Murder by Request

Summary

An elderly woman recounts her experience of being asked to commit murder by the victim, George, and her subsequent struggle with the act and its aftermath, including her upcoming trial.

Abstract

The narrative is centered around an old woman who has been involved in a murder, an act she was requested to perform by the victim himself, George. She reflects on society's perception of age and the warnings she receives about her actions. Despite having experienced death multiple times, she emphasizes the importance of the manner of departure rather than the act itself. The woman is haunted by the memory of the murder, particularly the sound of the knife cutting through George's neck, and his last-minute attempt to save himself. She is now preparing for her trial and feels abandoned by George, from whom she expected some form of support or sign.

Opinions

The narrator dismisses societal expectations and warnings about her age, viewing them as irrelevant and restrictive.
She has a pragmatic view of death, considering it an experience that can be acceptable depending on the circumstances.
The woman feels a strong sense of commitment to her promise to George, which overrides any second thoughts she might have had upon witnessing his instinctual will to live.
There is a sense of betrayal or abandonment as she awaits some form of assistance or acknowledgment from George in the aftermath of the murder.
She is contemplative about her upcoming trial, indicating a need for a strategy to navigate the legal consequences of her actions.

Is it murder if he asked you to do it?

I am an old woman, by earthbound measures. That doesn’t mean much to me but it seems to mean a lot to other people around me.

You can’t do this or that at your age, I hear them say.

Bullshit.

You’re going to die if you don’t stop doing that, is another comment I hear.

Little did they know I’ve had that experience many times and it’s not so bad. It’s more about how you go.

I’m waiting for some sign from George. The waiting is the hardest. I haven’t heard from him since the murder six months ago.

I didn’t want to do it but he asked me to. I can still feel the snap as the knife cut through the cartilage on the side of his neck.

He had promised me he wouldn’t struggle, wouldn’t fight me. But at the last minute, he put in a mighty effort to save himself. I considered that he might have changed his mind but I had made a promise. I had to go through with it.

My trial is coming up. And I have to figure out how to get myself out of this. I can use a little support here, George.

He Asked me to Murder Him

Is it murder if he asked you to do it?