Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 7)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 7)

 

CHAPTER 7

Vladimir

You could hear someone wading through the water. So far, however, you could only see outlines. Sergei nudged his friend, who had already dozed off. Alexander had to orientate himself first. >> What's going on? <<

>> Someone is coming! Do you think that's the militia? << whispered the little one.

>> I don't think they have lamps with them. <<

The closer the shape came, the more you could see. Then finally the person was in the glow of the kerosene lamps. It was a little boy. Alexander estimated it to be five years. He held a transparent bag and a tube of glue in one hand and a cloth bag in the other.

Before the two could ask him something, the little boy spoke. >> A taller boy told me that you can live here. Can I stay here? << he asked.

Sergei looked at him in surprise. >> This is not our booth, but I don't think Vladimir has anything against it. <<

"Who is Vladimir?" Asked the little boy.

>> This is who the booth belongs to. <<

>> Do you have something to eat? <<

>> Unfortunately, the braid is already all <<, Sergei replied and underlined the answer with a shrug. Then he turned to his friend. >> You don't want to give the little boy some money? <<

>> Sure, otherwise we would be heartless! << said Alexander.

Sergei clapped his hand on the empty space next to him. >> You can sit down next to us! <<<<

The little boy gladly accepted the offer. >> You two are nice! <<

Sergei was curious. >> What is your name? <<

>> Nikolas! <<

>> A nice name! I am Sergei and this is my good friend Alexander! <<

The two watch him. He opened the cloth bag and then looked at the two. >> There are my toys in it! << Slowly and carefully, as if he was afraid that something might break, he took out a large, yellow plastic car.

>> May I have a look at it? << asked Sergei. The boy gave it to him very carefully. It was certainly the most valuable thing he had. "I had one like that, too, but in red," he said.

A few seconds later, the first tears ran down Nikolas cheeks. Sergei put the car down and stroked it. >> What have you got? <<

>> My mom is gone, she'll never come back! <<, he sobbed.

"How gone?" Asked Alexander.

>> She said so that she could move in with her boyfriend and not take me with her. Then she gave me some money and left me standing. <<

Alexander thought at first that he had interrogated himself, but everything was possible in Russia. What a mother! His was not much better, unfortunately. How heartless people were. In a way, Vladimir was right. Who was mean here and who was bad here? <<

At that moment it was getting louder. Voices were heard. Vladimir's squad came back! The leader was the first to enter the room. "It's snowing like a pig outside," he swore, shaking off the snow. Then he noticed the little boy. >> Does he belong to you? <<

Alexander shook his head. >> No, his mother left him. Now he probably didn't know where to go. I hope it's okay that we allowed him to stay here. <<

"You know I'm bad and mean," he grinned. >> Of course he can stay. << Sergei was still trying to calm the boy down and he was doing really well.

Vladimir's people were still furious with the action and were now eager to talk to each other. One was busy counting bills, which he then gave to his leader. They had also bought. Not only glue, fish, sausage and bread, but also several bottles of vodka. >> Can we have a drink? << asked a guy with extremely short hair.

>> All right, but don't give a shit afterwards! <<, warned the leader.

>> Let's not do it, you know us. <<

>> Exactly! <<

While some got drunk in his group, he sat across from Alexander. He looked thoughtfully at the little boy, then at Alexander. >> You see, the world is one shit and we are right in the middle of it. We have to fall asleep where others do their relic. This is our life. << There was a short pause. >> Do you want a drink too? << Both shook their heads.

"Aren't you drinking anything?" Asked Alexander.

>> No, someone has to keep a clear head. <<

>> You are not like your people. <<

Vladimir grinned again. >> You are wrong, I am worse, I am their leader! <<

Sergei interrupted the conversation. >> Little Matz is hungry, can he have something? <<

The leader pointed to one of the shopping bags. >> Help yourself, take as much as you want, there is enough. << Then he looked at Sergej >> And after all, you also gave me your braid. <<

Alexander's friend grinned contentedly.

He and the little Matz quickly ran to the shopping bag and rummaged around in it. >> Oh, a lot of delicious things, there is a choice! <<, he stated joyfully.

"We didn't make good loot today." Vladimir stated dissatisfied as he counted the money again. >> But we always share everything, you know. Have you two known each other for a long time? <<

>> A few days. <<

>> You seem to get along well for a few days. Sergei is very worried about you, << said the leader.

