A Not-So-Typical Drive to Work

The drive to the office is usually a breeze. Takes me about 10 minutes mostly because majority of the population in Manila is still snoozing. Imagine my shock when I had to hit the brakes along EDSA, around 5 minutes into my drive. Shoot! It’s that tunnel again.

There’s this tunnel along EDSA Mandaluyong that gives me the chills when I drive through it at night. This was where I saw my first road victim – and when I say victim, I mean the worst kind…the not-breathing-kind. Dread creeps in not only because I’m running late but because I feel something’s up. Goosebumps.

Wow, a real build up. All lanes occupied and the cars weren’t moving. As I reached the car in front of me, I open my car window craning my neck to see what’s going on. Nothing. Then after a few minutes, the cars start to move, very slowly but they’re moving now. Whew! I just might make it to work on time. Then I see it. Red flashing ambulance lights on my left. A news van a few feet away with a camera crew and reporter doing a broadcast. Cops. This looks serious. Please. No dead guy. PLEASE no dead guy. I inch closer. I see him. I think it’s a him. I wouldn’t really know since he was covered in a white blanket. But my gut tells me it’s a him. Sigh. I look again. Why do you have to look again, Velvet?! There he was, on the road. The cops were just inches from him. There were 5 and 4 were busy talking to each other while one was trying to move traffic along. How can they seem oblivious to someone lying lifeless at their feet. I guess they’re used to it. Will I ever get used to seeing a dead body?

I got to the office 8 minutes later than usual. Not so bad. People greet me at the door and I say good morning trying to sound chirpy. No. I can’t do chirpy today. Made myself a cup of tea the minute I set my bag down. Yes, I have a hot and cold water dispenser in my office. Amazing right? Took a couple of sips before I sat on my chair poised to start my day with the usual email check. No, I’m not ready yet. I take another sip, half wishing it was coffee.  Crazy start of the day. I check in to see if my boss is in. Maybe telling someone would ease the shakes. He’s on a con call. Drat. I go back to my office and sit. I start to go through my email. What could’ve happened? Oh, I have to do this today. I start creating my July 3 to do list.  Does he have a family? I get the documents I need to submit to HR. I walk to the elevator lobby. Children? I hope he doesn’t have children. My little P comes to mind as I press ‘G.’ What if something happened to me? I try to look for something wooden. Drat! Who makes wooden elevators?!? Duh. What would happen to P if I die? I should write something up. Must add “call lawyer” to my to do list. Yeah, I’m not that old to write a will but I’m not THAT young either. I just want to be ready. P’s college fund is set and his other parent would be a few millions richer if I expire. Thank God for insurance! I think I should get a bit more so my little boy will be set for life. I just hope his dad manages the funds well. Sigh. I need to make sure of that. But how? Must remember to add that lawyer call reminder. I reach HR and I borrow a pen. I write: “Call lawyer” in the envelope I was holding. I smile at the girl ready to help me with my documents. Shake it off, V! You can do this.

I try to swat the dreary thoughts away. It’s too early, I don’t have the energy to fight the gloom. Ugh. I reach my desk and add an item to my to-do list. I encircle it. I grabbed my cup of tea. It’s cold. I chugged it. Nothing. Drat! Starbucks doesn’t open until 6am. Grabbed my wallet. Time for some KFC brew and a fudge brownie. Don't judge me. This is a job for sugar and coffee.