'Time Killer' by Dimitra Fimi

Hercule Poirot stood in his shiny, patterned leather shoes. Next to him, the Boy’s trainers looked scuffed, discoloured.

Poirot’s tailored cream suit crisped next to the Boy’s soft joggers and plain top. Luscious moustaches shined next to the Boy’s nose, slightly blocked from hay fever. The black homburg hat shuddered next to a bright-yellow Pikachu cap. Complete with ears.

Hercule Poirot and the Boy continued to look silently at the display of pricey watches. The airport lights were disorienting. A chaotic day. Many flights delayed.

“Is that a rabbit hat that you’re wearing?” Poirot asked.

“No. Pikachu is a mouse,” said the Boy.

“A strange mouse,” muttered Poirot.

“He’s an electric type,” offered the Boy.

“Are you thinking of buying a watch?” asked Poirot.

“No. They’re too expensive,” said the Boy. “I’m just looking. Hoping time will go faster and we’ll get on the plane at last.”

“Ah. You’re – how do you say it – killing the time?”

“I guess so.”

“I catch killers,” smiled Poirot.

“Like Ash catches Pikachu?” asked the Boy. 

“Pardon?”

The boy looked at Poirot head-to-toe.

“When are you from?” he asked.

“About a hundred years ago,” said Poirot.

“Are you flying too?”

“Certainly not. I didn’t like flying then. It’s even more uncomfortable now.”

“That’s what my dad says,” agreed the Boy.

Poirot looked at his pocket watch.

“I am afraid I have to go,” he said. “I’ve got a murderer to apprehend.”

“You got to catch them all,” grinned the Boy.

“I always do,” said Poirot. “It was great to have made your acquaintance,” he bowed. “You and that… mouse.”

The Boy watched him waddling away, leaning on his stick. As Poirot disappeared among the crowd, the advertisement screen over the watch display flashed with the next slogan.

Time flies.