Finalities

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 the man showed a puffy face, droopy eyes and become a little uncommunicative.

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

         — Father die already, Auntie wanted the regular and indeed a friend of Mug's to know.
         The news had only come through here at eleven 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 good number of times in this community in the necessary sharing out of the difficult burden.
         The odd adverbial usage that was stock standard continued to give a little sting in this deployment particularly, as did the bluntness. Traditional peoples were more prepared for finalities.