The firefly

Robin was sick. High on fever and, with the thermometer tucked in his mouth, made him bored. The throbbing headache and pain in eyelids made him miserable.

Mother had placed electral water on the side table and after taking a few sips he lay back in bed. Temperature, 103.5 . A goodnight sleep was necessary.

But it was evening. The neighbourhood had filled with shouts and shreiks of playing children. Robin felt like jumping out and joining them.

'Maa, could I see them from the verandah.'

He could see Ravi, Reeku, Ameen and Robert. They were running, pitching, bowling and striking.

And as the evening gave way to twilight, the throbbing headache returned, and Robin went back to bed.

A little while later, Robin saw two fireflies. They made rounds of the room, quietly twinkling their lights as they got busy. What were they after?

Or , were they there to make Robin feel better!

With curious eyes, Robin followed their movements to and fro. Indeed! They resembled soldiers taking a march down and up again. Robin didnot know when he fell asleep.

The next morning, Robin felt fresh and energized. The night visitors had left but Robin thanked them for putting him to sleep!