Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 4)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 4)

 

CHAPTER 4

Encounters

The night was over and a new day was beginning. The first rays of sun were already making their way through the canyons of Moscow on the horizon. Since Sunday was little traffic on the streets at that time. Most people were still in the realm of dreams.

Alexander would surely have slept if he hadn't been woken up by a sound. He started up, startled. Someone came down the stairs. He crawled closer to the rubbish bags. Now the person was down. The handling of keys and a chain was heard. Certainly a tenant who wanted to get something out of the basement or put it in. Then these keys and the chain could be heard again. The person locked again and went upstairs. A door was slammed. Alexander breathed a sigh of relief. He or she was gone! As every morning, he rubbed the night sand out of his eyes. The word night sand was his own invention. He leaned against the wooden slats and looked around. You could tell by the cables that meandered along the basement ceiling, so that the house hadn't just been built yesterday. Some pipes are already starting to rust. A pipe leaked in the neighboring cellar. The water dripped to the floor, echoing and at regular intervals, like the ticking of a clock. How long has this house been standing? Alexander suspected that it was built before the First World War. This presumption was reinforced by the thick walls of the building. How many people may have come and gone here? Certainly many and some of them were long gone. Alexander was surprised. What thoughts he had again.

He also had to think about his work. Most of the places where to buy offered their services at the train station or subway stations. It was normally forbidden and the miliez chased you away. Street children were always driven out anyway because they had no money and could not pay anything. Hustlers only if they refused to pay the militia. Most bought drugs or fine clothes and some both from the money earned. He would surely earn more money there than on the streets where he usually stood. It was worth considering. But there was still enough time to think about a change. For the time being, he was on vacation. Others sold their bodies in front of certain hotels. Because there were many foreign tourists and business people. They waited patiently in front of the hotel for customers. Then someone came out or wanted to go in, they ran after him and literally imposed their services. They usually don't leave it to simple questions, but rather open their pants. This should turn on the potential customer. For Alexander, that would never be an option just to impose himself. His style was different. Just walk up and down the street. When a police car came, it was time to hide. Because for him it was impossible to pay the officials money. "Well, that's it!" He sighed aloud.

Enough thought! Alexander rose slowly. All his bones hurt. That was almost every morning. The floors he slept on weren't Pavel's soft bed. It was rare to find an old mattress or soft pad in a basement. But when it did, this opportunity was immediately used. The next morning, however, everything had to be set up the way it was before, so that nobody noticed that someone was there. You always have to try to remain inconspicuous, Andrej always pounded on him. He gave him useful advice on how to survive on the street. In a sense, street life was like a jungle. Every day was a struggle for survival for him and a thousand others. It was hardest for the street children and easy for nobody. The passers-by, where day in, day out, passed one knew nothing about it. They could sleep in their warm home every night in a nice, soft bed.

Today was Sunday, so Alexander decided to visit his grandma. He did that at least two Sundays a month. Since the cemetery was in the east, a long walk was actually announced. Today, however, there were two good reasons not to walk, but to use the underground. There was snow and he had some money. It wouldn't last forever, but the next few weeks were taken care of.

Alexander bent down and again he could feel every bone individually. He reached for his hat, which was still lying on the stone floor and had served him as a pillow at night. It was definitely cold outside. Another quick look back. There was no need to change anything. It was everything as he had found it.

Outside, a man was busy clearing the way of snow. It was still snowing or again! The whole street, the parked cars, the roofs of the houses, everything was covered in a white snow coat. The car owners would have to do a lot afterwards to free their cars from the snow. Alexander could see his breath as he crossed the street. Only a few cars and pedestrians met him on the way to the next subway station.

The station was also not as busy as on normal working days. He first ran to the toilets to shave and freshen up. Few people stood on the track. He also joined the few to wait for the next train. Since one came practically every few minutes, there was no need to look at the timetable. Just when he had thought of buying a roll at the kiosk, the train entered. The doors opened slowly. He and a few older people got in. Alexander took a window seat, misted on the right side. In twenty minutes the subway would have reached the east of the city. An old man sat across from him reading the newspaper. The doors closed again and the train started to move. He looked out of the window, but there was nothing to see. His thoughts were somewhere else. He had to think of that place again, the place of his dreams. Where everyone was nice to each other. Where there was no poverty. Where parents don't drink and take care of their children. A place where everyone had a home. Yes, there was that place in his dreams. Was there really such a place? Maybe, but most people didn't know him.

