Other Cities, Other Lives by Chew Kok Chang

Author:Chew Kok Chang
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789810766733
Publisher: Epigram Books
Published: 2017-05-29T00:00:00+00:00

A Drama

Scene 3

THE SCENE BEGINS in a funeral parlour. Amidst the chorus of weeping, the funeral proceedings come to an end. The time for old Madame Wu’s coffin to be pushed into the furnace for cremation has arrived. The people standing to witness this sombre, yet ordinary, funeral are all keeping their eyes focused on the son of the deceased, Feng Fucai. Actually, ever since he and a large gathering of friends and relatives got off the bus that had been following the hearse, he had been weeping so openly that all who observed him could see the anguish he felt at the loss of his mother. She was 76 years old. Although he was the youngest of her children, he was nearly 40. Everyone believed that, since he and his mother had lived together for decades, now that she was leaving this world, no matter how cultured or hardhearted he might be, her passing would definitely strike a chord in his heart.

One close relative, seeing that Feng Fucai’s grief was so great that he could barely stand up, stayed close beside him in order to offer support when he needed it. One involved in a funeral ceremony should always be prepared to offer this sort of assistance. In this way, his attendance would seem more meaningful. All of the others took turns to go up to Fucai, saying, “Those who have passed on can’t come back to life. Don’t be overwhelmed by grief. You need to take care of yourself and be mindful of your health. Excessive mourning won’t do you any good!” But Feng Fucai did not raise his head, nor did he look at those who spoke to him. He didn’t say anything, but only wept. Or rather, he cried, he hollered, and he wailed, showing everyone there that he had drained the bitter cup of grief. He had completely lost control.

In the end, Feng Fucai collapsed. Those gathered around quickly went into action, bringing him into the temporary resting room and administering first aid there.

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