A Tiny Munchkin Named Sebastien

I have just finished folding the heavy gray protective sheets that we have to place over the display cases at the end of each day when the kiosk is closed - and when I turn around, there is a little boy in the space between my cash counter and the display cases.  Normally, this area that I jokingly call my office is reserved for paying costumers, but I am thinking at the moment that I can make an exception for such a cutie!!

Upon getting closer to him, I see that he only reaches me about mid-thigh and as I place my hands on my hips, he is still unaware that I am even there!  So, I stand behind him with my be-ringed hands resting on my curvy hips, arms crooked and legs straight, look at him with a mock angry face and demand, "Qu'est s'que tu fais la toi?"

He spins around, perplexed that there is someone talking to him, and glances at his father, who has wisely stayed out of the restricted space, for reassurance.  My smile erupts from my face as I crouch down in front of this dirty-blond haired boy, our eyes at the same level.  I poke at a small wet stain on his little protruding belly with my index finger and ask, "Qu'est s'qui c'est passé a ton chandail?"  His light grayish blue eyes look into mine as he responds, "J'ai chapé d'l'eau."

"Oh!  La villaine eau!  Tu l'as tu chicané pour avoir tombé sur toi?"  I seriously implore this adorable youngster dressed in a gray turtleneck and faded blue jeans.  He shakes his head and continues to look at me, his head now bowed in shyness.

"C'est quoi ton nom toi?"  I inquire while still crouching.

"Sebastien."  He mumbles, smiling only at the corners of his mouth.

I extend my hand and say, "Moi, c'est Marie-Eve.  Enchanté Sebastien."  When he doesn't take my hand, I ask him whether he knows how to shake hands or not, to which he replies no with a shake of his head.

"Et bien, tu prends la main de la personne, non cheri, l'autre main, et la, tu donne un petit coup comme ca."  I gently shake his miniature hand in what seems like my pretty big one.  He holds on to my hand after I am finished shaking his because he does not know that he is supposed to let go! 

After I have given him this short lesson on hand shaking, he flashes his tiny teeth at me in a mischievous smile while his chubby cheeks stand out, ready to be pinched.  He darts between the two modules so as to rejoin his father and I unfold myself, watching him running away in the corridor while his father follows slowly behind.