Running on Sunday

Razors and Scissors

"Hi," Robert greets everyone generally entering the Barbershop. A local recluse, Clyde, is sitting in the chair farthest from everyone and closest to the far corner of the room, lolling his head and mumbling. By the way Claude is staring in everyone's direction mumbling, Robert isn't too sure if he should be trying to listen to Clyde or continue to tune Clyde's mumbles out with the clear conversation around him.

There is only one chair and one Barber in Palin, Tiny Toot. She cleans, cuts, designs, and shapes every man, woman, and child's head hair. She nods at Robert passing a couple seemingly waiting for their turn in the seat, and continues about the importance of having a fine razor. Everyone listens to Tiny Toot speak about grooming because of her experience with so many different clients. She always reminds her customers: "It's about the clipping in the time--not the time you been clipping. Don't forget," and then she continues on about any grooming topic she thinks her customers in the Barbershop might need.

No one ever argues against Tiny Toot's logic.  When Tiny Toot begins to finely detail certain grooming procedures, Robert notices Clyde makes louder groans and moans that might be indicating his agreeance with everyone else nodding their heads confirming wisdom in Tiny Toot's grooming advice, at least their agreeance. Robert is glad: the customer in the chair heads out with the other two seemingly waiting for a cut. Tiny Toot shakes each of their hands and thanks them for their tip on their way out. Robert notices twenty dollars drops into the tip jar near the entrance. Tiny Toot releases a calming sigh, "Passersby. I'm grateful for 'em. City tippers are good in Palin. At least from Lien. That's for sure."

Clyde stands to sweep the area around Tiny Toot's chair, and Robert slowly approaches the chair as to not interfere with Clyde cleaning. "What'll it be? You preppin' to look pretty? You handlin' business?" Tiny Toot analyzes Robert's head. She places him through the same procedure every time. She treats all of her customers with the same care.

Robert speaks low, "I have a few more interviews coming up. I want to make sure to look my best." Tiny Toot laughs. She slaps the seat a few times,

"Well, sit on down. You've been interviewing for two months! I don't know if a haircut is going to help you now. My goodness. Don't look good for them. Look good for you! I'll make you look fresh. Yes. I'll make you look real good, but-- all the work I do with my razors and scissors don't mean anything if I'm helping groom someone that doesn't appreciate theirself. Understand?" Robert nods his head sitting down. Clyde groans and moans loudly heading to his seat in the far corner.

Tiny Toot runs her hands through Robert's hair with her cleaning solution, blow dries his hair, and then proceeds with his haircut. She removes her rubber gloves afterward and grabs the mirror for Robert to observe himself. He stands from the chair and reaches in his backpocket for his wallet. Tiny Toot raises a hand motioning for Robert to stop. "Pay me by listening to my advice. Remember me when you get your job. You always come in here. You're fine." Robert smiles at Tiny Toot's extending her hand toward him and shakes her hand. "I'd help you with a little part-time work, but Clyde does a pretty good job. He's a diligent-quiet worker." Clyde begins making his way to clean about the chair. Robert thanks Tiny Toot on his way out the door to the local Bicycle shop.