Joy and Sorrow Chapter 8 Sitting Shiva

Shiva (Hebrew: שבעה‎‎, literally "seven") is the week-long mourning period in Judaism for first-degree relatives: The ritual is referred to as "sitting shiva". Immediately after burial, people^[1] assume the halakhic status of "avel" (Hebrew: אבל; "mourner"). This state lasts for seven days, during which family members traditionally gather in one home (preferably the home of the deceased) and receive visitors. .

Soledad Marquesa was paying a special Shiva visit all the way from California. It seemed cruel to abandon a loyal friend at such a crucial time. Celeste had been a solace to her when Soledad's adopted son had been kidnapped more than twenty years ago. Celeste's husband, Joel had  just been murdered in a drive - by, in broad daylight. The cops hadn't caught the heartless bastard that snuffed out Joel's beautiful life. They had never found her son, Jerry either. She hoped whoever did the both of them in lived in regret.

Joel liked his drink, but who cared? He had been an industrious Senator, struggling to make a difference in a dirty business. Even his foes attested to that. If more politicians were like Joel, maybe she would vote in a bona fide election. Decent politicians weren't making a comeback anytime soon. Mainstream voters tended to only focus on star power, not how well a person could do the job.

Soledad veered away from Joel's sister Karen, who caused psychological damage to everyone forced to deal with her. It was common knowledge Karen only came around to bum money off her brother for pills. At this very moment, the bitch was shedding crocodile tears as if she and Joel had been best of pals.

Soledad could never see Karen's motive as pure. Years ago, Soledad had hosted a garden party, and had overheard Karen loudly telling a guest, "If I had a mother like Soledad, I'd run away too." She had wanted to punch Karen in the mouth, but that would have involved physical contact. Soledad didn't want any of Karen's evil mojo rubbing off on her.

Instead, she excused herself inside and busted a china vase shaped like a Siamese cat. After smoking a fat joint, Soledad had returned to adoring guests, smiling as if nothing happened. She often regretted smashing a three thousand dollar vase.Even if it was from her ex mother - in law. But despising Karen was not something she ever felt guilty about.

She watched Joel's son, Sebastian listening to classic rock on his Walkman. She envied his ability to crawl into the music notes and block out the mess careless adults had made. Soledad wondered what destiny held for him. One thing was certain, Sebastian was a survivor, it was in his eyes.