Detached

It was dark by the time she boarded the 7.15 bus. The seats at the rear would not be 

occupied as commuters gave last preference to them. A smile behind the silk scarf 

appeared at the sight of vacant seats. With none for company , she was happy to be in 

her own company. She scanned the area between the driver and herself. A few stray 

female commuters with bawling kids were to be seen. The kids kept their moms occupied 

so there was no fear of her being noticed by them.

She kept her head low while passing through the condominium gate. She rummaged into 

her tote if any neighbor made an attempt to greet her. She ditched the elevator to take 

the flight of stairs. Her legs needed the exercise, she justified it to herself. Moreover it 

was good for her heart. She had read in a Health Magazine.

Inside the safe confines of her apartment she breathed freely. The wall of loneliness and 

enigma was a bulwark, which she painstakingly built brick by brick, around her. The 

barrier or defense wall collapsed and she felt emancipated. 

Daisy clambered on her. Her feline friend purred with excitement and she  reciprocated 

the feeling. They both ate fish in silence.

Night seemed to embrace her like a warm blanket and she gazed at the twinkling spread 

up. She loved to talk to the residents of the skies. They asked her no questions. They 

were faceless and nameless. She was comfortable with the soliloquy . The distance 

between her and the constellations melted way. Sleep kissed her eyelashes and it was 

time for the rays to wake up.

                         This was a quotidian ritual without fail.

                                  

                                     

As her heels hit the hard ground, a pair of a dozen curious eyes behind the mango tree 

stared at her silhouette.

" I wonder where does she work?"

"She is a witch devoid of a broom"

" Does she practice black magic?"

" Shush".

"She cannot hear".

And she heard it all.