A chocolate coin

Just outside the train station, buskers were performing. A string quartet played patriotic sea shanties. One white-faced clown made Kate a balloon animal. I gave her a coin to give him, and he gravely asked if she had a chocolate coin instead. Kate’s face brightened, for there, tucked in a pouch in the back of her stroller, were a few chocolate coins covered in gold foil. I’m sure the clown regretted his moment of whimsy, for his professional smile cracked when presented with golden payment for his modeled balloon.