Although it’s been a couple of years, I still remember that morning well.
The day started no different from the ones preceding it: first, I’d get out of bed, and then the typical routine associated with preparing for a new day would begin. And while I am at it, I’d steal a moment to check Facebook and WhatsApp, to see if anyone had left a message during the night. There were no messages to respond to, but as I was about to exit the latter, a message popped up, from Ken—not real name.
Ken: Good morning.
Me: Good morning.
Ken: I’m sorry to disturb you with this, but did you hear about the suicide?
Immediately, my heart started to beat like crazy.
Me: Which suicide?
Ken: Someone you know very well.
For a while, I’d not been in a good place emotionally. I heaved a sigh wondering what this news would do to me.
Me: Who?
Ken: I’m sorry. I can’t type the name. I’ll send you the person’s picture.
I would have preferred he mentioned the name, but I was already too weak to protest. I had the phone in my hand, but I could not look at it, even after I heard a beep, signaling a new message. It seemed like a burden, which got heavier by the second, had been placed on my shoulders.
I heaved another sigh before I checked.
It was a photo of a little rat, with a rope tied to its neck, suspended in air.
Ken: 😉 I’m sure I got you there!
I started typing, my fingers moving at an unusual speed. Then I stopped and erased it all. Instead, I dialed his number. Some warnings are better said than typed. You know, you don’t want the other party to miss the pleasantness of your voice. And, boy! I was so pleasant that morning—I’m sure you understand what I mean. 🙂
To him, it was a joke. But he had no idea how disturbing it was for me that early morning.
I chose to share this as a reminder that this is a tough time for some people. It would be wise to be cautious with the kind of jokes we share or the messages we forward to others.
Take care. Enjoy your week!
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