Creative

30
CREATIVE SPARKS
After today, I would become a grown up. My big day started
surprisingly normal.
I greeted my neighbor as I used to everyday. She had
helped me a lot back in the days.
“Hey, Asher! Preparing for the big day huh”, The next door
aunty shouted.
“Yes, aunty.”
“Wish ya good luck!”
“Thanks!” I shouted back with the same enthusiasm.
“Big bro won’t need luck; he is the son of the mighty god
of the ocean, Neptune,” her son protested.
“Yeah, yeah.” I was accustomed to this, having heard it
all those years. Ever since I could remember, I had been alone.
Adults told me that I was born from the waves and the embrace
of the ocean. It was a bit lonely but not sad; I was proud.
Passing the bronze statue of the holy fish, the famous
legend of our village, I offered a quick nod. I prayed for my
victory before the mighty but kind looking fish. With a gaping
mouth and the body of beautiful carp, but a hundred times the
size, the statue looked both benevolent and intimidating.
PHUMPADADUM THUM THUM PHUMPADADUM THUM THUM
The music reserved for the special occasion signaled the
start of the festival. I, along with the other kids, re-positioned
ourselves on our own little boats, waiting for the elder to blow
the horn.