Black and White
By Lakshna, age 17, United Arab Emirates
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
She felt herself begin to give way to tears.
"Excuse me, ma'am."
"We're closed, I'm sorry. Come back tomorrow if you wish."
"Er, yes, ma'am. But I took a picture of you, and I hope you don't mind if I share it on a public portal?"
She looked up at the man. Young, tall, thin; he looked like he needed feeding. And he was smiling at her.
God, when was the last time someone had been so polite?
She gave him a nonchalant shrug and started to get up when he said, "I couldn't help but notice that you aren't exactly the happy proprietor. Anything I can help with?"
Yes. You can lend me few lakh rupees. And leave me alone. Also, make me a few years younger.
"No, no thank you."
He flashed her another one of his I'm-so-happy-all-the-time 1000 watt smiles, said "good evening," and walked back out into the melting twilight.
She stared at his receding form. Slowly, her mouth curved upwards into a smile she hadn't felt on her features in a long while.
She turned and closed shop and surprised herself by humming a little happy tune. Things weren't so bad if people like him existed.
