More Than Balloons

A large electric tempo stopped to have air filled in its tires.

- Ruchi Gontiya

So, Aman unwound the air pipe and began to fill them. He noticed children inside the tempo talking and showing off to one another. Anyone could tell from their school uniforms that they studied at good schools.

“Tonight, we’re celebrating Father’s Day at an Italian restaurant,” said one.

“I bought a beautiful shirt for my dad. As soon as he walks in from work, I’m going to hide and jump out shouting, ‘Surprise!’” said another.

“I’ve already decorated the house. Balloons and everything—it’s all ready,” said a third.

“All done,” said 10-year-old Aman in a hoarse voice to the tempo driver, as he wound up the air pipe after filling the tires.

Aman, wearing a shirt with two missing buttons and slippers far too big for his feet, handed the pipe to the driver. The driver gave him a few coins and drove off. But Aman’s mind stayed with the children he had just seen; they were all around his age.

After working for a few more hours, Aman returned to his house, where his younger sister was helping their mother cook on a small stove.

“Bhaiya is back!” shouted Latika, running to hug him.