Anita Bartholomew: Dead of Night

As I’ve turned to page 120 of the Reader’s Digest magazine, no doubt the first thing that caught my eye was the magnificent and yet elegant house. However, later as I lowered my gaze, what actually gained my attention was the heading, ‘Dead of Night’. Who would expect anything terrible to happen that night behind the facade of the seemingly peaceful house?

True indeed, there was an invasion in Robert’s home, or perhaps, more than that. Many things had happened while everyone else in the neighbourhood was asleep, including the intense struggle between the drug addict Miller and the man of the Mandziara family so that the latter could finally run to safety after his wife, Ana. Not only that, in order to protect his two other children who were still sleeping, Robert sacrificed his life by turning back to danger although he had already escaped from Miller’s hands, which was certainly not an easy task. Since I have mentioned, it is this point that makes the moral of the story – family is always the top priority of life. I thus admire his placing of his loved ones before himself at all times, even before the incident happened, which probably is just the chance to prove what he promised Ana, that he would always ensure the safety of the family. Well, having experienced such a life-threatening event, the Mandziaras must have formed a stronger bond; so, are they considered lucky to be able to realise the importance of one another through this incident, or are they not?

Anyway, it is indubitable that crime is rife in many societies. For instance in this case, Miller was high on the drug methamphetamine that caused him to exhibit all its worst effects, producing a dangerous mixture of euphoria, paranoia, irritability and aggression. This thus explains his almost unbeatable strength during the long struggle between the two men. Because of the drug, it took his life away and ruined his future, leaving a bad record that can never be removed. It is this drug, comparable to a suicide pill that can conquer the body, which created the commotion, indirectly. If it had not been his craze over the killer drug, this would never have happened. But since he was apprehended by the cops due to the seamless plan that Robert and his neighbour, Dale, had made, all I hope for is that as the days ensued, he would no longer be tied to a life turned upside down by a drug and that, he would start afresh to be a decent man in spite of a bad record.

Certainly, what happened must have become a nightmare for the Mandziaras. But having overcome a big obstacle in life, it undoubtedly shows the love they possess in one another, and also the courage and quick-witted minds in the couple to ensure the family’s survival. Not forgetting Dale, a former police officer, he had helped much in bringing things to an end by sacrificing his life to approach the thief unaccompanied. In my opinion, the family is really fortunate to have an experienced police officer nearby who can be of help in such situations.

Despite having a happy family myself, I am envious of the five who apparently stay as one at all times. Now I understand how strong bonds and deep love within a family can unite as a powerful strength to overcome any obstacle getting in way.


Qianhui
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