Alexander became thoughtful. >> We have no more people apart from ourselves. Sergei was previously in the home because his grandmother had died. My parents live, but for me they are long dead, I have buried them long ago. Do you understand that? <<

>> I understand you very well, better than you might think. << He pointed to the little boy. >> I was that old when I got to know life on the street. << Then Vladimir showed to his people. >> And this is my family now. We only have each other, nobody else. We fight every day and with each day we lose a little more. Most of us will one day end up in a home or prison. When we have improved, we end up on the road again, just a little older. The road will be our grave at some point, sooner or later. We have no future! You see I'm not kidding myself. I know life! <<

>> Do you have any dreams or wishes? <<

Vladimir smiled again. >> Do you have any? <<

>> Oh yes, I have it! <<

The leader pulled a packet of cigarettes from his pocket and lit a cigarette. >> Do you want one? <<

>> No, I have the flu! <<

With relish he took a train. >> Tell me about your wishes and dreams, Alexander! <<

>> I am humble, my greatest wish is never to be alone. Which I am no longer now. Before that, I often felt lonely. Somehow God heard my wish and sent me Sergei. He is a small, lovable guy and you just have to like him, with his simple manner. I have never had more wishes. << Then he told about his dreams. From the city where everyone was nice to each other, there was no need and poverty and everyone had a home.

>> You mean Shangri La! <<

>> Shangri La? << Alexander didn't understand.

>> Yes, that's what the city is called. There is a book about it. I don't need to mention that I read it. <<

>> You read? <<

>> I read a lot. I go to the library almost every morning. Are you surprised now? <<

Alexander didn't know what to say now. His question was stupid, because he already suspected that this Vladimir was far from uneducated.

His counterpart continued. >> If you live on the street, you don't have to be stupid. Society may think so, but it is not. Many here cannot even read and write, because if you live on the street there is no time for school, but you know that. But if she had had good parents, some of them would have become doctors or teachers at some point. Unfortunately they won't anymore. <<

"Where did you learn to read?" Asked Alexander.

>> An older man who was also on the street taught me. He said it was never a mistake to be able to read and write. Today I know how right he was. <<

Alexander found it interesting to talk to this Vladimir, or rather to listen to him. This person was smart and well read. What could Vladimir have been, writer, professor, teacher.

>> I assume you don't make your money by robbing people. <<

>> No, I never robbed or robbed anyone. <<

>> It was clear to me. I could tell from the look on your face when I said how we make our money. Am I right in assuming that you offer your body? <<

Alexander was startled. How did he get it? Anyway, this Vladimir was a pretty good connoisseur! >> Can you see that from me? <<

The person opposite shook his head. >> No, it just makes the experience. You look very well-groomed for someone who lives on the street. You won't be offering your services at train stations and hotels. How I come up with it is easy to guess. These people have enough money to afford a room or even an apartment. You are living here right now! <<

How cleverly Vladimir combined! On the one hand he admired this Vladimir, on the other hand he despised him. Simply robbing people and hurting them was wrong. Sure, these people were rich but had never done anything to him personally.

>> Tomorrow will be our last night down here. I found a truck driver who will take us to St. Petersburg. The militia here is getting too dangerous for me. They come more and more often. <<

>> Do you think it's better in Petersburg? <<

>> It can't get any worse. We have nothing to lose and we are not welcome anywhere, neither in Moscow, St. Petersburg or anywhere else. <<

He tried to light a cigarette again, only to find that the pack was empty.

Alexander got better around noon. Sergei nevertheless asked him to take two tablets. >> Sergei, you will surely be a good doctor! <<, replied sarcastically. Even the little one understood this sarcasm, because they were acknowledged with a ha, ha. Nevertheless, Alexander took two tablets. Better safe than sorry! At that moment Vladimir came over to him. >> Would you like to come with me, I'll get cigarettes quickly? <<

>> Gladly! <<

Sergei was playing with Nikolas, but he noticed that his friend wanted to go. "Where are you going?" He shouted forward.

"Just get cigarettes quickly with Vladimir!" He yelled back.

"But get your coat on!" His little friend warned him.

>> Touching how your friend is concerned about you. I wish such a friend. <<

Alexander pointed to his people while he buttoned his coat with the other hand. >> You have enough friends down here. <<

>> Not really! I am only their leader and they respect me. If I'm not there anymore, everything will fall apart. You need a certain order on the street to survive, you understand. I make sure that this order is kept! <<

Alexander didn't really understand, but he nodded to finally get out of here. His lungs desperately wanted to breathe fresh air. It was almost unbearable down here. Again they had to bend down to get outside through the drain. >> This is not the real thing and you have to do it several times a day, i.e. wet feet every day. <<

>> We are used to that. You can get used to everything. Better wet feet than frozen or? <<

They climbed cautiously. Vladimir was the first. He stuck his head out just as carefully and looked around first. The air was clear, no one to see! <<

It was bitterly cold outside. "Is the business far away?" Asked Alexander.

