July 11. “Button, at times, little deeds give us enormous joy.”

“Like what?”

“I was making some green tea this morning when I noticed a tiny cockroach lying on his back. At first, I thought he was dead. Nevertheless, I bent down, touched him and found that he was wriggling his legs which meant that he was alive. I picked him up gently, turned him around and placed him on the window ledge. At first, he made an attempt at crawling forward but toppled over. I put him back on his feet and saw that he crawled forward a wee bit more before collapsing a second time. I kept putting him back on his feet every time he fell on his back. This continued seven or eight times before he steadied himself and took off.”

“That was indeed a good deed.”

“Human beings have this habit of feeling superior to every living being on this planet—be it another human being or animal or an insect. I feel that every living thing has a right to exist. Why should human beings alone be the privileged lot?”

“I agree with you one hundred percent.”

“I hope you’ve not forgotten that tonight is the FIFA finals.”

“I haven’t. And what will you give me if my prediction is correct?”

“What will you give me if Netherlands wins?”

“A tight hug and lots of kisses. What will I get if Spain wins?”

“I’ll make you some bhel. Haven’t made it in a while because I wanted you to stay away from it.”