Hi, Rebecca Shear here. Before we get to our story, exciting news.
Circle Round is going back on tour. with live recordings across the united states our first stop Sunday, October 5th in Parker, Colorado at the Pace Center.
And Circle Round Club members are invited to a special post-show meet and greet with me and composer Eric Shimalonis.
Get your tickets at wbur.org slash circle around and click on events.
We're announcing more tour stops soon, so stay tuned.
We look forward to circling around with you live.
Produced by the iLab at WBUR Boston. Have you ever needed help with something?
If so did you reach out and ask someone to lend a hand?
In today's story, we'll meet a character who isn't very keen on asking for help.
But he gets it in more ways than he ever imagined.
¶¶ I'm Rebecca Shearer, and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time.
Today our story is called Every Other Friday.
Versions of this tale originally come from Mexico.
Some really great people came together to bring you our adaptation of this folktale, including Melora Hardin and Gilder Jackson.
Grownups, you might know Emmy Award nominee Melora Hardin from The Office, Transparent, and Freeform's hit show, The Bold Type, where she appears alongside real-life husband, Gilder Jackson.
This story also kicks off our special summer series with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. and features musical accompaniment by BSO double bassist Ben Levy.
And now, circle around, everyone, for Every Other Friday.
Not long ago... In a bustling town with a river flowing right down the middle, there lived a baker named Marco.
Once upon a time, Markov ran his very own bakery.
But while Marco's Bake Shop got many rave reviews, He never sold enough sweets and treats to make ends meet, so he had to close his doors. and had struggled to make a living ever since.
Marco lived with his aging mother. his ailing father, and his seven boisterous children in a cramped little house at the edge of town.
As the weather grew colder and his family's bellies grew emptier, Marco knew he had to do something.
Ah, I can't let my mother, father, and children starve.
I guess I'll just go out into the streets and beg.
Marco put on his worn-out shoes and shabby coat and walked through the town.
His threadbare cap upturned in his hand.
Pardon me, miss? Could you spare a coin or two?
Sir! Any chance you have some extra change?
Some of the townspeople dropped a coin into Marco's cap.
Most didn't. Desperate and sad, he kept wandering.
Eventually, he found himself standing at the marble steps of a beautiful mansion.
The grand building was owned by a rich and powerful countess.
And as Marco stared up at the stately pillars and archways, the lofty towers and stained glass windows, he suddenly heard, excuse me, a voice.
Sir, can I help you? Marco looked to see whose voice it was.
And who should he spy rushing out the front door and hopping down the marble steps but the Countess herself?
The aristocratic woman wore a frilly satin dress, lavish jewelry, and fancy leather boots with the highest heels Marco had ever seen.
Oh, I hope I didn't startle you, sir. It's just that I saw you come trudging up the road just now, and you looked so very...
Very sad... Wait a minute. The countess tilted her head.
Do I know you? Marco felt his cheeks burn.
No, ma'am, you don't know me. I'm just...
Another nobody. Sorry to disturb you. He was about to turn on the heel of his worn-out shoe and shuffle away.
But then... Wait! I do know you! You're Marco the Baker!
Marco's body stiffened. No one knew him as Marco the Baker anymore.
After all, he'd been forced to shut down his business so very long ago.
Yes! You're Marco the Baker! Wow! You know, Marco, your bread pudding was to die for. and your sweet corn cake?
Unbelievable! Whatever happened to your bakery?
Marco looked at the ground and gave a shrug.
Let's just say I had to close up shop. The countess frowned.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear it. Do you think he'll ever open up a new one?
Marco stared at the Countess. The truth was he wanted to open a new bakery more than anything in the world. but he could never afford it.
No, ma'am. I don't think I'll open a new bakery anytime soon.
Well, that's a shame. I would walk a thousand miles for one of your pecan shortbread cookies.
Although not in these shoes, of course. The Countess pointed to her fancy, high-heeled boots.
Marco tried to smile. I thank you for your kind words, madam.
But I really should be going. Nonsense! The countess grabbed Marco's hand.
He noticed that a dazzling ring encircled each one of her perfectly manicured fingers.
