Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 6)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 6)

CHAPTER 6

An Odyssey

The door was suddenly pushed open and the two were torn from their dreams. Startled, Alexander and Sergei started up. There were two construction workers who now entered the room. The older of them immediately spoke. >> What are you doing here? << He didn't wait for the answer, but continued to pester. >> You will be gone in three minutes, otherwise I will call the militia! Sergei had caught himself first. He got up and went to the man. >> See, my friend is not well. Please let us stay here another day. <<

The man looked at him with cold eyes. >> The house will be demolished, you have three minutes! << He did not devote more time to the two, but left the basement with his colleague. Alexander also got up.

"You have to take your pills!" The boy reminded him.

>> Let's get out of here first, otherwise he'll really get the militia. <<

>> Yes, you are right. Where should we put all this stuff? <<

Alexander shrugged. >> I don't know. We definitely take the blankets with us. <<

Sergei nodded. >> The food too. The braid is good! <<

>> Now you have to think about food. <<

>> I just said. <<, Sergei defended himself.

In front of the house were a caterpillar and an excavator. Where there was a lot of snow before, it was now cleared aside. Several workers stood around the house and advised. Alexander had another coughing fit. Sergei looked at him with concern. You have to get warm quickly! We have to find something quickly! I'm afraid for you. << He took Alexander's hand and they went off. With the blankets under her arm and Ludmilla's yeast braid.

After ten minutes they were standing in front of the cafe. His friend could barely stay on his feet. "Come on, let's have a warm drink," suggested the boy. Alexander wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead. >> Do we have so much money left? << Sergei nodded.

So the two entered the cafe. Alexander took the window seat again. Exhausted, he dropped onto the chair and placed the blanket on the floor. The cafe must have just opened because all the seats were empty. They were the only ones. The waitress came listlessly and eyed the two pejoratively. "Do you have any money too?" She greeted the two unkindly.

Sergei pulled out the bills. "Enough!" He replied angrily.

>> I only ask because yesterday there were also some of your kind. I had to call the militia because they weren't paying. <<

Alexander wanted to tell her now that she would not have died if she had given them that. But maybe they would be thrown out and he was exhausted and didn't want to risk anything.

"Can we have tea, please?" Asked Sergei.

>> Sure, he'll be ready in three minutes! << She looked at his friend with false concern. >> By the way, your friend looks pretty battered. He should go to bed. << As the woman disappeared behind the counter, the boy was annoyed. >> Is that a stupid cow who knows exactly that we have no bed and no home! <<

>> Not so loud, otherwise they will throw us out! <<

>> Sorry! <<

>> Alright. <<

Sergei put his hand on Alexander's forehead. It was red hot again. "How are you?" He asked worriedly.

>> I'm sweating again. <<

Sergei got up and ran to the bar. He exchanged a few words with the waitress. He came back with a glass of water. >> Here, you have to take your pills! He hastily opened the pack and squeezed two tablets out of the pack. He gave this to his friend. Alexander swallowed it down with a load of water. >> Maybe afterwards I'll feel better if they start to work. <<

>> You thought about something. << He paused, then took out the money. >> It won't last forever. I could go begging, others do too. <<

His friend shook his head. >> Leave it! It's too dangerous, if the militia catches you, they'll put you back in the home. <<

"Do you know where we can go?" Asked Sergei.

>> In the area is an old tenement house. we can try it. I hope the front door is open. <<

The waitress came back with a tray on which stood two glasses of tea, as well as two small plates, each with a piece of lemon on it. She carefully put everything on the table. The two remained silent until she had left.

>> Drink the tea, it will do you good! <<

He took the glass, trembling. >> It's still too hot. <<

>> Wait, I'll squeeze the lemon out for you to taste better! <<

Alexander was so glad at the moment that he was not alone. Not only because he was feeling bad, but also because he was no longer lonely. Loneliness could be bad, very bad! But there was someone to talk to now. Somehow he had grown fond of the little guy and under no circumstances wanted to be without his company. Still, their location was not the best. Their home had been taken away from them now that he had the flu. But it was easier to take it all in pairs than alone.

Suddenly the door was opened and an older man stormed in. He hurried to the counter. >> Quick, I have to make a phone call! <<

>> Now calm down, what happened to them? <<, the woman behind the counter calmed him.

