It has been so long since you’ve walked past, with pockets smelling of biscuits and bread. You used to pause sometimes when I would walk by, smiling shyly at first, then more brazenly, trying to win me over. Remember how you’d hold your hand out to me and I’d come to you sniffing at your ankles? We were friends once. Now you’re rushing past with your head lowered. Back to the security of your isolation. And I’m waiting for my friend to return.

Illustrated by: @shruti_bhatia20

Image by: @art_attack1107

Location: Calcutta