Writing for Fun
August 2016
A Matter Of Life And Death - Maureen Rampersaud
I made my way to the staff room after a very hard day. With any luck there would be some of Annie's birthday cake left, if the caretaker hadn't got there first. A large mug of tea with plenty of sugar was calling to me. I was praying that Sophia wouldn't be around, when I was greeted by her high-pitched, upper class tones, 'Oh, Muriel, I thought you'd be in. There's lots of cake left.'
'Yes, it was delicious, have you had another piece?' I said hopefully.
'Oh no, I never touch that sort of thing, I'm very particular about what I eat,' she said pointedly.
Sophia sliced a piece of lemon and plopped into her mug of hot water ostentatiously. She was slim and glamorous, everything matched and pristine.
'Well, I'd love to chat, Mu, but I must dash or I'll be late for yoga.'
I gazed enviously as she glided away. I considered my own physique . . . short, dumpy, frumpy and dull. I sighed and reached for the cake.
I moved schools soon after that and lost touch with everyone. Things didn't change that much, but at least there wasn't a Sophia, making me feel suicidal every day. I was surprised when I opened an envelope, one day, to find that I'd been invited to Annie's retirement party. Had that much time really gone by? Still it was lovely of her to remember me, after all these years.
It was a friendly, relaxed affair. I chatted with former colleagues about old times. Then I managed to get Annie on her own to offer my best wishes, when a thought struck me, 'Where's Sophia?'
'Oh Mu, I thought you knew. She finally lost her battle with pancreatic cancer last year. Her funeral was unbelievable, she had organized it herself. Her sons spoke so well, Ian was too choked to say anything. I went to see her in hospital, she was so positive and brave.'
I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. I'd envied her for so long, but when it comes down to it, our fate is written in the stars.
That moment was a turning point for me. I never put off important things, like nurturing my friends. I treat each day of life as a precious gift. Thank you Sophia.