By Giovanni Galavotti, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 2 – At School
The next day, at school, Michele tells his classmates about the wonderful Sunday with his family and especially about the goldfish.
“It’s more orange than red,” he says “and it has two big black eyes. There’s a fin on its back and two smaller fins under its belly, like our arms. It also has a big fin behind and a mouth that goes like this….” Michele puckers his lips as if to give someone a kiss, imitating the goldfish.
“That’s nothing new” says one of the classmates, Francesco. “Lots of people have goldfish. I’ve got three.”
“But mine, mine is big….”replies Michele.
The other laughs. “How big?”
Michele opens his arms. “This big!”
They all stare at him in amazement. But Francesco shakes his head. “I don’t believe it. Bring it to school and show us.”
Michele is silent for a moment, then says “I can’t. It’s too big.”
“Then bring a photo of you beside it,” says Francesco,”so we can see if it really is as big as you say.”
This time Michele can’t say no. “OK, I’ll bring a photo.”
Michele, Michele, lies have short legs. What are you going to do now?