The Red Duck

*Originally written: June 30, 2017* A short story set near the Howrah bridge in Kolkata, India. Padma, a flower vendor, and her seven-year-old son Raju inhabit the smallest dwelling in a slum settlement - a hut with a blue saree serving as its door. The saree was faded and tattered, and looked like it had been there for a long time, braving the heat and rain; it had gaping holes, through which two bright eyes appeared. Raju spends his days confined to the hut, lacking playmates or possessions. One windy afternoon, the blue saree becomes displaced by gusts, prompting Raju to chase it toward the riverbank. As he attempts to retrieve the saree, he loses footing and falls into the Hoogli river. A fisherman attempts rescue, but tragedy unfolds when a passing boat's propeller strikes the child beneath the water's surface. The narrative concludes with pilgrims observing what they interpret as an auspicious sign - a child describes seeing a red duck in the water. The crowd responds with cheers, attributing the occurrence to divine blessing from the Sun God, unaware of the tragedy that has actually transpired.