all, I should be living a life of leisure in retirement.
Shop owner Bruno Stolz shuffled towards the stairs to the second, master's, floor. He was still a very strong man and could walk normally, lifting his feet, as expected, above the floor, but after the Reunification, he adapted an image of a person burdened with life and deceived by fate. Since then, he has been working on perfecting the image.
By the stairs, the old man stopped, turned his bald head crowned with a band of hair over his ears, and looked suspiciously at the boy.
“You do remember that you are not allowed to approach the English chair, don’t you?” He asked with steal in his voice and raising his hooked finger sternly.
“Of course, I do, Herr Stolz.” The boy's face wore an expression of meek obedience. Ears turned innocently pink on his large head, more suitable for a much taller teenager. Cozy was thin and barely reached the second button on the shopkeeper's waistcoat.
This boy’s answer but, perhaps more importantly, his intonation, appeared to satisfy the old man. His finger swayed in the air and sank. Bruno’s dry hand gripped the stair railing and he silently shuffled upstairs, thinking to himself that it was worthwhile reminding the boy once again how grateful he should be for finding shelter with such a kind master. And this at a time when housing in Parchem is becoming more expensive with each passing week. Albeit, Cozy lived in a dark closet that looks more like a wardrobe. Actually, it used to be the kitchen pantry for cans and dry food. Truth be told, the boy does not ask for any payment for his work, eats like a bird and hardly sleeps. Nonetheless…
