Manny, Manny

Manny was known to all the store owners, many of whom also knew Libby and Sol, so Manny was never begrudged a meal. In fact, they often consulted him about the quality of their produce. Whenever they called out to him, Manny, even if he heard them, which he often did, would never respond. He worried that they were going to chastise him. Having a reputation of being hearing impaired did have its advantages.

Over the years, Manny developed an ability to lip-read… not intentionally of course, as that would have taken too much effort… it just happened. He was so adept at it, he could interpret what someone was saying from across the room. That made him a favourite at parties, where his buddies always wanted to know what the girls were saying about them. Manny loved to do it, and would sometimes bend the truth! Just a little, so that if the girls’ comments were not so flattering no one would have their feelings hurt.

One job that Manny did have, only for two days at a time of course, was to stand outside a Pawn Shop on Craig St, urging passerbys to enter. He was fired when the owner found out that he was working for the Pawn Shop next door …. at the same time …. and getting paid by both!

Manny really loved going to the movies. There he could be transported away to exotic places. His favourite theatre was the “stem” on Ste Catherine west of Bleury. Originally called the “System”, the “S” and the “Y” had dropped off the marquis sign – hence the “stem”. There he not only watched three films for $1.50, but could also sit through them a second time. Now that was the way to spend an afternoon.

The best part of going to the “stem” was being able to walk through the aisles between shows and collect unfinished bags of popcorn – never those that had fallen on the floor… after all, Manny did have his standards!

When Libby and Sol decided to move south for their health, (Libby had arthritis and Sol couldn’t be happy without her) Manny had the house all to himself. Now that was true freedom. He had his friends, his walks, and his lipreading. What else could a person want? He was very content. It was certainly more than enough for him! … until he met Sammy. Sammy was a tousle-headed 9-year-old who moved in across the street from Manny.

Manny noticed that Sammy always played alone. He never seemed to have any friends. This made Manny sad. So one afternoon he called out to him. “Hey kid” he shouted across the street. No response. Manny yelled louder. Still no response from Sammy. Then a lady standing at Sammy’s front door said “No use shouting, Sammy don’t hear so well.”

So Manny crossed the street and sat down on the curb next to Sammy.