Interviewer: What exactly did you see and feel during your journeys through the city that night? Welcome! Grandfather: Thanks for having me here! Ah! That memorable night! It was my granddaughter’s 16th birthday. I couldn’t get her a present, so I decided to give her an experience instead. We strolled late at night across the city’s once-bustling promenade, along lifeless streets, guided by the misty moonlight. Pitch black! Eerie! As quiet as a cat! Sadly, War had ravaged our city, devastated the homeless, leaving them lying on the roads, starving! Oh, that was a heartbreaking sight! Hope our government supports them. It was shocking to see such a bustling city turn into a graveyard. But I had another wish for Natalia. Far off, in a blurry sight, we spotted the rockgrey elephant. Slowly but steadily, stomping its way forward, lured by the food in the soldier’s hand. It was enchanting to watch! Interviewer: What do you remember of your granddaughter’s behaviour and reactions that night? Grandfather: Oh Nat? Sleepyhead! You know teens, they have got such a chip on their shoulders. Well, she trod behind me calmly and observed my moves at first but later, found it hard to keep up. With frustration, she curiously shrieked, ‘Are you taking me to my surprise party?’’ Rubbing her eyes, she tried hard to escape her deep slumber. Poor Nat! Teen nagging, you see! I had to be a bit strict there. She was clueless about where she was taken. And Voila, when she laid eyes on the elephant, she gaped in awe. Gazing at the majestic mammoth in its full glory, she wished to spill the beans to her friends, can you believe it? Interviewer: What were your reasons for taking your granddaughter out that night and what do you think she gained from the experience Grandfather: I would say, it was a one-time extravaganza, an adventure spree for Nat’s birthday. Seeing an uncaged and untamed creature was spectacular. And I thought Nat would respect wildlife more after that incident. Animals are brutally commercialized under human influence. I would want her to grow up as a responsible citizen one day. I am sure she cherished that journey. We all need positivity in these war-strung times, don’t we? She even wrote a diary entry after coming back home. Interviewer: That seems true! Thanks a million for being here!
