storytellers-saloon prompt - Circus Performers Are People Too

The challenge was a short story using all of a number of suggested words - confrontation, clap, coach, zoom, tumbler, clumsy, digestion, letter, giant and whip

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Posters were up all over town - the circus was coming!

Excited kids were suddenly more than willing to do as parents asked, even things they weren't asked to do. For many it would be the first time seeing a real circus with a big top and animals and entertainers and imaginations ran wild.

Things inside the circus office wagon were not as jubilant. Max Wilder was facing opposition with some of the performers. So far the tour had been successful and profitable but Max had been unwilling to share those profits. Now he was faced with a confrontation that could prove to be a giant headache if the performers refused to go on.

Rent had already been paid for the site. A bond had been posted as insurance for any accidents or damage involving the audience.

The show had to go on.

The trapeze act was the biggest draw and the most exciting. It also stimulated the digestion of the audience, boosting food concession sales. It was also the most expensive to finance; the team consisted of five performers and their coach who were front and centre in the protest.

They weren't after more for themselves but they agreed that others should have a larger share. His argument was they would have no work or income at all if it wasn't for his circus and the investments he had made in creating and promoting it. They countered with the argument that he would have no circus to promote without them.

Time was running out.

People were arriving and the grinder was touting all the amazing things they would see for the price of their ticket. Children jiggled with excitement over the bright painted posters of a lion tamer wielding his whip at the ferocious lion or the beautifully costumed lady standing on the back of a prancing white horse.

A clown with a large bow tie, chequered coat, baggy pants and huge shoes, strolled past the line-up. His large cluster of balloons floated above the crowd whom he favoured with a tip of his bowler and his painted smile.

More excitement from the children as a circus balloon became a must and sighing parents doled out the price and joined in the laughter as the clown feigned a clumsy stumble as he handed the children their purchase.

Inside the argument became desperate. Max envisioned facing a crowd of angry disappointed townspeople, telling them there would be no performances. Finally he conceded. He would agree to an increase in share and would put the details in a letter by the end of the day.

The manager opened the trailer door and said the seats were nearly full; it was time. The music began and the hum of the audience could be heard as they readied themselves for the show. Max shook a few hands as he left the trailer and headed for the centre ring.

A tumbler flew past him doing incredible flips and twists all the way around the ring curbs, bringing loud cheers of appreciation as Max, stunned by the action entered the ring, arms raised and wearing a genuinely huge smile.

As he introduced the performer's parade the crowd began to clap until the applause was thunderous inside the tent and Max felt his pride zoom, realizing these artists were his family and as its head he should never forget . . .

circus performers are people too!