It was that time of the year.
The time of grand festivities.
The time you look forward and plan for for months.
The time you wore best and joined in community revelry.

That year highlight of festivities was screening of a movie on a giant screen.
That year was special for she had turned ten.
That was was a landmark for she was granted the freedom of going out with her friends

It seemed like though everyone was out on the street.
The excitement was palpable.
She was having the best time of her life. And then ...she decided to go home for a quick sip of water.

Mom was at home lying down on the bed.
"Aren't you coming out? Everyone is out there. It will be fun"
A gloomy voice came from the bed,''I don't like all this anymore. Too many people and their aimless chatter. I rather stay home and read."

She stood there shuffling her feet ...feeling a sense of guilt surge through her. "Sure ? They are screening a movie".
'That holds no attraction for me', came the reply."You go if you want to.I am not stopping you."
''Ok , I am leaving..."she said in a faint voice.
"All right".

She lingered around for a few more moments. Should she stay home or should she go? The voices and the sounds floating in through the balcony had her out of the door before she knew it. She ran down the stairs - her heart thumping. Unknown to her, she also ran down the stairs taking with her the burden of guilt about enjoying life that was to weigh her down forever.