The Rain Dance
Hafiz looks out of his window at a blanket of yellowish grey that is enveloping the city. If he stuck his head out, would he be able to see the sports fields down below through this fog? He can’t try as the glass windows need to stay shut. The haze isn’t just bad to look at, it is even worse to breathe in. Hafiz turns around and makes angry eyes at the air purifier with its annoying rattle. Above his bed with the Man U cover hangs last year’s team photo, his mates rallied around a smallish cup. Next week they play their big rivals in the finals. If they win, his team will take home the big cup! But if this haze persists, the football game will be cancelled. Hafiz lets out a deep sigh.
His mother comes in and pokes Hafiz. ‘Why are you standing there? Ah, go do something.’
‘Do what? Can’t go out.’
For days already Hafiz has been cooped up inside and he is getting restless. He and his friends need to practise.
He reaches towards his mother. ‘Mak, can I have your phone?’
She pulls her hand away before Hafiz can grab it. ‘No,
