"Aftershock"

My P.E. teacher once asked us if we knew why we barely remember the events from our birth until around seven years old. He explained that the reason for this is that a part of the brain, called the amygdala, was not yet fully formed during our early years. According to him, this part of the brain is responsible for registering memories. However, we recollect bits of experiences every now and then, but those experiences are often tragic or dramatic.

One of those that have subsisted my amygdala’s formative years is an experience I had even before I was seven years old. I remember it was late afternoon, and we were having a simple party at home, with a couple of guests around. I remember where I was exactly sitting in the dining room, and that I was sipping cold juice. I knew it was very cold as I clutched it in my palm and I saw there were those films of condensation around the glass. I think I was bored, too, since all the visitors seemed friends of my parents and were not talking much to me.

On the far end of the room was the television. The commercial of the “Darna” movie was being aired. I am scared every time I see one of its commercials. But on that day, on that instant, I was most terrified by it. Maybe it was because I felt alone even if there were people around. When I saw the snakes crawling and hissing in the head of the villain, I ran straight to the television and unplugged the cord.

That was the last I remember. I don’t remember waking up after that. But I found out that I suffered electrocution after I touched the cord with wet hands. I was traumatized. As I grew up, I never held an electric wire again. This was a shame, because I missed watching “animes” whenever my parents were doing something, or my brothers were too lazy to do it for me. I got to touch and plug electric wires again only when I was around 14 years old. (So you know that most traumas can actually be overcome.)

That experience has made me fear plugs. On the other hand, I realized early how short life can be. I could have died at that instant, or burned myself to death, but it seems I am made for more. I also witnessed how much my parents love me, and how troubled they are if something bad happens to me.