Inspirational English, Issue 39, July/Aug 2017 Inspirational English, Issue 39 July Aug 2017 | Page 16

Grasshopperboy
Two kids moved into the much-talked-about Housh. It was an old large house with a couple of similar
rooms that surrounded a large courtyard. A palm tree stood barren and alien in the middle and cast its
shade on a fount that spouted water from everywhere. Tops of trees appeared high from behind the
Housh.
“Here’s our man, I think.” muttered the short kid.
“How is it going? “asked the tall kid, looking at the man.
“My work is good, my income is ample and I love cheerfulness.” jerked out the stranger.
The kids looked at the hump on the back of the man and held back a laughter that they thought it might
have vexed the crippled man.
“Do it.” jested the hunchback, “It’s hurting to keep it chained growling over your chest.”
His voice was stern and tough but not the least hostile. The kids gazed at him and still felt fright. The
hunchback realized their fear. He let his look flex so that he could dispel their grief and hesitation. The
boys, then, smiled wide and got joyous. They winked at each other and started their naughtiness.
The man pointed to them to follow him. They walked cheerfully and playfully. When they reached a night
carousel, they wanted to get involved. However, they suspected and wondered whether they had to leave
and set off home.
“Leave? Where? To that father of yours who wants you to learn a craft or to my pushy father who wants
me to attend school?” argued the taller and thinner kid.
“Better than this labyrinth that leads to nowhere.” the short boy nodded and ran away.
Meet the author
is a senior teacher of English in the Area
of El Kef, Tunisia. He teaches English as a foreign languge
for secondary students : 15yrs to 20yrs.
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