RIP Magnolia

On my elder daughter Mishel's birthday last year, I bought her a fish bowl and a couple of gold fishes. She was really delighted with the unexpected gift. The two jolly fishes quickly became our family members. Even Mishel's 3 year old sibling Eshaal would occasionally drop by and say hello to the fishes.

Mishel affectionately named them Magnolia and Daisy--inspired by the "Flowers" chapter in her Science book.

Unfortunately, on the last day of the year, Magnolia passed away. We found the fish's lifeless body floating in the bowl in the early hours of 31st.

The fish was sick for a couple of days. It was lying on its back throughout the day. But unfortunately, we were not prudent enough to pick that as a warning sign. The fish was lying on its back for the major part of those two days, with hardly any movement.

Probably the water got a bit too toxic, or the fish overate--I will never know.

Fortunately, my daughters were at their grandfather's home when the fish passed away, but even I could not bear to dispose off the deceased fish. Despite of being more than four decades old, I had to reach out to my mother to get this painful job, done.

Now the fish bowl is clean and detoxified again, but the life of Daisy is not the same. The poor fish is now swimming alone in the bowl, and looking at us with questions and silent complaints.

Good bye Magnolia (October 23, 2020 - December 31, 2020). You made a difference in our lives, and we will remember you.

Magnolia was the bigger fish in the bowl.

So yes, 2020 kept on being a terrible year till the last second.