That night when I went to the bathroom I only pretended to brush my teeth, for I feared that I would somehow rinse the prayer out as well. I wet the brush and rearranged the tube of paste to prevent my parents from asking any questions, and feel asleep with sugar on my tongue.
In this excerpt from "Interpreter of Maladies," the character experiences a deep connection to their prayer, indicating its importance to them. They worry that mundane activities, like brushing their teeth, might diminish or wash away the sacredness of the prayer, reflecting their desire to hold onto spiritual moments. The act of pretending to brush their teeth also reveals a sense of guilt or fear about losing their faith or connection.
Furthermore, the mention of falling asleep with "sugar on my tongue" symbolizes a bittersweet longing or comfort found in simple pleasures, suggesting a childlike innocence or a desire to maintain joy amidst confusion. This moment captures the tension between the sacred and the everyday, highlighting the struggles individuals face in balancing belief and practicality.
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