'There are Boundaries' by Abha Iyengar

I saw it happen with my own eyes. It was in self-defense. The boy, Hashim, did not stand a chance against Otto, that hulk of a man, as he attacked him. The boy had said something to Otto. Otto obviously did not like it. He took a step back and then rushed towards the boy. He had suddenly become a raging bull. I saw the anger in those blue eyes. Otto is a big man, but a good man. I have known him since we were children. Even had a crush on him, a long time ago. Yes, it happened in a split second. The sudden rush. And then the boy had no choice. He picked up something from the floor, I don’t know what. He hit Otto on the head with it. Otto fell to the floor. He did not bleed. But we both knew he was dead. 

*

Hashim, this immigrant boy, hardly fifteen, stood waiting for me to check him. I always check to see my factory workers have not stolen anything. They take away things like nails etc. I don’t allow it. I thought I would ask Hashim about his mother. I had seen her the other day and found her pretty. Simple, but pretty. I asked him, “Hashim, how is your mother today?” Olga was also standing there, a little distance away. She was an old friend, a neighbor. Perhaps she had come to tell me something about my wife, Alina. I would walk home with her later and find out if anything was amiss. Alina had been ailing for a while. Hashim told me, “You old fool, keep your eyes to yourself!” How dare he? I rushed at him, my anger beyond control. Then, he hit me with something. I fell and blacked out.

*

I don’t know why I did what I did. I had no intention to hit Otto. It just happened. The way he rushed at me; I wanted to protect myself. I was sure he would pin me against the wall and tear the breath out of me. His eyes were filled with rage. I have never seen him like this. He should not have asked about my mother. Why did he ask?  He has no interest in us immigrants. He only wants us to work long hours for small wages. We are exploited, but we can deal with it. But just as we know our place, he should know his. There are boundaries. Now he is dead. I have been shaking ever since. That lady, his friend, has tried to calm me, but how can she know what this means? It’s the end of my life. There is no future.