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IMPRESSIONS OF VICTOR (1 of 12)
ABDUL SURESH, Shop Owner:
No. I did not like him.
He was one of those men who find humour in discomfort. When I think of
him,
I think, "You were not a decent man." Even though you should not think ill
of the dead, I think this. Whenever he came in my shop, he had an insult
for
me. "You have any milk that is still in date, Abdul?" Or, "Poisoned anyone
with your ham this week, Abdul?" And I said nothing, because I am not a
man
for trouble. I run a good shop. A fair shop.
That day?
He said nothing. No joking that day. He was sweating, and it was not warm.
He came to the counter and Mrs Mukhtar was before him in the line. She was
trying to find the right change. So impatient he was - I could sense it.
Moving foot to foot. I tried to ignore this behaviour, but it was
difficult.
He was holding his purchases against his chest, but they were too many for
him to hold comfortably, and he adjusted them, and the gun fell from
inside
his jacket. He knelt to pick it up, and I saw in his eyes the challenge.
"You feel you should make something of this, Abdul?" And of course, I did
not. I have my wife and mother upstairs. Two daughters. I said, "Take
those
things and go." But he would not. He insisted that he would pay. So he
paid,
and I called the police. Four hours, before you came. He was dead. Others
were dead. She was dead. What more could I do? I told you, and you did not
come.
His purchases?
String - a big ball. Lighter fuel. Candles. Other things. I can't
remember.
His wife was a beautiful lady. A polite lady. Every morning, she came in
for
her cigarettes. I will miss her.
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