Before dash cams became a fad, there were reverse sensors. I have both in my car. I came to Heritage Park to pick up my wife, who had visited her sister’s grave. It was past midnight. If the traffic is light, it is a 10- 15-minute drive from Maharlika Village.
My reverse sensor went haywire as I
shifted the gear to reverse, as in really “rapid warning,” as if I was about to hit someone. I didn’t see anyone on my side mirrors or on my back dash cam view. After the third time, I stepped out of my car and walked around the back, expecting to find a cat, a dog, a rabbit, or a hamster pet that someone may have taken to the cemetery…a favorite pet of someone who departed, but there was nothing.
I returned to the driver’s seat then Nishreen, who sat right
behind me in the back seat, retorted, “mga spirit lang iyan dad” (they are just
spirits dad), she laughed, “…patay na sila.” (they are already dead meaning
they cannot die again even if I run them over).
The spirits of the dead didn’t cross mind. I laughed!
“Makikiraan lang po,” (just passing through) I said loudly
and ignored the sensor’s warning.
