Many years ago, I was awaken to a penetratingly loud mechanical ringing, which regardless of my efforts, to dream away, the more alert I became to my surrounding. Taking the call, a voice, showing signs of stress, informed me that a relative had just passed away, and hung up. Naturally, the funeral service would require me to shuttle myself to Baalback early next morning. With some coffee in the car’s cup holder and cigarettes on the passenger seat, I was half way there, when it started to drizzle. By the time I had parked, in close proximity to the deceased’s house, it was pouring.
At the grave site, most mourners were cold, with the other half standing under a naked sky receiving its blessings. The man had barely taken to his earthly resting place, when the curator was locking the rusted metal gates, waving the last mourner driving away, goodbye.
Taking my time on the way back to my car, I inhaled what had transpired, held it, and then breathed the cold air, which was starting to feel heavy on my chest, out.
Making my way through the narrow, run-down market street, I got to the last intersection that opens onto a three-lane highway out of the village. Looking to my right, as that was the only lane crossing my path, a well-kept seven series BMW was slowly moving closer, before slowing down, as it approached. By the time I had gotten half-way across, the BMW had nudged the right-side of my passenger door, denting it.
The world, had once again grown silent, this time for only a second, and was followed by the bustle of the market vendors advertising their products. Turning my head in both directions, I came to realise that the accident had not attracted anyone’s attention.
Getting out of my car, I walked over to the driver who had crashed into me. Laying comfortably in his chair, which he had taken special care of refurbishing with some sort of white wool, I asked if he were hurt.
Like a man, coming to from a slumber, he took off his metal framed sunglasses, look at me and said, “What’s the matter with you man,” in a fashion, that was surprisingly tranquil. Pointing out the obvious, I replied, “You were slowing down so I thought you were going to stop to let me pass.” Bewildered, he raised his right hand, revealing a joint from which he took a drag, exhaled without a care in the world and said, ”Can’t you see I’m tripping?!”
That was all it took!
At that point in time, there was only one way to deal with the matter, though an instant later, that too, was not an option anymore.
That was all it took!
At that point in time, there was only one way to deal with the matter, though an instant later, that too, was not an option anymore.
By Maverick from the Demos Unit
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