Making an Example Of
Her hair was completely white, and her hunched back looked like that of a woman in her seventies or eighties.
She smoked one cigarette after another. Her hands trembled so badly she could barely light them.
Dad stood in the last row, in the corner, wearing a black coat.
His hair was combed neatly, and he had brought a bouquet of flowers.
He wanted to send me off with dignity.
But his eyes betrayed him.
They were swollen almost shut, with dark bruises beneath them, as if someone had punched him twice.
When the ceremony began, the host spoke about how young I was, how precious life was, and how everyone should grieve.
Sikat na Kabanata