By: Chaitali Gawade 

Lady Red’s eyes were lemon green, the colour of the dinosaur shape soap I use every day. She went with me to play school, to the park, to the dining table and even to bed. A perpetual silly smile painted on her face even when I grouch and grumble. Endless tangles of brown wool that I learned to braid with practice. Warm hugs before being tucked in bed. One day: cut and snip, mama made a brand new dress for her from a pair of old socks. An afternoon spent gluing on galaxies. I tuck her in instead of mama now.