I demanded a doctor accompany me to see him , but the doctor refused , and when I approached other doctors , withering glances and flat denials met me . It seemed no servant ’ s life was worth the inconvenience , no visit to a donkey-man worth the social demotion .
I found him lying alone in the far corner of the dark , cold hut — dark and cold , just like the villagers . I struggled to breathe through the stench of mold and earth , but I pushed forward for him , for my friend .
At first , he did not recognize me . Once he did , he began to weep . He attempted to speak , but the congestion in his lungs was too much and he remained silent . It was difficult for him to breathe , let alone speak .
" Ditha , don ’ t worry .” I choked back my tears . “ I ’ ll take you to see a doctor tomorrow . You ’ ll be all right . Let me get some blankets ."
I gave his hand a tight squeeze then hurried to the door , but a gurgled plea stopped me . Turning , I saw the shadow of death on his face . He motioned me to his side ; I hurried to kneel down beside him . In a weak , rasping voice , he whispered words that haunt me still : “ life will go on whether I ’ m a part of it or not .”
“ Don ’ t forget me .” His eyes begged as I left .
“ I won ’ t Ditha , I won ’ t ,” I whispered , so lightly that the wind carried my words and scattered them — never to be heard by anyone else . As I walked , I wanted so badly to turn around and look at him . I wanted to see him again . But , I resisted the urge in my heart , forcing myself to look straight . I wouldn ’ t look back . Ditha expressed a sweet smile to all , but there was no one to return that , at least when he was dying .
He passed away that night and was consigned to the grave the next morning . There was no ceremony , no final rites or words of remembrance . He was forgotten ; it was as if he never existed . There was nobody to hear his stories , no one to know him for his true self . Before his burial , I saw him one last time . He still smiled , as if to tell me , " Death isn ’ t as horrible as you might think ." They buried him next to strangers in the cemetery . Most of the villagers would have preferred him to be buried with the animals . I sighed : he may have liked that better .
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