Slander

By Sharika Nair

Loud bawling accompanies the doorbell as I rush to open the door. Upon seeing me, the wailing of my son increases dramatically.

I check his hands and legs for bruises, first. Relieved on finding none, I ask my five-year-old, “Did you fall down?”

“Nooo, Jack called me…” He is too overcome to continue.

“Aah, I see,” I say, enlightened. Jack and Roshan are best friends, though they have developed a habit of angry disputes and mild name-calling off late.

“And what did Jack call you?” I ask, in my best soothing tone.

“A crybaby,” he whispers, before bursting into sobs again.