>> Ten minutes from here. Tonight we're going to prey again. <<

He couldn't imagine why they needed so much money. All he had to do was ask Vladimir, but sometimes it is good not to ask too many questions.

>> You are suddenly so silent Alexander. I notice that you think about certain things as much as I do. Would you like to join us tonight? <<

Accompany? Watching how they attacked a person who did nothing to them. Why did he make the offer? Above all, the question arose for him, should he accept it? <<

"Are you scared?" Asked Vladimir with a cold undertone.

Was he afraid? Naturally! But should he admit it? Should he admit to Vladimir what a coward he was. The decision was made! "I'll take a look at it!" He replied.

>> Good! However, I expected another answer, I have to confess. To err is human. I am rarely wrong.! <<

How was that meant again? Does that mean he's a liar?

It was slowly getting evening. Vladimir and Alexander had returned long ago. The leader sat in one corner, away from the other, reading a penny novel he had also bought in the shop. His people chatted or dozed off. A sniffed glue. The two youngest played with Nikolas marbles. Alexander watched them for a while. Nice how the two got along. Nikolas was at least distracted by it. Then he sat up and went to Vladimir. > May I disturb you for a moment? <<

Vladimir looked up slightly annoyed. >> You have already done this! <<

>> I just wanted to ask you if Nikolas can stay with you? <<

The leader looked over at Nikolas. >> It's a misery, one misery. No justice and no humanity! <<

Indeed, it was a misery, a human tragedy, for everyone! The homeless, big and small, grew more and more every day. They didn't want to be seen in the tourist centers. It was not good for business. So they are driven to the edge of the city where no one could see them.

The militia saw their task in driving them out of the beautiful city districts. An American aid organization set up washing containers. Then there were these privately run homes, which were financed by donations. The few state governments that were mostly poorly managed and suffered from chronic money shortages. No real solutions! Not the wash containers because most homeless people rarely wash. The homes just a bad alternative for a real family. But so the state and abroad had at least reassured their conscience that they had done good in faith. Most of those who were wrong to help would never take in a street child. What a hypocritical willingness to help.

Only society and luxury goods counted for society. Unfortunately there was no time for help to his neighbor. It was better to look away or to feel sorry for these poor creatures. If you met them, disgust could arise how dirty they were. As you could only sleep in the sewers, with so much dirt and stench, there were finally government sleeping quarters! How stupid these homeless people were. No, stop, these homeless people weren't stupid, but society because they didn't understand anything, absolutely nothing !.

>> We go to St.Petersburg, but Nikolas can come with us. We will take care of him! <<

>> That's nice of you, thank you! <<

He had already turned away when the leader reminded him. >> Alexander, we're leaving in half an hour! <<

"Come on, get to work!" Yelled Vladimir. He also had to roar because some were already in the land of dreams. Vodka makes you tired!

Everyone rose listlessly, except for one. He hadn't woken up even through Vladimir's roar. >> Stanislaw, wake him up! <<, demanded the leader.

The latter laughed. >> With the special method? <<

>> Sure, extra long if you can! <<

"I can!" Stanislaw announced proudly. A giggle echoed across the room.

Alexander and Sergei didn't quite understand why they giggled. It didn't matter, they would understand in a few seconds.

Stanislaw opened his pants and pissed directly on the head of the sleeper. He started up, startled. It only took a few seconds to probe the situation. Giggles turned into laughter. Alexander and Sergei couldn't help smiling.

The only one who didn't laugh was the victim, who understandably didn't find this funny. He angrily pushed Stanislaw away from him. >> You are spinning to piss on me! <<

Before the whole thing turned into a fight, Vladimir intervened. >> We'll be leaving soon, so leave it! <<

Pouting, the victim took out a handkerchief and wiped his head. While most were already wading through the canal, the leader turned to Alexander. >> Are you coming? <<

>> Of course! <<

Sergei was surprised. >> Where are you going? <<

>> Just watch something. <<

>> May I go with you? <<

>> No, someone has to watch Nikolas too. <<

Nikolas interfered. >> You don't have to take care of me! <<

Sergei felt confirmed. >> You see! <<, he said and wanted to get up. His friend pushed him down again. >> It is better if you stay here, believe me! <<

>> All right, I'm going to die stupid now. You tell me afterwards what you did? <<

>> Sure, I promise! <<

There he was with Vladimir's people, in an entrance and everyone was waiting. It was terribly cold and Alexander didn't think anyone would come by this lonely side street tonight. It could only suit him. The street was barely lit. There were three lanterns here, but only one was lit. Either the bulbs were broken or the city had switched off some to save electricity.

