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. Copyright (c) 2001-2009 by Jane Chin, All Rights Reserved. Back to Rate of Attrition