Finalities (Nov25)

The characteristic form in which to convey the sad news.

         Smile on the approach was not unusual, the Tamil auntie coming from behind her counter for it.
         — Shanmugam.
         ...Well, yes. Mugam.

          Lad wasn't in that afternoon. Recent months Mug was struggling with added hours and had begun taking a siesta in the middle part of the day. Often returning around 2 o'clock, a puffy face was shown, droopy eyes and some lesser communicativeness.

         The pause was covered by movement in the passage and the hubbub at the tables.

         — Father die ready, Auntie needed to advise the regular and indeed friend of Mug's.
         The news had only come through at 11 the night before. 

         Heart attack. Other details were unknown. Mugam was leaving for India in the morning.
         Malays used the same form and grammar. The same kind of news had been received a number of times in the community in this necessary sharing of burden.

         The standard misused adverbial usage continued to grate, particularly in this context, as did the bluntness. Traditional peoples were more prepared for finalities.