By Pedro Mosqueda
Mrs. Marlene Santana survived the 1999 Vargas mudslides. She rebuilt her home in Playa Grande and rebuilt her life with the same empathy that had always defined her. Then stubborn life surprised her once again: the earthquake brought down her four-story home, burying her alongside her husband, sister, and daughter.
A severe blow to the head kept her from escaping… Yet she never lost hope. Whenever she could, she gave signs of life.
Several days later:
—Mrs. Marlene, we’re here with you. We’re President Bukele’s rescue team. Do you have faith that we’re going to help you?
—Water… I’m burning up…
They brought her water. She said it was the best water she had ever tasted. She did not want them to remove the small tube that had reached her through tiny gaps and folds in the rubble.
—What else do you want, Marlene? her newly found heroes asked.
—A… Pepsi-Cola… No, better yet, a Coca-Cola.
Several hours later, they pulled her out of the underworld.
A team of young volunteers from the Red Cross took charge of her. Just before she entered the ambulance, an American rescuer surprised her.
—”This Coke is on me.”
—”Oh, how embarrassing. I was only joking,” she replied.
There is no need to say it: without meaning to, Mrs. Marlene has just created an outstanding advertisement for both brands.
I hope they pay her well.
