Tha Tha Thabungton, micro-memoir series by Monica Ingudam

I grabbed the big, rugged rock from his hand and whispered, “How about I hold this? I’ll be quicker to throw it if they attack.”

He reluctantly handed it over. I gently held his warm hand, and we kept walking on the muddy road. Up ahead, three guys were chatting to my left, with a blue car parked nearby.

“They’re plotting to attack me,” he stammered, a slight wheeze in his breathing. He turned, signaling for the rock.

I panicked, thinking, What if he throws it at them? I quickly responded, “Baba, don’t worry. I’m strong. Nothing will happen to you. No one’s taking you. I’m right here.”

The men’s voices got louder, and his hand squeezed mine tighter. I squeezed back, repeating, “I’m here. Nothing will happen. I’m right next to you, just keep walking.”

We passed the men, who seemed to be laughing at a joke. Slowly, I dropped the rock onto the muddy road. We continued walking in silence, still holding hands, though our grip had softened.

At 78 years old, a retired college professor, living with dementia, is haunted by the memory of a brutal attack. He was beaten by three students he had expelled for cheating on an exam—his only “crime” being his honesty. I blinked, endeavoring to suppress my tears, acutely aware of the profound and persistent fear he is repeatedly experiencing.

Written by Monica Ingudam

“Tha Tha Thabungton (talk to the moon)” is a collection of micro memoirs reflecting the author’s diverse life experiences. Her writings aim to highlight pertinent narratives of Manipur, drawing from her upbringing amidst conflict, her interactions with individuals through podcasting for FindingTheVoices, Library Of Manipur, social services and her recent involvement (May 2023 conflict) in supporting relief camps for displaced persons.