In the afternoon I took refuge in my dark corner. Never before had I missed anyone so much. I recollected the riverbank accident how he'd fallen into the river and Dad had saved him from the torrent and how he'd then showed his gratitude with ripe guavas in nylon bags. I remembered how i'd never allowed him to hug dad'd neck when dad carried the two of us on his back. Then the circus had arrived and he'd shared the drumsticks with me. He never fought with me over anything.