Voice and Echo

This is an observation rather than a judgment. I do not know the second person well enough to defend or degrade him. True, I have had contact with the first person and had later been the object of his wrath. Yet I know I am not alone in this situation, so there is no reason for me to be upset.

There were once two guys in a department. Thought they handled similar work, they were unlike each other in personality and looks.

One was of middle height, dark and lean. The other was tall, tan and overweight. The latter was timid and preferred not to be highlighted while the former was overbearing and craved to be accepted among the elite.

Naturally their work brought them together but luckily, the difference in personality made the friendship possible. We will name the first one 'Voice' and the second, 'Echo'.

I will not waste space in describing Voice's manners to you. Many know of his nature and often term it as 'weird'. It is Echo who interests me because I have wondered if he will ever stand up for himself.

Many people had told me that Echo is better off by himself. They tell me that he is a nicer person when he is not in Voice's presence.

They say, "Why does he keep company with Voice? He is a good chap but hardly has an opinion of his own."

The truth, I suspect, is that Echo is afraid of Voice. I have heard that Voice can make life pretty unpleasant for this who oppose him. But is that a reason for Echo to be voiceless - oppressed and made into Voice's mere shadow?

There were times when I felt that Echo looked like a deer caught in a snare. He had no courage to untangle himself. No means of standing up to his beliefs. The easiest way out was to agree with Voice in all that he said. Let Voice take the upper hand in matters and meekly follow his steps.

I am now no longer in their company because I had a fall out with Voice. Voice is nasty to his enemies in public. He does not mind washing his dirty linen out in the open. However Echo who was on friendly terms with me, just looks through me now. Perhaps he is afraid that if he shows signs of friendliness towards me, word will reach Voice's ears. He does not speak to those whom his mate dislikes. However at times, when we catch each other's eyes, I think I can almost glimpse an unspoken apology.

We live in times when elephants are scared of mice. But even a worm will turn. Even though it is too late for a new year blessing, I hope Echo will find his own voice soon.

Shehara

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