>> I and my wife were just attacked by the street pack. I have to call the militia quickly. My wife has been shocked. Some passersby are now with her and take care of her. They took everything from us. The whole money. We only need to get a small pension. << The waitress handed him the phone. After the conversation ended, he glared at Sergei and Alexander. >> It got bad with mother Russia. There was no such thing in the past. The whole thing is to howl, a drama! << With great strides he ran to the door. Then he turned to the two. "Pack!", He roared, lifting his stick menacingly and then leaving the cafe.

Alexander noticed that his friend had become sad. "What about you?" He asked.

Sergei bowed his head. >> That's why not everyone who lives on the street is like that. There are also good people. I wouldn't take anything away from anyone. <<

>> Me neither! <<

"Come drink your tea!" Urged his little friend. Then we look at the house. << Alexander nodded. After the glass was empty he felt a little bit better.

"Are there any mattresses?" Asked the little one.

>> No, unfortunately not, but we have our blankets. <<, said Alexander.

Sergei looked at the glass display case with the cakes and pies. His friend noticed that too. >> If you want a piece, order one! <<

He shook his head. >> No, we have Ludmilla's braid. We can eat a piece of it afterwards. The man yesterday was really nice that he gave us all the things. He is a good person like you! <<

>> I'm not hungry. I will lie down afterwards and sleep a little. <<

>> And I will watch over you so that bad people don't come again and do something to you! <<

His friend had to smile. >> Then I have great protection. <<

>> You got it, I'm quite strong, look! << He took his empty glass and lifted it up, as if it were quite difficult. They both had to laugh. Then he ran back to the counter and paid. When he was back with Alexander he had that worried look on again. >> Will you make it? <<

Alexander nodded. >> Don't forget your blanket! <<

>> Shouldn't I take yours? It is too difficult for you. <<

>> No, it's fine. <<

A whistle echoed through the room. Jürgen looked drowsy at the glowing red numbers on his clock radio. >> Already eight o'clock, dear! <<, said Jürgen. Strange, he spoke to himself again. Still tired, he slipped on his slippers and made his way to the bathroom.

He had written through the last few nights, making ten pages a day. The novel would certainly not be a masterpiece, he thought as the razor blade slid down his cheeks. But it was most certainly the worst story he had ever written. A grin spread across his face. His female readers would definitely like the story.

After he was dressed, he shuffled into the kitchen and opened the closet. "Crap!" He swore. Now he was in the Billa market yesterday and had forgotten the tea. >> I knew that I had forgotten something. <<

He quickly grabbed his coat to get the tea. On the way there he made a decision to write everything down in the future. Others would just drink milk or something else, but he just wanted his tea in the morning, because it was his own. Suddenly he was torn from his thoughts. He knew the boy up front. That was the one from the cafe? He took a closer look, yes he was! A little boy ran next to him. It also seemed to be a street kid. Oh, it was a pity what they looked like and misery in general.

A few moments later they were across the street and looked over at the old tenement house. His friend had to stop several times. Alexander was about to cross the street when his friend stopped him. >> Wait, I'm going over there. You have to take care of yourself! << Sergei looked left and right. No car in sight. With great strides he ran across the street and ran towards the front door. He pushed against it, it was locked! "Shit!" He swore. Then he turned to his friend, who was still across the street. "It's closed!" The little boy roared over.

Alexander knew there was only one option now. When his little friend got back to him, he looked at him seriously. >> I told you it was not going to be easy. <<

>> It wasn't for me before either. Now I have at least a good friend and what do we do now? <<

>> Do you have matches? <<

Sergei nodded. "Then come with me!" Alexander asked him. So the two ran through the streets of Moscow. Suddenly Alexander stopped. A man came to meet them. It was exactly the man he had seen in the cafe before.

"What do you have?" Asked his Sergei.

>> I've seen this man in the cafe before. <<

Sergei cut him off. >> Where we were just now? <<

>> Exactly! That wouldn't have been anything special, but he asked me if everything was fine. How did he know that something was wrong. I was sad at the time, why will I tell you later. << And then he added. >> Maybe that foreigner would have helped me then, maybe. <<

The stranger named Jürgen was with them now. He greeted kindly. >> Good morning you two! << Alexander and his little friend also wished him a good morning.

