Secret Daughter

by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

When

SOMER STANDS ON THE BALCONY LOOKING OUT TO THE DULL ocean,

CLANGING NOISES

ALREADY ATTACHED

BEFORE HIM BARELY RESEMBLES

maternal confidence

SOMER SITS ON THE BENCH, SIPPING HER WARM SWEET COFFEE

shack,

THEY ALL SIT IN THE DINING ROOM, AT THE FORMAL TABLE,

village.

front door opens. “Hello.”

door.

Manish

“SO,