In a while, her eyes felt leaden and she felt sleep overpower her, even as she fought to keep her eyes open. In vain, I tried to churn within her, a little nugget of fear,...

I am petrified of water!” she whispered, as he tried to cajole her to at least put her feet in.

The well padded astrologer stroked his corpulent belly, as he stared down intently at his cowrie board. There was a frown on his moon shaped face, a face that had always considered good rich food...

The bubble had subsided, leaving only a tiny scar, but the irrational fear of water never quite left her. I never allowed her to forget, not for a moment.