Now Jürgen saw the bruises on Alexander's face. Either he was hail of stones and fell or he was beaten up. He considered the latter more likely. But by whom? The boy also looked sick. Should he offer his help again? The boy would surely refuse again and pretend everything was fine. Again many questions and no answers. He didn't even have to ask the boy, he wouldn't tell him anything. He also didn't want to appear curious. Basically, this boy was none of his business. But that was how he was, Jürgen Wolter. His motto was help where you can. The two of them wanted to run farther when he got up. >> Please wait a moment! Is everything ok? Can I help you somehow? <<

The little boy wanted to say something when the bigger boy pinched him. The latter then took the floor. "It's all right!" He said in a low voice. Again you could hear a trace of sadness from the answer.

>> Wait! << Jürgen pulled his wallet out of his coat and pulled out some bills. He handed it to Alexander. >> Here, buy some of it! <<

"We don't need any money," answered Alexander proudly. >> Why do they want to give us money at all, they don't know us at all? <<

Was this an accusation or a question? In any case, he wanted to answer honestly. >> You know, if people would help each other more, the world would look better. << He purposely paused. >> Don't you think? <<

How right this stranger was. Most did not help people like him and Sergei. Most of them just didn't give a shit. Obviously not to this foreigner. But should he accept the money? Sure, they could use it, because he wouldn't be able to work for the next few days, even if the flu was over. Only when the numerous bruises had disappeared. So he could not be seen by the customers. He nodded and looked at the floor.

The man came up to him and put his arm on his shoulder. >> Please take the money! You and your little friend can certainly use it well. << With these words Jürgen pressed the money into his hand. Then he smiled. >> So I have to go on, unfortunately I don't have tea at home, so I'm getting some now. Breakfast without tea, unimaginable! <<, he said indignantly. He looked at the little one again, then at Alexander. >> I wish you both all the best! <<

The two watched him until he turned the corner. Alexander simply put the money in Sergei coat pocket. >> Here you do the cashier. You are now our bank! <<

"Yes sir!" The little boy joked. "The man was nice." He added seriously. >> Although he's not a Russian! << Both had to grin.

Now the two were standing in a back yard again. But not without reason! There was hardly any snow in a small area, about two by two meters. For a hole, next to it was a manhole cover. This hole was the entrance to Moscow's sewage system. Such jobs were very popular with street children and the homeless. When it was very cold, this canal system was one of the few ways not to freeze. It was not entirely safe to sleep down there. Not only was there a fear of the militia raiding at regular intervals, there were far more dangers down there. Alexander also knew that when he pointed down. >> We have to get down there now! <<

Sergei trusted his friend. Moscow's sewers were also well known to him. If you lived longer on the street, you learned to appreciate it. He climbed slowly down the canal stairs. You had to be extremely careful, the snow had made the stairs slippery. He took them step by step. Meanwhile, Alexander was standing on the floor. Again and again he looked around to see if nobody came. "I'm down!" A voice echoed up to him. >> Throw the blankets and the braid down! <<

"You and your braid!" His friend smiled. >> Catch it right! Otherwise everything is wet and dirty. <<

>> Don't worry, I'll be careful. Incidentally, I am called the best catcher in the world. <<

>> Ha, ha. So I count to three, then the load comes. << Sergei nodded, but his friend couldn't see that. >> One! two! Three! Things were on the way down.

>> Everything arrived just fine <<, it echoed out again.

"Great!" Alexander praised him. He looked around again. No one was to be seen anywhere. Now it was his turn. He climbed down as carefully as his friend. When he got to the bottom he rubbed his hands clean.

"I didn't know this lid yet," whispered his little friend.

>> You don't need to whisper, we're not in church. Then he pointed to the front. It was light there. There were probably others down here already. The light was about twenty meters away.

Suddenly Sergei cried out. >> There is something scurrying past me! <<

>> That was going to be a rat. It's definitely not the first where you saw. <<

>> I didn't see her at all. In any case, I was terrified. I already know some. <<

Each of them took a blanket and Sergei still Ludmilla braid, which was still wrapped in the beautiful Christmas paper.

Now Alexander had to duck. The canal was only 1.50 meters high at this point. Only Sergei could walk comfortably through it. It smelled horrible down here. When you were down here for the first time, you could get sick. But the street kids, where down there always lived, no longer smelled that. Again and again the two had to look at the walls to avoid slipping. Alexander's feet were already wet. The water was six inches high. Sergei also had wet feet. So they waded forward meter by meter. The light grew brighter.

