The Priest -- 5

Jozef's three brothers were next to ride the elephant

Mother turned to Papa. “Is it all right if they take a ride on the elephant, Piotr?”

Papa, in a great mood, nodded. “But only one. That animal can carry all four.” He handed her some money.

Mother approached the boy who collected money from the visitors. “How much for my four boys?” she asked and pointed to Jozef and his brothers.

The young man looked at the boys and shook his head. “They’re too big already. Our elephant is old. It can only carry three of them.” He named a price for one ride with three children.

Mother frowned. She turned to the boys. “Januz, you’re too old anyway. Let the younger ones ride.”

Januz groaned. “I really want to ride.”

“Januz!” Papa growled.

Januz turned away from the group. Jozef heard him mutter. “It’s always me. Why do I have to be the eldest?”

Jozef saw his opportunity. He would have liked to ride the elephant, but he wanted to talk to that girl more than the wanted the ride. He pulled on Mama’s hand.

“Mama.” He looked at her with big eyes, hoping she’d see the little boy he used to be. “I don’t really want to ride. The elephant is so big. Let Januz ride. He wants to.”

Mama looked down at him frowning. “Are you sure?”

He nodded, not trusting himself to say anything else.

“Okay then.” Mama called Januz, then turned back to Jozef. “He’ll ride. You stay here. Don’t you get lost, hear?”

Jozef nodded.

Mama and Papa herded the other boys towards the elephant and helped them up.

Jozef glanced at the girl who was still leaning against the cage. She was done eating, and when his eyes caught hers, she gave him a brilliant smile.

Jozef walked up to her.