Daily Dose

From The City of Devi, by Manil Suri

THE ELEPHANT

"The elephant is better than an airborne chariot, an enchanted galleon.  As we bob and pitch across the beach, the sea of humanity parts before us in waves.  'It's the only way to get through such a crowd,' Guddi says.  'At first I was terrified we'd trample someone.  But then I realized people always find the space to squeeze away somehow.  Just like insects.  Isn't that right, Shyamu?'  She reaches forward and pats the elephant's head.  'Except for that one lady this afternoon.  Don't feel guilty, Shyamu, it's not your fault.  She was quite old, anyway -- how long could she have lived?'"

From Chapter 12