Trumpet

Old Malay hunched over his plate, black songkok pushed back on his head. Among the Malays these caps are either black or white, the latter associated with the hajj (hard and fast rules do not apply). Back of wardrobe cap this case, one that had lost its lustre. There may be a better, newer donned for formal occasions. The man has popped over to the market and grabbed a quick bite afterward. Clean enough the hat; even the best wife can't work miracles with worn and faded fabric, not under this unforgiving sun. What is lacking in the sheen of fabric here however more than compensated by the trumpet of bright poppy-red flowers pinned to the front rim, a trail of green leaves and stem for fixing. Off-centre to the right, just so. Mid seventies; not out of the question into his eighties. Long-sleeved shirt with sleeves rolled, jeans and shoes. Four large silver rings on the right hand, one for each finger; single only set with stone. On his way out a friend in front detained, botting a cigarette it looked at first. Only then did the left come clearly into view. Two rings were apparent while he sat at table. Two fingers carrying was right, but nothing of the standard form involved here. The fore- and middle fingers of the left hand carried the adornments, two rings each. Four rings. On the latter, the middle, the second ring rode uncomfortably it seemed on the knuckle. The pal doesn't want a fag. Rather and on the contrary, the gypsy sought an ear to chew. One might have guessed, lair like that. The other a straight-man: solid, dependable, quiet and retiring. Not a sparkler of any description; wrist-watch was all. Rattling like an old woman the poseur; tin for tabacci. Can't be put off no matter what signs of impatience and inattention received. Road-noise, the overhead fans, busy Thursday market crowd—rises above it all effortlessly. Deafness isn't going to save his victim. And one final surprise. The right thumb all of a sudden, like a joker from the pack. Almost positively bare earlier. Performer and quick-change artist this chap, employing a range of diversions in order to produce his sleight of hand. Still unlit fag.