In Memoriam

A wailing sound erupted in the kitchen

The boisterous laughter stopped and everybody become silent in the dining area as the wailing sound continued.

Mother collapsed while cooking, Tina who was just about to get water in the fridge, saw her fall.

Maaaaaaaaaaamaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

The cry of anguish was so loud that everybody scrambled to get to where they were.

Mama, mama, wake up!

Somebody shook her, did a CPR. Mama wouldn't budge. She just won't wake up.

Mama died that day.

Thalia cried so hard, silently. Her tears falling from her eyes without her even knowing consciously.

They were the closest, she was the youngest and was only 10.

She just lost her dearest best friend and the only person who knows her the most.

It was the most debilitating moment of her life.

They held her wake the first night.

Nobody came.

Her entire family didn't have the energy to let people know their mama died.

Let alone acknowledge she's gone. But her body was there. Lying still, not a wink or a raise of her breath

Everyone on autopilot. Like robots in motion, moving asynchronously without a crack of emotion.

She was the life blood of the family.

Her strength and vigor brought everyone to life.

Her smile, animated stories and loving arms drew them to her and now she's gone.

It seem so farfetched to think that there should be laughter or sound coming from them. Not this time, no!

Not with her gone.

Suddenly, Thalia erupted in laughter.

It was the kind of laughter mixed with tears, but a real one it is.

She laughed with all her might. Laughed with tears running on her checks like floodgates, unable to stop.

She seemed crazy, sounded like one who's gone mad with grief.

But no, it isn't the case.

Thalia remembered, every single joke her mom made.

Minute details, moments when the matriarch of the family utters words of wisdom.

It's like they're reminding her that she doesn't or they shouldn't have to worry about anything.

Life begins and ends.

A cycle.

It just meant that it's their turn now.

To bring laughter

To bring joy

To be vigorous

To lit everyone around them with fire.

This woke people in the house up.

No more robotics

The pain may be there but their taking up the challenge, their Mama raised to them.

Thalia, though ten, she knows she'll do same as her Ma one day.

(A work of fiction)

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In Memoriam:

Teresita B. Mercado

1942-2022

With love from me to dearest Mama!

I lovest thee!