The news was as devastating as the earthquake itself whose epicenter was directly below Hu To San, at the geographic center point of Taiwan Island. He began to rummage through the closets for unused clothes, blankets, tents, shovel, pickaxe, jack hammer, bicycle, canned foods. He loaded up the minivan and put some cash in his pockets.
“Where do you think you are going?” his wife asked?
“I am going to join the rescue and relief effort in Puli.”
“ But, you don't know anyone there. “
“ Not a problem. I can connect through Jya Fu Jong Xin or through the World Vision or the churches or through other pilots who live there.
“Who is gonna teach your classes?”
“ You can call Michael and David or Paul. There are plenty of others who can teach.”
A long hiatus ensued.
“If you go anywhere, there is no need to come back. I will divorce you.”
He continued to pack the car. I'll be gone for 4 days, maybe 5. If you pay someone to cover my classes, how much will it cost?
“Too much. 50,000 NT.” another long silence. “ How about I make a 50,000 Nt donation to rescue effort instead?”
He could see how much a pound of flesh this was for her. He really looked forward to getting away from the twin roles of “Crouching Husband, Bitching Housewife” but reluctantly agreed. “OK.”
The boys stood on the side, too young to understand what was going on.
“I'll empty the van at one of the donations centers in town,” he offered.
“En,” she replied.
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