The train stopped again and the doors opened. The old man carefully folded the newspaper and rose. A few seconds later, he ran past his window. Surely he only drove so far to buy the daily newspaper. He knew that from his grandma. This went to shopping for every little thing. Many old people were lonely. Once he read that a woman was only found in her apartment months after her death.

Four men, a little older than he, stormed into the car. They didn't exactly make a nice impression on him.

>> We did it! << said the one with the bobble hat. The others giggled. While they ran past him, backwards. Alexander pretended to look out the window. The doors closed and the cars started moving again.

>> I drank you under the table yesterday! <<

>> Sure, you just started. I was already half full. <<

What crap some people talked about. Anyway, they didn't seem to care about him, that was good. Until the next stop, they only chatted about vodka and their drinking. They probably do something like this at regular intervals.

After a few minutes the train reached the next station. The doors opened again. A little boy came in and now Alexander was surprised. Such children were normally not allowed into the wards. He must have hatched somehow. One immediately saw that he lived on the street. That is why people like the boy were generally referred to as street children. If you were attentive, you could meet them in many corners of Moscow. The little one ran to the back. He asked the four young men for a few rubles. "Get out of here, or it'll do something!", One shouted and his buddies laughed. >> Always this damn street pack! <<, another scolded.

Then the boy suddenly stood in front of him. Alexander estimated it to be seven or eight years. His face was as dirty as his coat. He also wore a scarf and a hat, which must have seen better times. >> Please have a few rubles for me? "He asked shyly.

Alexander rummaged in his pocket and gave him some money. Hoping the little one would buy something to eat. But that was not certain, he could also convert the money into glue. The street children inhaled the stuff to forget their miserable life for a short time. The boy thanked him and carefully stowed the money in his pocket. Then he sat down in the seat opposite and tied his scarf. If only he could help him, but he couldn't even help himself. The few rubles were not a real solution.

He had to get out at the next station. When the doors opened, Alexander got up. The little boy ran in front of him. Where would the little one go now? Would he buy something to eat from the money? Oh, why did he always have to think so much about things!

There was a small kiosk in front of the building. The strange boy was already running in the other direction when Alexander called after him. >> Wait, boy! << The little boy stopped, turned and looked over at him, waiting. >> Please wait a moment! I'll be right back. << He quickly ran to the kiosk and bought three sandwiches. Then he ran back and handed him two of them. >> Let them taste you! << >> Thank you! <<, the boy replied again. Alexander was about to turn away when the boy looked up at him and added. >> You are a good person! << Then he took a bite of pleasure in the bun and then slowly pulled away. Alexander looked after him until he could no longer see.

Then he strolled towards the cemetery. There was already more traffic on the streets. Alexander had to wait at the traffic lights. It was no longer snowing. Suddenly there were voices and giggles behind him. The voices seemed familiar to him. Those were the four guys from the subway. As a precaution, he turned into a side street. This path was longer, but he wanted to see if they followed it. Better safe than sorry! After a few meters he stopped and turned. Then they came around the corner. The one in the bobble hat looked over at him. Alexander turned and kept walking. One of the four started whistling a song. That was the guy with the bobble hat, it must have been their leader! So they were still behind him and at that moment it was clear to him that they were targeting him. Nobody talked anymore, everyone concentrated fully on him. The whistling had also been stopped. At that moment Alexander could hear his heartbeat. His heart was pounding wildly. Fear rose in him. What could you do in such a situation? Andrej would certainly know some advice, but Andrej no longer existed. The steps behind him became faster, they would have caught up with him in a moment. He snorted again, then ran!

>> Look at this, this sow wants to pile up! << shouted one.

"We'll have you right away, ass!" Another called after him.

Alexander was getting faster and faster. Everything just passed him. Some passersby looked at the group in surprise. None of them suspected that Alexander might be running for his life at that moment. Unfortunately, he saw the ice behind the old demolition house too late and slipped. Immediately two of the guys pounced on him and raised him up. He didn't even try to fight back. He had no chance at four. These two were holding him now. One had the right arm, the other the left arm in firm grip. The guy with the bobble hat slowly came up to him. He stopped a few inches from him. He put on a sneaky smile. Alexander was afraid, terrible fear! >> Why are you running away from us? We don't want to harm you. We just want to be your friends. Aren't you Igor? << Everyone laughed except Alexander. The fourth in the group had to be Igor, because he nodded to his friend. So far he had been watching from a few meters away. Now he was getting closer too. Igor was the only one of the four not wearing a hat. Alexander estimated that he was about twenty-five years old. He was the oldest group. Igor's hand slipped into his coat pocket. A packet of cigarettes came out. He slowly took out a cigarette, his eyes always on Alexander. Then he came closer and handed the box to his buddy. His eyes never left him. This also pulled out a stick. Then Igor took out a lighter and put the box back in his jacket pocket. Both lit the cigarettes. Igor took a deep breath, then started to ask his question, blowing the smoke into his face. >> What is your name? <<

Alexander grimaced. This guy was definitely not to be trifled with. "Alexander!" He replied.

