How Santa Died

We called him Santa, resembling Father Christmas. His hair formed a bush of disarray. His often pouted mouth hidden underneath the gray mustache. His small cold eyes peering under the spectacles. He was perfect for the role -- But he lived a life not even close to the saint.

He drank liquor like water - 1 Rhum every meal, and a red horse in between. He wore an unclean sando and shorts everyday; though he seemed to have enough money to buy him a decent meal and boose to last the whole day (Some said it came from his military pension) He muttered curses complaining about his joint pains and muscle aches. He cursed and

often made fun of other customers in the "Bat Stop". He even made fun of our group, often referring to us as the "One very HAppy group!" with a bash of sarcastic laughter. He was grumpier than most old men I knew - probably because he was a foreigner living in a place strange to him. It was a common scene that we ignore his annoying insults everyday. And yet he spent his days the way it was for 5 years.

He drove a very old blue car from home to the Bat Stop all the time. The car reminds me of Fred Flinstone's car since there was a big hole on the chasis, big enough for Santa's feet.

But today was different. His blue car was silently parked near the Bat Stop. He was nowhere nearby, and his table was empty.

We were greeted by the lady server. "Wala na si Daddy, Chokolate" I didn't get the comment at first. It was only when we were seated that the comment sunk in. They called him Daddy since he was generous to the servers in Bat Stop. He gave daily tips and even shared sweets - candies and chocolates...very much like a Santa to them.

Santa died from stroke - obviously from loneliness and alcohol. I was numb hearing the news. We weren't close after all, and despite our privacy, he was too eager to made fun of us before. But nothing made sense now.

I pity him for living a life he knew would end the way it did. I pity him, since he died alone - and no relatives would even claim his body for a proper funeral. I pity him until the end.

May he find his peace somewhere some time above the mortal life we live in.