What was Lila doing so early at sea

Lila’s father used to be a fisherman, and her mother used to come pray at the sea-shrine, but her father has sold the boat to pay off his debts, and her mother is now ill. Lila feels this moment—standing in the waves watching the sun rise—is her only happy moment in each day. She returns home, walking past seaside bungalows owned by rich Bombay families that are closed until the holidays. The birdsong is beautiful; it seems to tell Lila that everything will be alright.