Igor remained serious. >> Alexander, since we are your friends now we have to share everything. Isn't it? << Alexander said nothing. It didn't seem to matter to his counterpart, he continued after a few seconds. >> Good friends just share everything, you know that for sure. Joy and sorrow. They help each other in times of need. The four of us are in need right now, in dire need, << he added sadly. But of course this sadness was only played, Alexander knew that and also that everything was a lie.

His buddy went on, also with mock sadness. >> Yes, we haven't had anything in our stomach for a week and now we are terribly hungry. << The three laughed again. Only three laughed, Igor did not laugh this time, but continued to stare at him. >> You know for sure, you don't get food for free, you need money, money, monetas. Right? << Alexander kept silent. >> Now you have to give us money. Since we are very hungry, we need all of your money. You don't want to let good friends down? <<

"So will you help us?" Asked Igor, breathing out the smoke. Alexander knew that Igor was expecting an answer this time. All they really had to do was take his money away. But they didn't do that. He should submit and give it to them voluntarily. So make a fool of himself and he wouldn't do that. No, under no circumstances! Strange, he, who always had so much shooting above all and everyone, now remained steadfast and remained silent. He admired himself internally.

After a few seconds of waiting, the guy spoke to him again. >> Your silence tells me you don't want to help us. You want us to go hungry. That's not nice of you! We were always there for you, shared everything with you. << He turned away from him briefly and then looked at Igor again. His face became serious now, very serious. >> Now you will have to share the pain with us! << As soon as he had said this, he reached out with his hand and hit Alexander in the face with full force. Again he turned away from him and towards Igor. "It's your turn!" He said coldly.

Igor came closer and for the first time a grin pulled over his face. That grin then changed from one second to another to a hateful expression on his face. He clenched his hand, reached out and hit Alexander's stomach. A cry broke the silence. Alexander felt a hell of a pain. He could hardly breathe. He thought he was going to pass out every second. But fate showed no mercy on him, he did not pass out. Igor now searched his pockets. He pulled out the bun. >> What do we have there, a bun. You probably bought that for me. He gave it to his buddy. Then he turned to the other bags. The next thing he pulled out was the money. He counted it and put it in. Then it was the turn of the rear pockets. >> Oh, you have cutlery and a knife with you! << Then he looked at the disposable razor. >> Oh, you're already shaving, I hope not in the wrong places. << A dirty laugh broke out again. >> Now you will probably have to buy everything again. << he said and threw everything away. Somewhere, a few meters away, things ended up in the snow. Then he looked at his buddy with the bobble hat. >> Let's go! <<

>> No, look in your coat! <<

Igor did what he was told. But there was nothing to be found. >> There's nothing left, come on let's finally go I'm hungry. <<

The other guy smiled. >> Why are you always in such a hurry. You're always stressful. All in good time. << Alexander coughed. He was still struggling to breathe.

"You won't get sick, Alexander," said Igor. >> But I know a flu wave is going around. Yes, you have to be careful. << Again he turned to his boss. >> What is it, are we going now? <<

However, the third request did not unsettle him. >> Don't stress! << Then he pointed to Alexander's shoes. And a grin spread across his face. Igor understood. With swift hands he took off Alexander's shoes. Within a few seconds he felt the freezing snow on his feet. Igor looked at the shoes, turned them over and the notes flew into the snow. He hurriedly picked it up. "Why didn't you tell us?" He shouted angrily. His head turned bright red. >> You pig wanted to cheat us! <<

One of the two who held him said, "Oh dear, now he's going to have another tantrum!"

>> Let him go! <<, demanded the leader. As soon as they let go of him, Igor struck. His fist hit Alexander's jaw and he fell to the ground. But Igor continued to abuse him and kicked with full force. Another hit in his stomach. Alexander thought he was going to suffocate.

>> Stop it now, otherwise he will die! <<

But Igor just kept going, another kick! At that moment, police sirens sounded that were approaching.

"Let's get out of the militia!" One shouted. Now Igor finally let go and everyone ran away. For a brief moment, Alexander lost consciousness.

