Morning sun shone through the trees, casting playful shadows on the empty square. Traders began setting up for the day ahead; unravelling old carpets and uncovering hidden treasures. A breeze nudged the crispy leaves along the path, bringing with it sounds of dogs and birds, making old newspapers quiver. The trees moved elegantly, sounding like waves breaking gently on a crystal beach. In the centre of the square stood a majestic fountain; its intricate stone carvings were unblemished and the clear water glistened in the sunlight. A spout of water shot from its top, raining down on the dry stone, changing its colour dramatically. As if on cue, shutters all around the square opened; life began.

A young man with short brown hair walked briskly towards a small café and placed himself at a stone table outside. The waiter quickly took his order and soon he was sipping delicately at a café latte. An older woman turned the corner and arrived at a café across the square. She briefly glanced at her watch before entering. Nearby a greengrocer flung open the doors of his shop and soon there was a busy crowd, eager to buy fresh produce for the day.

The smell of baking bread filled the clean air and pulled all to the bakers. The atmosphere already was like a fair ground; bright optimism and chatter formed a pleasant background noise for the gathering children who skipped joyfully across the scattered cobblestones, only stopping to stare drooling through patisserie windows at the sweet delicacies that lay beyond. Their mothers talked and laughed together as they guided their children away from temptations and on towards the school.

Soon only distant screams of happiness could be heard and, at the sound of a bell, the noise finally died away. All was peaceful…

The day whistled on and soon the sun was high overhead with only the gentle pitter patter of the fountain to help cool the heat. A light mist blew over the square and everyone took a moment to wallow in its refreshing wake.

Out of an open doorway strolled a sleek black cat, who glided over to the fountain and deftly jumped on to its rim, there he prowled cautiously around the rim before placing himself down in the warmest spot, basking in the suns glowing rays. He was approached by a bedraggled man, but paid him no attention as he set down his heavy pack and uncovered a pristine mahogany box. As the man struggled to remove the box from his bag its gold buttons glistened in the sunlight, sending golden reflections dancing around the square in a flurry. The man then took off his beret and placed it on the ground in front of him before sitting upon his pack. The bellows expanded. There was a moment of silence.

A sweet and joyful music erupted into the square, echoing off the walls and turnings people’s heads. Soon a small crowd was gathered around the new entertainment, some dropping a clatter of coins in the beret, most just listening avidly and enjoying the pleasant music of the accordion. The musician bowed his head in thanks as a huge grin stretched across his weathered face. The music climaxed to its innuendo and then suddenly and abruptly ended. The crowd was stunned in silence for a moment before vigorous applause rippled around the square. The musician was flattered and simply stood still, basking in the generous praise.

The crowd quickly dispersed, once again absorbed in conversation, and spread to the many cafés around the square to enjoy the music over lunch. The musician began a new song and people chattered happily to one another over delicious baguettes brimming with ripe tomatoes and succulent meat.

Woken unhappily from his slumber, the sleek black cat wove between the legs of customers, purring audibly. Friendly people leant town to stroke him and pamper him with tasty morsels of tuna or chicken.

It was lunchtime for everyone.

The sun edged onwards towards the horizon.

Appearing from a dark alleyway, a tall man walked briskly to the centre of the square. He had a sharp chin, adorned with a slight tuft of hair. He carried with him a leather bag, from which he now pulled three intricately carved wooden batons; the gold leaf inlay glittering beautifully in the orange sunlight.

He straightened his jacket with a purpose and looked sharply around the square. Then quite suddenly he threw each of the batons high into the air. They spun perfectly upwards and hung in the sky for a moment before falling back down. The juggler deftly caught each of them and began tossing them up in the air in a well practised rhythm; sending dancing spots of light scattering across the old houses lining the square.

His tricks increased in speed and complexity; throwing them behind him, using only one hand and balancing one on his nose. The audience gave a small gasp as he continued by adding the second to his chin.

He wobbled drunkenly around in an attempt to keep the batons balanced. Gingerly, he bent to the ground and felt blindly for his case, out of which he pulled a fourth baton. Gaining his balance once again, he stood still for a precious moment, before flinging each of the batons in to the air. It seemed all the batons were falling at once, but the juggler made quick work of them, sending them swirling into the air again.

The accordionist had finished his song and now watched the jugglers’ act thoughtfully. An Idea formed in his mind as he followed the spinning path of the batons.

This piece of prose was written some time ago, as a short assignment for English back in year 9 or so.