The Priest -- 3

 Jozef sat next to the mayor, lost in the spectacle of the circus, just as he had been as a little boy.

First, in the opening parade, the circus showed off their animals and artists. A large elephant marched in, each step a small earthquake.

Jozef half expected a little brown-skinned girl to lead it, as had happened when he’d visited the circus the only other time he ever had. But this elephant was led by a large, portly man with tails and a large black hat.

A group of trained dogs followed the elephant. The mayor's grandchildren shrieked at their antics, but Jozef’s mind wandered. Nina had been her name. He’d never forget the time he’d spend with her.

Now four beautiful horses cantered in, in perfect step, with four women in glittering costumes riding them. The pink of their dresses gave the perfect counterpoint to the horses’ glistening dark-brown hide, and once again, Jozef’s memory flashed back to the little girl in her pink tutu, which had set off her gorgeous dark skin so beautifully.

The clowns came next, and Jozef lost himself in the joy of watching their antics. After the clowns the ringmaster took off his long black hat and announced the first attraction, a never before seen feat, the human pyramid, consisting entirely of one family from farthest China.

Jozef laughed and clapped with the rest of the townspeople, lost in the joy of watching a circus performance once again.

After the elephant and the horses did their tricks, the ringmaster announced, “And now, ladies and gentlemen, you will experience the flying Bufanas. Not only are they here from the most exotic lands in Africa, they will also show you how humans can defy gravity.”

He turned and bowed to three people rushing in, two black men in glittering green and a dark girl in bright yellow.

Jozef started. With her curly black hair held back in a yellow bow, he could see her face clearly, the beautiful large black eyes and the perky nose. She looked just like Nina, except older. He almost didn’t hear the ringmaster who had turned to the group.

The men in green stepped forward and the ringmaster said, “Bruno and Bela Bufana. Together with their beautiful sister,” he turned to the girl, “Nina Bufana, they’ll amaze and delight you.”

Nina stepped forward and curtsied to the audience. Her eyes met Jozef’s, and she started. At that moment Jozef knew his life would never be the same again.


Read more tomorrow!