“Maybe the Karen, Mon, and Shan leaders will follow if Maung Maung promises a power-sharing deal with the ethnic opposition,” the barber suggested with an innocent shrug, laying his scissors on the table.
“My friend, that’s why we’ve changed our minds and don’t want to bet on the junta’s road map,” the Kachin whispered, sitting up and looking directly at the barber.
Just then, another customer entered the store and the two men fell silent.
“I’ll be with you in one minute,” called the barber with a smile. The customer sat down just as the Kachin stood up. He looked at the barber and smiled carefully.
He rummaged in his pocket and suddenly looked shocked. “Oh my!” he exclaimed. “I don’t have any money. How stupid!”
He leaned closer to the barber and whispered: “Myanmar Economic Holdings couldn’t afford to pay us for the jade this month. They asked us for credit. I wonder, my friend, if you could do the same. Could I pay you next month when I’m back in Rangoon?”
“Don’t worry about it,” shrugged the barber. “Save your money. Let’s call it my contribution to a federal union.”
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