************

He slowly opened his eyes. At first everything was blurry, then the picture became clearer. He was still in the snow. His head and stomach ached. Hopefully nothing was broken. He had no money for a doctor. Where his head had been, the snow was slightly reddish. His hand went carefully to his face. His nose was bleeding and blood was also coming from his mouth. His tongue felt the gums. There was a hole where his right canine was before. These pigs knocked out a tooth!

>> I called the militia! <<

Alexander looks up. The little boy from before stood in front of him. "Thank you!" Alexander groaned as he took a breath.

The boy looked around. >> We have to get out of here quickly! << The sirens were getting louder, which was a sign that they would be here soon.

"I'm not coming up!" Groaned Alexander.

The boy came closer. >> Come, support me! << With the last strength and with the help of the boy, he finally came up. This pointed to the demolition house. >> We can hide there! <<

"My shoes!" He groaned. Only now did the boy notice that Alexander had no shoes at all. They were in the snow! He quickly took her and put it on him. Alexander thanked him. Supported by the little one, she limped towards the house. After a few steps, Alexander turned. >> My things! <<

>>Wir haben keine Zeit, schnell, sonst stecken sie mich ins Heim!<< So verschwanden die beiden im Haus. Keine Sekunde zu früh. Im gleichen Augenblick hielt ein Streifenwagen. Die Sirenengeheul wurde abgeschaltet. Zwei Beamte stiegen aus.

Die beiden beobachteten das Geschehen aus dem Loch, wo früher einmal ein Rahmen und ein Fenster eingesetzt war. Alexander, der sich immer noch an ihm abstützte, spürte das zittern des Junge als einer der Beamten auf das Haus zusteuerte. >>Wir müssen in den Keller. Vielleicht suchen sie da nicht!<< , flüsterte der Kleine.

In diesem Moment ließ er sich sinken. >>Ich kann nicht mehr!<<

Wenn der Beamte nun die Tür öffnete, würde er die beiden sofort entdecken. Doch einige Meter vor dem Haus rief ihm sein Kollege etwas zu. >>Wir haben einen Funkspruch, Unfall! Da ist eh keiner mehr die sind schon lange getürmt!<< Der Mann drehte ab und rannte zum Wagen zurück. Doch das konnte Alexander nicht sehen, denn das Loch befand sich etwas höher. Dazu hätte er sich wieder aufrichten müssen.

Dies wusste auch der Junge, der jetzt erleichtert aufatmete, daher berichtete er es ihm. >>Sie sind jetzt weg!<<

**************

Eine halbe Stunde später befanden sich die beiden im Keller des Hauses. Mit Mühe und Not und wieder mit der Hilfe des Jungen schafften sie es, die Treppenstufen hinabzusteigen. Immer wieder mussten die beiden eine Pause einlegen. Das Luft holen fiel ihm schwer und es schmerzte bei jedem Atemzug.

Für das erste waren sie hier in Sicherheit. Der Junge schloss die Tür um die eisige Kälte nicht herein zu lassen. Hier drinnen war es angenehm warm. Völlig außer Atem ließ sich Alexander auf dem Boden nieder. Der Kleine blieb jedoch weiterhin stehen und beobachtete ihn. >>Es tut mir leid, dass es ihnen so schlecht geht.<< ,bedauerte er. >>Nochmals Danke für die Brötchen und das Geld.<<

Alexander wanted to shake his head, but every movement hurt him and although he found it difficult to speak, he managed to say something. >> I have to thank you. You just saved my life. << Then he looked at his shoes. They were damp inside and so were the socks. If he didn't take her off, he might get the flu. But he couldn't do it alone. >> Can you please take off my shoes and socks, everything is damp. <<

The boy nodded and pulled down the wet stuff. >> Now we should have a fire, then you could dry things nicely. <<

>> Thanks to you! You can say you to me. <<

>> Those were bad men who belong in jail. << There was a pause, then the boy continued talking. >> I have to confess something to them, um. When I ate the bun I made up my mind and ran back and followed you. I saw what these bad men did to you and I ran to the next phone booth as fast as I could. Then I called the militia. Then I ran back and hid here in the house and waited until they left. << Then he bowed his head and continued in a sad tone. >> I cried when I saw what they were doing to you. Because you were so nice to me. What is your name ? My name is Sergei! <<

>> Alexander. <<

>> A nice name! << Again there was a longer pause. >> Alexander <<, repeated the boy with a smile. But Alexander hadn't heard that for a long time, he was asleep from exhaustion. Sergei sat down next to him, looked at him and said again very quietly, "Alexander." Then he cuddled up against his shoulder and fell asleep. Oh yes and snow fell again!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 5)