I thought about the companionship of the last moments of Jacques’ life.
The man had woken up ten minutes late. He had then hurriedly driven to work. His wife was dead and wasn’t there to tell him to have a good workday. He had walked into work, taken off his jacket, set it across his chairback, and placed loans until lunchtime. He worked for another four hours before standing up. Then, the phone had rang, and he had answered, and chatted for two and a half minutes. He locked the door to his office. He had gotten into his car, and had taken the corner a little too fast- not seeing the boy sitting in the street. Jacques. He didn’t see him over the dashboard.
What if it hadn’t been that way?
What if the man had woken up on time? What if he had driven slower? If his wife was still alive to kiss him goodbye? If he hadn’t bothered to eat? If he hadn’t answered that phone call? If he had forgotten to answer the door? If he had taken the corner more slowly?
Would Jacques still be alive?
Yes, I think he would be.