>> It takes a long time today! <<, one of Vladimir's people muttered. However, the leader did not bother to comment on this.

A pedestrian did not actually come, but a car instead. He backed into a parking space ten meters ahead of them. The whole party, except Alexander, now left the protective house entrance and ran leisurely towards the car. An older man in a suit got out. In her right hand an old suitcase and a coat. Vladimir's people were now only a few meters away from him. The man only briefly paid attention to them. If he knew what to expect, he would have run. He locked his Mercedes and ran to the house entrance. The stranger obviously lived here. About half a meter before he had reached him, the horde fell on him from behind and pulled him to the ground. The man panicked for help and tried to defend himself. He didn't have the slightest chance against so many. The gang had to hurry because the first windows had already been opened. It was not to be expected that someone would rush to help him. Certainly one of the residents came up with the idea to inform the militia. They would take everything they deemed valuable from him within a few seconds. Nothing escaped her practiced eyes. At last they let go of him and ran back in his direction without worrying about the one lying on the ground. The gang already seemed to have found what they were looking for. As a rule, the booty consisted of a wallet and, in rare cases, a wristwatch or a valuable ring. When they ran past him, Vladimir screamed at him. >> Run or do you want to wait until the militia arrives! << Of course he didn't want that, so he preferred to flee with Vladimir's gang.

They had returned to what they called hiding twenty minutes later. The whole gang was surrounded by Vladimir, who was once again busy counting money. But that didn't interest Alexander. He sat down again with his friend and wanted to process what he saw. He didn't get to that, however, because Sergei tapped him on the shoulder. >> Where have you been? Did you attack someone Did you take part? <<

>> I just saw it, you know I don't hurt anyone! <<

The little boy patted his shoulder approvingly. >> Yes, you are really nice. Look, Nikolas fell asleep! << His hands clung tightly to the yellow car.

Alexander only wished one thing at this moment to leave this place as quickly as possible. >> Sergej, we're going tomorrow. We'll find another neighborhood. This is not our world. <<

>> And what happens to Nikolas? <<

>> Vladimir promised me that they would take care of him. I think he will keep his word. <<

Said was already coming up to them. Lots of bills in hand and smiling. Once again, good loot made, This is celebrated tonight! Everyone can get drunk! If you see Alexander, you get money. Unfortunately, the only thing that matters to most people. Now you think I'm doing it because of the money. Oh no, the shitty money means nothing to me. But I enjoy the moment when we take everything from such a pig. For a brief moment you should feel what it is like to be at the bottom. Yes, that's Alexander! <<

"We'll move on tomorrow morning," said Alexander.

>> I knew it would shock you. Our worlds are the same, but our approach and our thinking are different. These are the things that make us different. <<

They soften half the night. Everyone except their leader, who was sitting in his corner reading again.

Vladimir accompanied her upstairs. Sergei was the first to be outdoors again. >> Guys, it's snowing again! <<, he shouted down. Alexander, who was just sticking his head out, complained. >> You don't need to yell like that, I'm not deaf! <<

Sergei bowed his head. >> Sorry! << His friend, who was now standing next to him, stroked his hair. >> Alright! <<

Both breathed in the fresh air with relish. No comparison to the stuffy and smelly air down there. A few seconds later, Vladimir had also reached the surface. For a moment he narrowed his eyes. He had to get used to the bright daylight again. Then he went up to Alexander. As so often, a grin spread across his face. Even so, his eyes looked sad. >> So you two, the time to say goodbye has come! Our paths separate here. But that's often the way it is in life, people come and go. << In parting, he held out his hand to Alexander, who grabbed it. >> It was an honor to have met you. Farewell you two and take care of yourself! << A final, firm handshake sealed the farewell. Then he patted little Sergei on the shoulder. >> You have a really good friend and really good friends are rare in life. << The little boy nodded.

Alexander spoke. >> All the best to you too! <<

>> This Vladimir is a nice and at the same time bad person, don't you think? <<, stated Sergei.

>> He is an interesting person, but you are right, he is both. I'm afraid it won't end well with him. I think he knows that too. They go their way and we ours! << Once again they stopped and looked back. Vladimir waved to them one last time before disappearing into the sewers.

>> Do you know what I would like now? <<

>> What? <<

Sergei looked up dreamily and licked his tongue. >> A slice of Ludmilla's delicious braid. <<

>> Oh dear, now it starts again! <<

>> I just said. <<

Vladimir will never travel to St.Petersburg. He and his group will rob someone again that night. What Vladimir doesn't know, the militia will catch him this time. The prison will be his new home for the next ten years. As Vladimir said. >> The road will eventually be our grave, sooner or later. We have no future! << He will be right!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 8)