Surreal

November 8, 2008

I opened my eyes and saw that it was already 10:56 am. I could hear a noisy argument downstairs. As usual, my two uncles were having a senseless debate about politics. Uncle Lazaro and Uncle Henry have always been exchanging vocal blows since time immemorial and I was certain that it was just ‘one of those’ times. Suddenly, the people downstairs began shouting and calling for ‘Help’. The debate has turned into a scuffle.

I raced downstairs and looked through the window. From where I stood, I could clearly see how Uncle Lazaro pounced on Uncle Henry. He was giving it his all. It’s as though he released the entire family’s long-time animosity for Uncle Henry through his deadly punches.

My cousin’s policeman husband arrived and he was able to separate the two angry men. They both wanted to finish each other off. My grandmother was wailing but the two men continued yapping. My other uncles were able to separate the two angry men.

Uncle Henry’s mouth was bloody. Uncle Lazaro’s legs were bloody.

Suddenly, the argument became heated once again and the two men seemed like they were ready to fight once more.

Before they could hurt each other some more, however, Uncle Lazaro slumped to the ground.

In less than ten minutes, Uncle Lazaro was dead.

My other uncles took him to the nearest hospital. They thought that he simply passed out. We later learned, however, that he died around that time when he lost consciousness. Cardiac arrest.

It’s very surreal how life can end so suddenly.