[better] - Farzi

Until one evening, at a crowded bus stop, a child tugged her sleeve. “You’re sad,” he said, not accusing, just stating.

The child smiled, genuine. “It’s okay,” he said. “I’m sad too. Wanna be sad together?” Until one evening, at a crowded bus stop,

“You look happy,” they said.

Here’s a short fictional piece inspired by the word farzi (Urdu/Hindi for fake, counterfeit, or deceptive): The Farzi Smile Until one evening