Blowing It, part 4

The competition between Prithi and Sebastian ramps up as we get a little peek into Sebastian's thoughts....

Get caught up: part 1, part 2, part 3…

Sebastian was hot and bothered. How dare she? He was sick of everyone belittling his business: his parents, friends, and now some low-rent puppeteer. Her stories were engaging, but those puppets looked tired, and that set was janky. Sebastian looked around at his air pump and helium tanks. He could use a little more decor. He’d take a page from Prithi’s book and add more pizazz to his balloon banter. Stories. I can do stories.

Sebastian set up a balloon arch the following Sunday. He inflated a dozen more with his logo to hand out. His placard read, “Peter and the Wolf: performance and balloon artistry.” Children sat around him while orchestral music played. Sebastian created and distributed birds, ducks, and cats to the excited kids as he told Peter’s tale. The finale made the audience gasp, resulting in a packed crowd for his next show.

By the final show, Sebastian was riding on pure happiness. People enjoyed more than just his balloon animals. Things were flowing smoothly until Prithi slinked into his line of vision. Startled, he popped the balloon he was holding, causing several children to jump. She snickered. He replied with a smile and a wink.

He was disappointed when she stormed off. She’d miss the finale where he ballooned a duck within a wolf. He shook off the thought. Why would she care? Why do I care if she cares?

***

“I don’t see why you’re upset. You’re doing fine,” said Carmen, after having Prithi try her latest curry-infused salsa on their fish tacos. “Couldn’t there be room for two performers?”

“I was here first. Plus, he’s stealing my schtick. Did you know he’s doing stories now?”

“I hear he has this amazing balloon duck inside a… sorry,” said Carmen.

“Don’t be. He’s the thief. Soon, I’ll have the upper hand.”

“Prithi, what are you up to?”

“Let’s just say his next performance will fall flat.”

***

To be continued…

Ninamillerwrites