Miss Kathy
City roads required Bella’s patience and attention as she constantly swerved, sped or stopped abruptly while driving in the more congested part of the old city. When they stopped at the traffic lights, she glanced at her mother Uma , sitting stiffly but straight backed and trying to connect the present with the fast retreating landmarks of the past. The next few minutes required a practiced eye and a steady hand as Bela held her breath and maneuvered through the narrow twisting lane while Uma bright eyed and impatient declared, “Home at last after so many years.” “Wait don’t start leaping up the stairs. I don’t want to call for an ambulance.” Uma frowned as she saw a padlocked door barring entrance to the rooms. “When did this happen?” “I did to stop the others from occupying your property.” The wide verandah was no longer open but enclosed with iron grilles and the windows shuttered and locked. Bela hoped that Uma would be discouraged by the da...