"We'll be right there!", Sergei said with relief.

>> Thank God! <<

>> Amen! << added the little one.

A room opened up to them. Some street children were sitting in the corner. Alexander estimated it to be twelve to sixteen years. Two kerosene sparkles provided enough light so that everything could be seen easily. One of them got up. It must have been their leader, he also seemed to be the oldest in the group. "Who are you?" He asked.

Sergei pointed to his friend who was standing next to him. >> This is my friend Alexander. << Then he pointed to himself. As if he were a foreigner before him and wouldn't understand Russian. >> And I'm Sergei. Can we stay down here please, my friend is not doing well, please? <<

>> I can see that! << He eyed them and ran around Alexander once. >> How did that happen? <<, he wanted to know.

>> I was attacked, they took everything away from me. Then he checked his watch. "And the watch is now cracked, I got it from my grandmother," he added sadly.

"You didn't tell me about the watch!", His little friend said, taking Alexander's hand and looking at the watch.

The leader now looked him straight in the eye. >> I'm sorry, of course you can stay. Make yourself comfortable in some corner. <<

They both thanked and sat down.

>> You, the watch can be repaired again. We simply take them to the watchmaker. Then he makes a new glass, then it is like new again. <<

Alexander didn't hear that anymore, he was asleep. Sergei looked around. The smell of putrefaction mixed with the smell of glue. A boy was just opening the bag and filling it with glue. Some others already had this glassy look and were no longer in this world. He sniffed glue every now and then. That way you could forget about hunger, fear and your shitty life. But the stuff wasn't healthy.

"What's in the wrapping paper?" Asked the leader.

>> A braid that Ludmilla baked. The doctor's wife who helped Alexander. Ludmilla makes the best braid far and wide. Do you want a piece? <<

"If you give me one," he grinned.

Sergei took out his pocket knife. Carefully opened the paper and cut a slice of it and handed it to the leader.

>> Thank you, you are very kind! << He took a bite. "This is indeed the best braid I've ever eaten," he said with his mouth full.

At that moment Alexander woke up again. His throat scratched and he had another coughing fit. Sergei put the braid on his lap and pulled the blanket over his friend. "Everything will be all right again!", He said and patted Alexander on the shoulder with care.

The leader watched closely. He didn't look like a sixteen-year-old, he looked much more mature and he seemed to be concerned about things too. In any case, Alexander had this impression.

>> I didn't introduce myself at all <<, suddenly occurred to him. >> My name is Vladimir! << Then he turned to his bunch. >> So folks, we'll be leaving in ten minutes. We hardly have anything left to eat and the glue will soon run out, so it means organizing!

"What is organizing?" Asked Sergei.

Another grin pulled over Vladimir's lips. >> What I am telling you now may not please you, but that's the way it is in real life. We ambush people. Everyone pounces on you. Because there are so many, he can do practically nothing. The crowd does it. No we don't steal from poor and old people. Only those who have enough. It's called balancing justice, you see. Now you're sure to find us mean and evil. << He paused and turned to his people. Then he turned back to them. >> But we are not mean and bad. Nobody cares if we have something to eat. We are chased away everywhere. We are nowhere welcome. Everyone cares what a mess we become. The militia caught and beat one of us last year. <<

He stepped up to Alexander and looked him deeply in the eyes again, because now the decisive sentence came. >> By the way, he died down here! Yes, that's how it is here. So who is mean and evil? <<

He didn't wait for an answer, but turned back to his bunch. By clapping his hands and cheering them up. >> Go on, march and finally take the bag away from Milan! << Tired, everyone straightened up and waded stooped and in single file through the canal. Vladimir was the last. He turned to them again. >> The militia in this district is not squeamish. So when they come, run as fast as you can! << With these words, he left the room.

There the two sat and thought about Vladimir's words. >> Actually, this Vladimir is actually nice, << said Sergei.

>> Yes, that's right! They try to survive as best they can. I mean, we do that too, just our way. <<

>> I am happy to be with you. <<

>> Me too, otherwise I would be all alone. <<

>> Do you want a piece of braid? <<

>> You and your braid. Give me a disk so that there is finally peace! <<, Alexander smiled. So the two of them are joking around here and enjoying Ludmilla's braid and you know, nobody makes him better than them!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 7)