The streets of Mauville are bustling this Wednesday afternoon, as usual. The air is abuzz with chatter and the sounds of life as people go about their shopping: for groceries, clothes, gifts. Chatter, life, and something else. A rhythmic pattering.

1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-and-a-2, 3-and-a-4.

It's an odd sight on a weekday. A woman dressed in eye-catching clothing with a face done up with paint, comically large shoes on her feet with metal bits on their soles, tap dancing alongside her pokemon -- a Mr. Mime with icy tap shoes of his own. They do their routine wordlessly from atop a small wooden stage.

As mentioned, an odd sight on a weekday.

"Mimien, I didn't expect you today!" a passerby shouts, not stopping his business but waving. Without missing a beat Mimien glances up and gives him a smile and a wave in turn.

"As quiet as ever! Can we expect you on the weekend, same as always?"

His question is met with a still wider smile and an enthusiastic nod. The bells affixed to the ends of her cap ring as if the accentuate her excitement. The man nods and gives another wave before leaving her to her routine.

Usually she saves the gift that is her show for weekend regulars; but something about today just felt right -- schedule be damned!

eric moon

☉