Look, Marco, it seems you've fallen on hard times, and...
I want to help you. So please, come inside.
Thank you. Marco followed the elegant woman up the marble steps, through the front door, a cavernous room with vaulted ceilings and a crystal chandelier. the Countess motioned for Marco to sit down on a plush velvet chair.
So tell me, Who else lives with you in your home?
You do have a home, don't you? Marco nodded.
"'Luckily I do, though not a very big one.'
I share it with my frail old parents and my seven rambunctious kids.
Wow, that's quite a full house. But good to know.
Wait right here, please. The Countess sashayed out of the room.
Minutes later, she came breezing back in, trailed by a butler The butler was holding a large sack.
Inside this sack, Marco, you will find gifts for you, your mother, your father, and your seven rambunctious kids.
I've packed some clothing, some groceries, some money.
But before I give you these gifts, I need you to promise me one thing.
Marco's heart raced. Of course, Countess.
I'll do anything. Very well. I need you to promise me that you'll come back to my house every two weeks.
On Fridays. Do that, and I will give you exactly what you and your family need.
You have my word, Countess. I'll come back to your house every other Friday.
Is there anything I can do to repay you?
The Countess grinned. Perhaps you can bake me a batch of those pecan shortbread cookies someday.
Now, take this sack back to your parents and kids.
And good luck, Marco the Baker. For the first time in a long time, Marco had a spring in his step as he traveled back to his cramped little house at the edge of town.
When he showed his family the clothing, groceries, and money the countess gave him, his children squealed, and his parents clapped their weathered old hands with delight.
Two weeks later, on a Friday afternoon, Marco made good on his promise to the Countess and returned to her mansion.
But when he went bounding up the steps and wrapped the big iron knocker on the door, The butler told him the countess was not at home.
Oh. I thought for sure she'd be here. Well...
Did she happen to leave a message for me for Marco the baker?
The butler thought for a moment. Actually, she did.
She told me I should give you this. The butler reached out a gloved hand and presented Marco with a small paper bag.
When Marco opened the bag and peered inside, His eyes grew wide and his jaw dropped.
Because what he saw was nothing like he expected.
Nothing at all. What do you think Marco found inside the Countess's paper bag?
We'll find out what it was after a quick break.
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Hiring? Indeed is all you need. end. Welcome back to Circle Round.
I'm Rebecca Shear. Today our story is called Every Other Friday.
Before the break, Marco was down at the heels and begging on the streets when he encountered an elegant countess.
The Countess had loved the sweets and treats Marco made at his bakery before he went out of business.
She invited Marco inside her mansion, then sent him home with a big sack of clothing, food, and money.
The Countess made Marco promise that he would return to her mansion every other Friday.
In exchange, she would give him exactly what he and his family needed.
So, two weeks later, Marco came back. The countess wasn't home, but she had instructed the butler to give Marco a small brown paper bag.
And when Marco looked inside the bag, he was astounded to see...
One loaf of bread. He shook his head at the butler.
I'm sorry, sir, but are you sure this is all the Countess wanted you to give me?
One loaf of bread? Indeed, sir, one loaf of bread.
Marco was confused. Granted, the loaf of bread was beautiful, all fresh and crusty and perfectly round, but the countess knew that Marco had a very full house.
Did she actually think one loaf of bread would be enough to feed him, his parents, and his seven children?
And does she actually think it would last the family two whole weeks?
Marco thanked the butler with a sigh, then started back toward his house.
On the way he came to the river that ran through the middle of town.
Beside the river, was a grain mill. Suddenly, Marco had an idea.
He tipped his threadbare cap at the miller, who was hard at work grinding corn to make flour.
Hello, ma'am. I wonder, could I please have some of your corn?
The miller grinned. Of course. It's one silver coin for one bag of corn.
I see. Marco scratched his chin. Unfortunately, I don't have any cash on me right now.
But is there any chance you could trade me one bag of corn for this?
Marco reached inside the paper bag and lifted out the loaf of bread the Countess had given him.
The miller's eyes widened when she saw how fresh, crusty and perfectly round the loaf was.
