'A bear in the marketplace' by Birgit K. Gaiser

Velika stopped dead when she saw the stuffed bear in the marketplace. He was extremely fluffy, and would be very nice to cuddle up with. One of his eyes was a little wonky, and he had a “sale” sticker on one paw.

“How much for the bear please?” she asked. Saying “please” was important.

“Ten crowns,” the stall owner said.

“Oh,” Velika said. “I only have three.”

A middle-aged woman squeezed in next to Velika. “Two dozen candles.”

“One moment, Danijela. I’m speaking with a customer.”

“She doesn’t have the money. Come on, I’m in a rush.”

The man slowly placed the candles before her.

“How much?” she said, grabbing the boxes.

“Nine crowns.”

“Nine crowns? That’s—”  

“Ten crowns then. One more for every time you complain. Next time, ask before you touch the merchandise.”

A young man stepped up next to the rude woman. “Bruno, did you manage to fix my portfolio?”

“One moment, Anton. Danijela here is in a hurry.”

Danijela threw a banknote on the table, huffed and walked off. Bruno pocketed the note and pulled a huge, flat leather case from a box. “There you go, Anton. Twenty-seven crowns.”

“Keep the change,” Anton said, handing over three bank notes.

Bruno smiled at Velika. “The bear just got cheaper, young lady. Three crowns please if you still have them”

“But—”

“Danijela paid bear tax for being rude, and Anton paid it because he’s nice.”

Velika handed over her pocket-money. “Thank you,” she said, knowing enough not to look a gift bear in the mouth. “Can I call him Bruno?”

“That’s a fine name for a bear,” the human Bruno said. “I think he’ll be very happy with you.”