The Adventures of the Craftsman at the Fair – A Novel in 6 Dramatic Episodes

Narrated by me, a humble artisan, survivor of yet another craft fair.

Episode 1: The Cement Sommelier

He approaches slowly. His gaze is attentive. He picks up a lamp.
Bring it to your nose. Inhale deeply.

— “Hmmm… is that cement?”

No, ma'am, it's a minimalist cheesecake from the spring-summer collection.

It sits there smelling as if you were at a Douro wine tasting.
The lampshade spins in my hand. It smells new.

"I like the aroma."

Aroma? Ma'am, this was made with a 25kg bag of cement from Leroy Merlin.

Episode 2: The ATM Customer

This is a classic. He approaches enthusiastically.

— “I love it! That’s it! I’ll take this piece!”

I end up smiling. Finally, recognition!

"I'm just going to withdraw some cash and I'll be right back."

Spoiler: it's not coming back.

I stand there, staring at the horizon like an abandoned character in a prime-time soap opera. Sometimes, I imagine him living a parallel life, stuck in an endless ATM queue.

Episode 3: Cousin Does It Too

This goes in safely.

"Oh, that's cute... my cousin does that too."

Silence.

Congratulations to my cousin, then. May she have much success, health, and quality cement.

I'm always waiting for you to add:
"But she does worse."

It never happens.

Episode 4: The Price Auditor

Look at the piece. Turn it over. Analyze it. Sigh.

"It's expensive..."

Expensive? It's hours of work, trial and error, broken parts, sanding, sealant, pigments, back pain, and a slight existential crisis.

Yes, it is expensive. Coffee at €0.90 is a solid investment.

Episode 5: The Discount Hunter

"If I buy two, will you give me a discount?"

"Is there a discount?"

"What's the best price?"

My friend... this isn't a Moroccan rug from a tourist market.

Sometimes I feel like replying:
"If you get three, I'll offer you a hug and a motivational story." Ultimately, maybe it'll just end up hitting him on the back.

Episode 6: The Resistance Specialist

— “And does that leave?”

No. It's indestructible. Tested by NASA.

"Can I see if it's heavy?"

Sure, give it a try. If you drop it, it's part of the sensory experience.

End of chapter. Next fair, new characters.
Because the fair isn't just a market — it's a Mexican soap opera in an artisanal version.