I'd be happy to trade you a bag of corn for such beautiful bread.
Here you go. Once the trade was complete, Marco continued on his way.
This bag of corn will go a whole lot farther than that silly loaf of bread would have.
I can cook with this corn. I can bake with it.
I can't say it'll last me and my family a whole two weeks, but it's worth a try.
When Marco got home, he told his family everything that happened.
His parents were puzzled. But son, if the Countess wanted you to have one loaf of bread, You should have kept the one loaf of bread.
Oh, Mother's right, Marco. The Countess was so generous back when you met her.
Sending you home with all those wonderful gifts.
Why trade her latest gift away? Marco threw up his hands.
Because that one loaf of bread wasn't enough to feed this family.
The fancy schmancy countess obviously has no idea about how the other half lives.
And we can't live by bread alone. Two Fridays later, Marco returned to the mansion.
Once more, the countess was not at home.
But she did tell me to give you... This.
Marco took the brown paper bag from the butler and looked inside.
Again? Seriously? One loaf of bread? Indeed, sir.
One loaf of bread. Marco thanked the butler and made a beeline for the mill.
The miller seemed especially excited to see him.
Let me guess. You'd like to trade one loaf of bread for one bag of corn?
Yes indeed. Terrific. That bread is amazing.
Here you go. This went on for months. Every other Friday, Marco would swing by the mansion.
The countess would not be home, and the butler would hand over a brown paper bag containing...
One loaf of bread. Then Marco would trade the bread for corn from the miller. who, he noticed, seemed more and more thrilled to see him each time he showed up.
You have no idea how much I love this bread.
Here you go. Finally, the Friday arrived when Marco wrapped the big iron knocker on the mansion's front door.
Who should answer? Marco! But the Countess!
My goodness! It's been forever since I saw you last.
What are you doing here? Marco was perplexed by the Countess's question, but tried not to show it.
Well, just like I promised you back when we met.
I've been coming to your house every other Friday.
You're never around, so the butler always gives me a brown paper bag. containing one loaf of bread.
The countess crinkled her forehead. Right.
About that, may I ask, what have you been doing with all the bread I've given you?
Marco didn't want to offend the Countess by admitting he'd been trading away the bread for something far more useful.
What have I been doing with all the bread, you ask?
Well, I've been taking it from the butler and thanking him for it, of course.
Then, you know, going on my merry way. I see.
In that case... The countess pointed at Marco's worn-out shoes and shabby coat.
Why are you still so poor and miserable?
Marco could hardly believe his ears. He was still so poor and miserable because all the countenances had been giving him all this time was one measly loaf of bread.
But he wasn't about to tell her that. I guess I'm still poor and miserable because such is my lot in life.
I lost my bakery, and in the process, I guess I lost my way too.
Marco hoped the Countess would be satisfied with his answer.
He could tell from the gleam in her eye that she wasn't.
Well, Marco. If you truly went home with the bread I've been giving you...
And you ate the bread I've been giving you.
I'm certain you wouldn't be so poor and miserable anymore.
And, I suspect, you'd find your way, too.
By now, Marco was so befuddled he couldn't even answer.
He just lifted his shoulder in a half shrug and tried to smile.
All right. Listen to me, Marco. Today I will give you another loaf of bread, but you must promise me that you'll eat it.
Because if you don't, I will never help you and your family again.
Do you promise? Marco was beyond bewildered.
But what else could he say except... Yes.
I promise. Then he hung his head and walked away from the mansion with yet another brown paper bag containing yet another loaf of bread tucked beneath his arm.
What in the world is the Countess thinking?
I can't go home and feed this bread to my family.
In no time at all, it'll be gone. And then what do we do? dance to the rhythm of our own grumbling bellies?
No offense to my generous patron, but...
I'm taking this bread to the miller and trading it for corn.
It's the most practical thing to do. But when Marco reached the river, he discovered that the mill was closed.
He called out to the miller, who was outside packing up boxes.
Hey there! Excuse me! Are you really closing up shop?
When the miller spotted Marco, her cheeks blushed.
Actually, yes. Would you believe I've managed to bring in so much money these past few months? that I don't need to stay open anymore.
