the carousel
Jerry
Sometimes life delivers a kick in the hee-haws.
I stop at the little café in the square yesterday afternoon after my swim.
As I shake hands with my friend Ramos, the proprietor, I see a box on the bar.
It has a label taped to it.
Les Amis de Jerry, it says.
Friends of Jerry.
What’s this, I ask.
Jerry is dead, Ramos tells me.
I look blankly at him.
Jerry runs the children’s carousel just across from the café.
He is a friend.
We are not close buddies, but we talk, mostly about rugby.
For reasons that no longer matter, as a joke, we call each other Eric.
Just two days ago, as I pass the carousel, he calls me across.
He is all smiles, as usual.
Look what I have, he says.
He shows me a beautiful 128-page glossy magazine ‘Coupe du Monde 2015’.
The Rugby World Cup, 2015, starts in less than three weeks.
He is excited at the prospect.
We browse through it together, then discuss the France v Scotland match this weekend.
A pre-tournament warm up, which he will now not see.
You like the magazine, he asks me.
Brilliant, I answer honestly.
Take it, he says, but bring it back before the competition begins!
We laugh, and shake hands.
I leave, carrying my temporary gift.
The details of this ghastly accident are unimportant.
Jerry was fifty-three years old.
Jerry’s magazine
Sound Bite Fiction 
I must agree with Rochelle, I didn’t want to click the ‘Like’ button. But, you’ve presented
the passing of this dear friend in a beautifully written story. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Close friends are difficult to lose but one so very young adds another sorrow.
R.I.P Jerry …🙏🏻
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I am deeply touched by your words, and your sympathy.
Thank you.
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You’re ❤️ly welcome …
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Too young. How sad. You are a man of many names. There’s a story there.
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Thank you, Brenda.
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Sad. I’m very sorry for your loss.
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Thank you, Kabir, your words are much appreciated.
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You’re welcome.
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Oh my… such a sad day. I’m so very sorry for your loss CE. We have no guarantee of tomorrow. That is why it is always good to be grateful for every day and everyone in our life. God put them there for a reason and for a season. I’m sure Jerry was just as blessed by your friendship as you were his. He sounds like a lovely man and I’m sure that magazine will always be special. 🙂
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You are very kind, Courtney, and your words are much appreciated.
He was a good guy, the kids who went on the carousel loved him.
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So sorry for your loss, B. Doesn’t mstter how close you were, friends are friends and it is never easy losng them, as I unfortunatrly know too well.
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Thanks, N, very kind words.
3 + 1
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This is something impressed me so much… Life between fiction and reality… Actually the right expression is touched my heart dear Ceayr, I can cry too… Yes, life is something like that, between life and death there is not a long way actually, when you die the distance is being so short… My thoughts with you today… Thanks and Love, nia
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Very true words, Nia.
Thank you, my sweet friend.
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Dear C.E.
I hate to click like because I now this is anything but fiction. My thoughts are with you today and those who also loved Jerry.
Shalom mon ami,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle.
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