Author Information
Figure It Out
I was 42 when my heart stopped working for 20 full minutes, and it all started on a casual Thursday. I woke up at 6 a.m. like any other day and got ready for work. I felt like living the same day again and again, like I was trapped in a cycle. I was so tired when I entered the office, but faked it when my grumpy boss gave me a handshake with a subtle smile. I thought that alone was a bit weird, but moments later some friends from work would give me a small pat in the back and a smile. “What have I done differently for them to act like this? Have I been promoted? Oh who cares…”
Moments later I received a phone call that would change my life forever. I picked up and heard my wife’s voice, “John... Come home please!... There are these men who broke in… I managed to hide from them...” her voice sounded like panic and fear filled her soul, and so did mine now. She hung up and moments later I received a package from the receptionist with an elegant card attached to it. What could it contain? Were the intruders playing some sick game? I didn’t have time to figure out and I instead ran from there as fast as I could.
Those 20 minutes from the office to my house made me think about every possible scenario that I could face when I got home. Would she be gone? Would I be taken hostage too? Would I find her still hiding? I don’t even remember how I got there so quickly, but the door was wide open as I fearfully walked up the entry steps. The lights were off, no sound could be heard. I lurked around; begging for all of this to be just a horrible nightmare, but there was no sign of my wife or any missing jewelry. All hope was disappearing and tears surrounded my face, until I heard a small laugh coming from the closet. I decided to go take a look but with each step I took, the fear increased and my knees went numb. And just as I opened the door, my neighbors and friends including my wife jumped out yelling “Surprise!”.
By: Diego A. Garza González
A01192484