I can retire. Thanks again for all the bread by the way.
As Marco continued home, his shoulders slumped.
Oh, man. Somehow the Millers made enough money to close her business, yet I can't make enough money to open a business.
Oh, dear. I guess I'll just do as the Countess said.
I'll take this bread home and eat it. When Marco trudged through the door of his cramped little house, his mother and father gazed at him with concern.
Why, the furrowed brow, son, did your trip to the mansion go okay?
Did you trade your loaf of bread for a bag of corn from the miller?
Marco shook his head. Actually, no. The miller has gotten lucky and made enough money to close down her mill.
So all I've brought home is the Countess's loaf of bread. which we'd better eat because if we don't, the Countess said she'll Never help us again.
Marco plopped down in a chair, then called his children to the table and began slicing into the fresh cornbread.
Oh! Oh! His knife hit something. What's going on here?
There must be something stuck inside this loaf.
Marco reached inside the bread and rooted around.
Eventually, his hand found something hard and round.
And when he pulled it out, do you know what it was?
A gold coin. Marco held the coin up for his family to see.
As the gold piece glittered and gleamed in the light, All of a sudden, Marco saw the light. inside every fresh, crusty, perfectly round loaf of bread the Countess had given him. she had hidden a gold coin.
And when Marco traded those loaves to the miller, the miller wound up with all those gold coins.
So instead of Marco collecting enough money to open a new business, The miller collected enough money to close hers.
You may recall that when Marco first met the Countess, The well-heeled and kind-hearted woman promised she would give him and his family exactly what they needed.
And now, Marco finally understood that all this time, She was.
Mm. Now it's your turn. What are some ways you can show kindness?
Maybe you can write a thank you note or draw a picture for a local health care worker or delivery person.
You can assist with a household chore, or you can tell a family member or friend how much you love them.
Dream up as many acts of kindness as you can, and then make your own kindness jar.
First, have a grown up help you write each of your acts of kindness on a slip of paper.
Then put all the slips of paper into a jar.
Reach into your kindness jar at least once a week Do whatever act of kindness you pull out, and before long, you'll bring a whole lot of smiles to a whole world. lot of faces.
This week's story, Every Other Friday, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shearer.
It was edited by Circle Round's executive producer, Catherine Brewer.
Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis.
Our artist is Sabina Han. Sabina's drawn a black and white illustration for every circle-round story.
And you can print them out and color them in while you listen.
Or anytime. Ask a grown-up to visit our website, wbur.org slash circleround, and click on Soundtrack and Clip. coloring pages.
Special thanks to this week's actors, Alexia Trainor, Chris Tucci, Eric Shimalonis, Dolores King-Williams, Melora Hardin, and Gildert Jackson.
You grown-ups can check out Emmy Award nominee Melora Hardin in Freeform's hit dramedy, the bold type.
Starring alongside her is real-life husband Gildert Jackson. who starred in Charmed and Whodunit and has voiced countless audiobooks.
We'll be right back. picked up his first bass when he was just nine years old.
Ben did a really fun Zoom chat about the double bass with the BSO's Youth and Family Concerts conductor Thomas Wilkins.
To watch that video, and to learn if the rumor is true about the double bass being hardest instrument to play, check out our website.
Again, that's wbur.org slash circle around.
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Circle Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR news station.
I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for circling around with us.
One of the best things about creating Circle Round is hearing from listeners like you.
Circle Round fans have been telling us about their favorite Circle Round stories, and we're excited to share some of their voices with you.
My name is Olivia and I live in Berkeley Lake, Georgia.
My favorite circle round is Stella and the Dragon.
I liked the part when Stella said she was big enough. to hit the moon with the boulder.
My name is Maris. My favorite shirt around is the teen's face. and because he becomes teen.
Hi, my name is Liesl. I live in Austin, Texas.
And my favorite circle round is the Lion's Whisker because I like the part when the brother and sister share the meat.
Did someone mention an episode you missed?
No problem. You can find every single Circle Round story on our website.
That's wbur.org slash circleround. or wherever you and your grownups get your podcasts.
