JUST PRETEND
I have tuition after school. On my way back home, something caught my attention.
A big promotional poster. A clown with a finger pointing at me and it read, “You. Come here. I have the key to what you desire.”
For a second, I thought it moved. I got so scared that I ran.
*Next day*
Mrs Rita slammed the book at my desk.
“Lily, why are you lost all the time?”
I was startled by her action. I looked around and few of my friends were laughing.
I hate being absent-minded all the time.
‘Chapter 2, geography of the world’ Mrs Rita started reading the next chapter.
My mind went back to the morning fight between my parents.
*flashback*
“Why were you late home last night?”, mother asked.
“I had some work”, father replied.
“You did not care to inform me.” mother said angrily.
To that, father dropped his plate in the sink loudly.
There were loud ranting for an hour.
It attracted neighbourhood attention. I found Mr Verma peeking. When he saw me looking at him, he left. Why don't people mind their own business?
I cannot describe how much I desire for a happy family.
I closed my eyes and I thought someone whispered in my ears.
"what do you desire Lily?"
Sound of bell woke me. Mrs Rita pointed at me and left the classroom. I looked around and thankfully no one was looking.
In the evening, I changed my route to avoid the creepy poster. A girl outside a stationery shop handed me a pamphlet. I did not look at it and put it in my pocket.
My father was late today. I could hardly eat.
″ Mamma, why is dad not home yet?”
“hmmm,” she said.
And, I repeated my question.
She looked at the clock and grudgingly said, "It must be work. Go sleep, you have school tomorrow”, She commanded.
As I lay on my bed, I could hear seconds hand of the clock ticking. I stood up and went near the window.
I was scared that something might have happened to my father. A boy in my class lost his father to an accident.
My fingers went cold and white on window railings. I started crying.
I rubbed my wet hands on my pants and took out the pamphlet from the pocket. It was the same clown poster in a smaller version. Something was written at its back
I know what you desire. It's easy, just pretend what you want to be.
Huh?, I thought.
So, if I pretend to be happy, then I will become happy.
I tried it. I started laughing and jumping like a mad person.
Somehow my desire was fulfilled as my father honked outside.
I cannot describe how much happy and grateful I was.
Next morning, I was in a good mood. Even though my parents argued again
Just pretend to be what you want to be.
I never felt happier before. I have the key to fulfil my desires, I shouted.
Just Pretend.