Death

On the drive home today, I thought about my high school French teacher, Mrs. Carr. But that wasn't how she introduced herself the first time I walked into her class. It was something else, but for the life of me, I can't remember. I remember her wedding, her third. She wore a cream colored dress that tapered inwards, ending at the knees and matching hat. Looking back, I am surprised she invited three of her high school French students. I ate a raw oyster for the first time at her wedding reception. Didn't have the class to appreciate the delicacy and still don't. I remember sand, sliminess, and trying really hard to swallow it without spitting it out which I wanted to do. Everyone laughed and cheered when I finally did it and made a face.

One day, she wasn't in class. Absent again the next. By the third day, we wondered if anything happened because it wasn't like her to miss class like this. We should know. We've been with her for three long high school years.

When she finally came back, she looked gaunt and worn. Black blue crescents hung from the bottom of her eyes. Did she wear makeup to try and conceal it? Was it that bad?

In an off-handed way, she told us what happened.

She took her medication earlier, forgot and drank a glass of wine. The combination of alcohol and drugs knocked her unconscious. Her stepson found her lying on the floor. 911. At the hospital, stomach pumped, they put her on suicide watch, even though she insisted it was a simple matter of her forgetting the fact that she took medication and drank some wine.

I believed her. Though she wasn't as bubbly and happy as she was before.

Willis. The ultra liberal English teacher with whom I never interacted. Each time I picture her, a blond energetic and outspoken woman voicing her opinion on some topic comes to mind. My high school best friend was very close to her.

Did you hear? Ms. Willis died of something...What? I don't know...and they didn't find her till a week later when Mrs. Carr went to check on her to find out why she hasn't been coming to class. Oh, how sad. What a lonely life that must have been. The funeral's this Saturday. Are you going? I didn't know her that well. I will. Just to see her.