Bell on the run

T he moment the rooster let out his loud “Cock-a-doodle-doo”, the school bell woke up with a jolt and sat up straight. She blinked sleepily and looked around. The schoolyard was quiet and empty; no children, teachers, nobody at all. “Why did you crow so early?” she asked.

“It’s my choice,” clucked the rooster proudly, fluffing his red feathers. “I crow whenever I feel like it. Freedom, you know.”

“Lucky you,” the bell said, rolling her eyes.

The rooster giggled cheekily. “Exactly. Tick-tock, ring-ring for you.”

The bell went silent. Then she thought, hmmm… grrr! “Not anymore,” she muttered.

Soon, it was prayer time. The school buzzed with excited children in crisp uniforms, chattering like little sparrows.

“Paltu, ring the bell,” called Principal Sir from the verandah.

The bell felt a wave of anger rise. As Paltu picked her up, she shouted loudly, “I don’t feel like ringing today.”