Broken

Shortly after Fred and his wife moved into the neighbourhood, his wife filed for a divorce. The once happy man soon lost himself. He was so isolated and never had friends visiting him anymore. In the neighbourhood, everyone minded their business. Mark was one of Fred's neighbours. Strangely, they hardly saw each other. Mark often leaves for work early and came home late. In the weekends, Fred was not seen.

With no friends and no neighbours visiting, it was a difficult time for Fred. He became a very lonely man.

His wife Maria and I were work colleagues and I also lived a few blocks away.

She had cheated on Fred while still married. Fred was heartbroken when he found out. At that point their relationship was never the same. They lived like strangers for one more month before she finally decided to file for a divorce. Their only son, Tomas, was 19 at the time. Tomas had moved away from home and was living in a different city where he recently got a job.

Tomas shared his time, usually during special holidays, visiting both of his parents, but he preferred to stay with Fred since his Mum had moved in with her boyfriend.

One afternoon, as I was walking my dog, I bumped into Mark who broke the news to me that Fred died that morning.

I was in shock. He died of cancer, said Mark. He had fought for many months.I guess he never really was whole again after Maria cheated on him.

I call this ceramic piece "Broken"

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