For children: On his 10th birthday, Anil is taken away from his family to work at a printing press

The shape of a man filled the doorway, black and faceless within a halo of morning light.

“Today is the day, Mrs Gujar,” the shape said.

Amil’s heart almost burst with joy. He looked back at his mother, expecting her face to reveal the delivery of a special gift, or some other birthday treat. But she did not look back at him. Her eyes were fixed on the stranger.

“You are too early!” he heard his father cry.

The man stepped into the room. “Have you not told him yet? You knew this day would come.” Without warning he grabbed Amil’s arm and pulled him towards the open doorway. “I will explain the matter to the boy myself.” Amil screamed and reached for his mother, and she for him. But his father held her back. Amil expected her to break free and launch herself at the man like a lioness protecting her cub, to bite and claw at his flesh until he let him go. But his mother merely hugged her stomach, groaning, as his father held her. They did nothing to save him. They let the man drag him outside without a fight, as if it were the right and proper thing to...

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