Oscar !?
I know I’m not the only one who was shocked to hear the news this morning. I could picture it so clearly; Oscar asleep in bed, and then suddenly his girlfriend turning up very early to surprise him on Valentine’s Day morning. Waking with a start but still groggy, he grabbed the pistol from beneath the bed and fired. No sound, other than the gunshot – because the first gunshot had killed her. Unnerved, he fired again and then again – maybe thinking it was just a dream. I imagined the absolute horror and disbelief when he switched on the light…
The silly girl! As a hater of practical jokes, and a massive admirer of Oscar, I felt slightly cross with Reeva for misunderstanding him so badly – for not knowing that he would not like surprises. But I have followed the developing story throughout the day, and, well, it is looking more as though he might have known he was shooting her.
Only last night I watched a video of him advertising sportswear. Since I ‘Liked’ his Facebook page I get such links on my News Feed. I confess I watched it twice. Okay, I’m old enough to be his mother – but there’s no harm in window shopping – and it’s not only that he’s a hunk; there is also the running connection.
Running has helped me to retain some sort of sanity over the years and I try not to imagine a time when I cannot run, and I never take it for granted that I still can run, and I always give thanks at the end of a run. This is how Oscar first became a hero to me – a guy with the motivation, not only to run, but to run competitively and to succeed beyond all expectations – with no fucking feet!
It is difficult now to read that Oscar has been “charged with murder” and I can only wait for the tragic story to unravel. So often it seems that geniuses or people who excel in their particular vocation have some kind of imbalance that manifests itself as a weakness in another aspect of their makeup. Perhaps the intensity of Oscar’s competitive spirit has in some way tipped his balance? I feel so sorry for anyone who is personally connected, and my thoughts are with them tonight … but more particularly with Oscar.
Word on a Whim 
When I read the first lines of this, I thought it was a piece of fiction. I had to check the news to see what had happened, and now I know the story. I agree with your point at the end – I think there are far too many people who are gifted in one way that it makes something else in their character unbalanced, and so often causes tragic things to happen. I also now have another insight into YOUR character after reading this, and I like it 🙂
Thanks for reading and commenting Simon. I guess having average ability results in an easier path. Not that you’d know much about average ability – any sharper and you’d cut yourself!
Oh please, we both know that’s not true. Any ability I have is down to guess work and luck