I asked her, “Where are the car and the house we bought for you?” She replied that her husband and mother-in-law had kept the car, taken all her money, kicked her out of the house, and were threatening to take her daughter away too. I simply told her, “Don’t worry, I’m going to take care of this.”
That afternoon, I was driving alone. The heat was unbearable, but I didn’t feel like using a chauffeur. Sometimes I need time alone so my head doesn’t explode with the endless problems from home and work. I’m 66 years old, but I still like to drive myself for short distances. I was on my way back from the doctor—not because I was seriously ill, just a routine checkup. The doctor told me my blood pressure rises when I get too upset. And of course, it rises; my life lately has been nothing but reasons to be upset.
I stopped at a large intersection. There was traffic as usual. Motorcycles were weaving everywhere. The sound of horns echoed non-stop. I looked at the clock, then looked forward, and then I saw someone who left my chest feeling as if I’d been struck.