The loss of an innocent - a tribute

Yesterday a tragedy happened in the form of [two] deaths - one of whom was a fellow classmate and a dear friend to many. These youths perished right before graduation - and with a bright future ahead. They were gone before their time in a most horrendous car accident and today we went to pay our respects bearing flowers, at the scene of the accident.

We took the bus and walked - the road still smudged with what seemed like shrouded blood and sand-like stains in the concrete. There were already many fellow mourners on the side of the road. I remember sitting quietly, staring at the mountain of flowers, bouquets lined around. There was a soft breeze, the sound drowned by the cars zooming past, with occasionally honking of recognition and silent gesture of the cross for respect (though there were some insanely rude people, one baboonish idiot who actually had the nerve to stick his rude finger out). A girl wailed in sadness and sobs as her friend comforted her and many were trying to stay strong, one, in his feign, eventually broke down on the ground and sobbed.

I sat silent, occasionally holding my hands together to pray. I did not feel the same excruciating pain as those that were close to these boys. But this was the least we could do, he was, after all, our dear classmate and was a little bundle of talent - with a bright future - but taken from him. After this loss: school - art class, will not the same. Our fellow classmates will not be the same.

Was it irresponsible driving? Most likely. Our friend was the passenger. It is disrespectful to pin the blame on another that also perished - but perhaps if the driver (whom I did not know, but was a friend of the one I did know) had taken more caution and obeyed the rules, there would be no need to see such anguished, saddened and depressed faces. But a death, is nonetheless a death, and these youths did not deserve such a demise.

Friends, learn from this - cherish your time with those you love and drive safely.

Rest in Peace.