Independence
Day
My uncle, an alcoholic. My aunt, an abused wife. Two daughters.
I left Taiwan when I was young. Wasn't close. Didn't keep in touch.
Recently, my brother told me that my aunt and cousins disappeared.
Packed their bags. Gone. Told no one. Left no clue.
Shortly after, my uncle's abysmal state compounded. A fire broke out
in the shelter he lived in. Survived. I wondered if that fire burnt
him out from inebriated stupor. I doubt it.
Today is Independence Day. I thought about the day.
The day my aunt summoned her daughters. Talked about disappearing
into a new life.
A life free of abuse. Free of shady characters following them home
demanding money my uncle owed.
Good for them
Provided they disappeared of their own free will.
Not kidnapped or murdered by shady characters. |
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