A gift

UGLY MUG

 

The three barber chairs are occupied. Tony opens the screen door and walks in. He plops down on the somewhat rickety shoe shine stand and before he can blink, Joe has his can of shoe polish and a rag, a brush,  ready for him. 'Whoa, Brother, not today. I'm just waitin' on Mickey.' Oh, yes, he'd like a shine but is too embarrassed to say he can't afford it. To Mickey, the owner of the shop and somewhat a friend of his, he asks him if it's okay to just stick around and read the new Gazette.  'I'm out of work again , Mick, and just need a little company this mornin'.'

 

Tony is serious but also knows Mick has a big heart and sits patiently waiting for his freebee cut. As soon as Mick's customer steps off the chair, he motions for Tony to sit down, have a steam treatment and a close haircut. His big twirling moustache always makes Tony giggle. The white, black striped protection cover is around Tony's neck in a second. Mike gives the chair one fast spin, turns to take the wet towel out of the steamer and he still yells, 'ouch' every time. Most customers try not to when their faces are shrouded in hot steam, but painful squeals escape.

 

The hot towel cools and Mickey strops his razor, lathers Tony's face without asking if he wants a shave. He can watch the magician in the big mirror. Blue, red, bottles of toiletries have silver hats and stand in rows on the shelves. They take Tony's mind off of his penury, his accepting again the kindness of Mick. Dozens of shaving mugs are on shelves, mugs of all colors, sizes, some with names. They always fascinate him. There is one in particular he has asked for but doesn't get. It was his grandfather's.

 

The haircut is perfect, the shave soothing. He even smiles as he is spun around in the chair. As he begins to again realize his position, all he can do is thank the small man whose heart is so big and moustache too long. Something seems missing.Tony looks again and again directly into Mike's face and realizes while his face was being steamed Mike must have shaved off his own moustache. He doesn't look like himself. Words blurt out. 'Why did you do that? Where is your moustache? I loved your silly moustache.'

 

Mike turns to the mugs, takes down two and explains. 'Tony,' he says. 'I've' never really liked my moustache. It's been a pain in my ass  and a nuisance so here is the ugliest mug on the shelves, mine. I won't need it any more and as long as I'm giving you mine, here's your grandfather's.

 

You look a lot like him, Boy.'