frank

Frank loved the sea. The last time he could remember visiting it was when he was on holidays from elementary school, but still, he loved the sea. When he took the long walk from his downtown dormitory to U of Birmingham, there were moments when he tasted salt spray as it ran down his face and other moments when he could feel the sidewalk pitching fore and aft under his feet. But Frank had good sea legs.

“Morning, Mr. Sing.” Frank raised his voice as he stopped outside the Chinese fruit and vegetable market.
“Ah, good morning to you too, Frank!” came Mr. Sing’s reply. “Where you going?
“To school.” Frank said with a grin, preparing himself for the next question.
“Ah. What you take?”
“Cultural studies.”

“Ahhh.” Mr. Sing wagged his head in approval. “Culture studies. Very good. Well, here…study makes hungry boy.” With no further observations, Mr. Sing planted a large apple in Frank’s palm.

“Thanks, Mr. Sing.” Peeling back the cellophane lattice that protected the apple, Frank snapped off a bite and resumed his walk.

Sailors are particularly fond of apples, he was quite sure.