The Wait

First, I heard the sound!

Then I saw people running helter-skelter; virtually they were running in every direction.

It took me a while to understand what’s happening.

I too ran as fast as I could and overtook persons.

Then I saw it!

The white mountain  kept falling several feet in pieces below to water causing a huge fountain of cold water. The river suddenly became an ocean!

My heart started beating faster; where is he? Has he got trapped like many others as people around me were yelling and telling each other about nature’s fury?

I went farther and looked at the tunnel, virtually closed from the avalanche of ice and stone.

Few persons who were rescued were being brought on a stretcher and I ran to have look at them; my friend, unfortunately, was not one of them.

I heard women and children cry loudly. They were all desperate to know the well-being of their loved ones who got struck inside; so was I.

I cried without sound.

Then I heard the sound! A large van carrying all kinds of equipment was brought to get the trapped persons out.

Then one-by-one, the bodies were brought out and the crying reached the skies!

I could smell death around me.

Men and women worked relentlessly ignoring the cold and hardship; it was past midnight but no one looked at the clock.

Very few persons paid attention to me; I couldn’t care less. 

I was standing and staring at the mouth of the tunnel hoping he will come out alive; maybe injured but….at least still alive.

I remembered the morning when we had a 

long chat; actually, he spoke and I, as usual, listened attentively. He was making big plans for his sister’s marriage.

He spoke with so much passion, I felt happy to be at his side to share the joy.

Without me realizing I was crying again and this time, feeling sorry for his sister who was away and perhaps, still not knowing what had happened to her brother.

The cold weather had made my body numb; I was hungry as hell but, I will not budge  no matter what, without seeing my friend.

My heart said he was still inside, trapped, hungry, and hurt; I could feel his agony of helplessness…. of not being able to do anything for himself or for others around him.

How could I leave and go? I am not one of those persons who forget the good deeds done by others and shy away from their friends and dear ones when needed, most.

You could argue and say, what can I do just standing there and staring at that tunnel door and just wait?

You are right. There is nothing that I could do to help my friend who is trapped.

But, being the most honest and faithful, I can show my solidarity just by standing and waiting. I will do so even if it takes years;  I will wait.

You see, I am not one of those humans…. But a faithful friend of man. 

For the uninitiated, unfartunately I am just a ......... Dog!