Fictional Story

The Lamentation, 2016

by Kehinde Wiley

How could this have happened? I stand here, looking at you laying there ... still, asleep, lifeless. Just yesterday we were fine. It was just a regular day until Jacques and Maribelle wanted to go out to a party. Our schedule was free so we decided to go with them. They mentioned that this party was an exclusive invite only and that this rich kid Josh is hosting. Josh has always been known to be a dickhead but I know you are always down for a good party. You put your differences aside for now and right then and there, we agreed to go for sure.

You went through your day, eating breakfast, lunch and even going to the mall with mom. You came home and went straight to your video games even though you should have been studying. It is something we definitely had to work on. Eventually we get the call from Jacques, telling us to meet at his place then us, Jacques and Maribelle will all go together. We head over there, take a few shots to pregame then head out. The uber picks us up and there we are, looking at this massive house with people guarding the gate. Jacques does all the talking, “ Jacques and friends please “. The guard lets us through and we see all our boys from school. Everyone is done with college so Josh wanted to reunite everyone. Some of these people I do not even remember from High School.

We go to the drinks just trying to have a good time and see Josh. He says, what's up to Jacques and Maribelle then us. He gives us the dirtiest look and just says, “Hey thanks for coming” in the fakest way possible. We had beef in the past, I guess he is still not over it. You tried to be the bigger guy but he was not listening. You looked away to talk to Jacques and I remember him slipping something into your drink. He just walked away right when we turned around. You were just chilling for the night until you felt woozy and had to sit down. Jacques and Maribelle took you to a room and told you to lay down and relax.

When I opened my eyes, I was just laying there. Thinking to myself what could have happened to me, trying to replay the scenario in my head. I just see flowers around me, Jacques and Maribelle disappear. The next thing I know, I’m standing here, no one else knows I am here, except me. I rerun the night in my hand and I just have to accept this, looking at myself laying there … still, asleep, lifeless.