Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 11)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 11)

CHAPTER 11

Spring

When Alexander got back to Moscow, he continued to look for his friend. Every day, and every night, he rattled through the city's basements and sewer systems. Asked homeless people, street children and passers-by, but nobody seemed to have seen him! Through the months of searching, he lost a lot of weight. Customers also rarely came. Even Pavel stopped briefly with his car and drove on.

This Friday afternoon, the weather was beautiful and almost a little warm for April. Alexander sat in a park and let the sun shine on his face. On the other bench, ten meters away, a little girl was playing with her ball. The mother was sitting next to it, reading a magazine. He glanced over at the two of them. How easy this little girl played!

Today he decided to give up the search. His best friend was definitely dead long ago. There were many ways to die on the street. Some children were kidnapped, killed and their organs sold. He knew that. It wasn't a secret on the streets. Some others froze or committed suicide.

Suddenly a ball fell at his feet! It was the little girl's ball that came running. Alexander handed the ball back to her. Still she stopped and looked at him. "Are you okay?" She asked. He also looked at her now and nodded. >> I'm fine, everything is fine! <<

The mother saw this and immediately called her child. When the little girl got to her, the woman scolded her daughter, then they left the park. What she said was unimportant because it was all about the bum on this bench anyway.

Then he looked at his thin fingers and felt his face. For him, life was a heap of junk! Inside he felt empty, broken, and drained. The time of happiness was over. Now he slept alone again at night. But his thoughts were with Sergei every night. Now his friend was dead, why should he keep doing this? Begging every day to sell his body was all life would offer him. No, he would break up! The rails were not far from here!

Here at this point! He carefully climbed down the hill. Which turned out to be not that easy, because it was not only steep, but slippery through the grass. Suddenly Alexander slipped and rolled down. He hit the gravel with full force. He immediately looked at his arm, a graze. His leg was also sprained. He hobbled along the tracks and then stopped. Here he would wait for the next train.

>> Hello! <<

Startled, he turned. The voice came from behind him in the bush. Dimitri stuck out his head.

>> Hello, Dimitri! <<

This now came out. >> I fell asleep! I sleep here sometimes. What are you doing here? I never saw you down here. <<

>> My friend is dead and I don't feel like it anymore. << He paused to roar up to the sky. >> I've had enough of this shitty life! <<

>> A train is coming, then you can get yourself out of life. But you haven't crossed the line yet and won't do it! <<

>> I will do it! <<

"Well, I'm not going to stop you," said Dimitri, sitting on the grass.

The train could already be heard! Alexander moved closer to the track. At that moment the train came around the corner. With every second he approached a few meters more. Suddenly the brakes squealed. Nevertheless, the train driver would not make it. Alexander's heart pounded, just stand on the track and the thing was done in a few seconds.

Dimitri rose. >> I make off, otherwise I only get trouble afterwards.

He looked after him briefly, then his eyes slid back to the rails. It was only a few meters, then the train was past him. Now or never! His heart was pounding more and more. The locomotive was already over! Dimitri was right! He, Alexander, was too cowardly! The train stopped. There was no time to think, otherwise there would be trouble. Alexander limped away quickly.

Still, he didn't want to give up on his project so easily. You could drink courage with a little alcohol. Then it would definitely work. Only he had no money to buy any, so first of all it was begging!

After four hours the money was finally together. Now he was sitting on the floor of a sidewalk, the vodka bottle next to it. He took another sip. Numerous passers-by ran past him. Some made stupid comments, but he didn't care if people talked. "There won't be an Alexander in a few hours," he muttered to himself.

It was already dark. Alexander got up and threw away the empty bottle. When it hit the asphalt, it crumbled into many parts. Somehow there was no effect. He limped along the street, suddenly everything turned. The whole floor started to sway. Alexander's arms reached for a stop, but there was none. Suddenly he landed on the floor and it grew dark around him.

>> An evening walk is good! <<, said Jürgen.

"Yes, especially after the chicken," said his neighbor.

>> I think I ate more of it than she did. << Suddenly he stopped and pointed to the front. >> See there is one! <<

Anton had to look twice. Indeed, there was one person on the floor. The street was only sparsely populated. But no one bothered to see if anything had happened to the stranger. >> He'll be drunk! You often see something like this here. <<

Jürgen ran closer. The figure on the ground moved the arm to straighten up again. Then she took the second arm, but couldn't make it up. Jürgen was finally close enough. The shop window light was bright enough to see more. In clothes, it had to be a man. But now there was only a heavy breathing. Jürgen waved to his neighbor. >> Come on, we have to turn him over. <<

>> Oh dear, this German again! <<, Anton was annoyed.

They carefully turned the person over. The face was smeared with blood. "He must have opened!" Said Anton.

"I know the boy!" Said Jürgen in shock. >> We have to put him in the sitting position! <<

>> Well, from me! << So both tackled again and brought him into the desired position. >> He looks bad! How do you know the boy? <<

>> I saw him in the cafe for the first time, then again with a street child. Back then I gave them some money. I just felt sorry for them. <<

>> Now you see what you do with the money. One buys vodka, the other glue. <<

>> Hm <<, Jürgen only brought out.

Alexander finally opened his eyes. "Sergei!" He slurred. >> My friend! <<

Jürgen was looking for a handkerchief but couldn't find one. >> Can you give me a handkerchief? I have to clean his face. <<

>> My beautiful handkerchief, for his face? <<

>> Please! <<

Anton took a handkerchief from his coat and leaned over to the boy to wipe his face himself. After the cleanup was over, he turned back to his neighbor. >> Then we can go now! <<

This made a dismissive gesture. "Can you hear me?" He asked the boy. A vodka flag blew towards him. >> Sergej? <<

>> I'm not Sergei! Sergei must be his friend. Certainly this little boy. <<

>> You're tight! << As soon as Anton said this, the boy threw up. Jürgen could not back away quickly enough and his pants got a bit. "Do you have the handkerchief again?" His neighbor smiled. >> You can keep it! <<

He wiped his pants carefully, then the boy's mouth. >> He just vomited liquid and hasn't eaten for days. It is a misery! His face is also very thin. He looked better then. <<

>> He'll be better in two hours, then he'll buy a new bottle and he'll be there again in four hours. <<

>> Leaving it here, we can hardly do it. Help me get him up, he can sleep with me tonight. <<

His neighbor thought he had misunderstood. >> Have you still not learned anything? Do you want to be robbed again? <<

>> Not everyone is like that! <<

>> There's no point in constantly having to explain that to them. << Anton paused and raised his index finger. >> Don't help him again if they're robbed. << Inside he knew he would help anyway. >> Believe me, it's better to leave him there. Give him some money from me if it soothes your conscience. <<

>> I can't, please help me? I can't do it alone. <<

Anton looked at him sadly. He seemed to be thinking. Then he came closer and helped. >> I must be crazy to help you! <<

>> Thanks anyway! <<

Unfortunately it turned out right away that they couldn't even make it in pairs. The boy kept sagging. So they put him back down.

>> I don't want to know how much alcohol is there. <<

Jürgen pulled out his cell phone and called the information. A female voice answered immediately. >> Can you please connect me to a taxi company in Moscow, fourth district! <<

It took a good ten minutes to get to the second floor. Jürgen opened the apartment door and turned on the light. While his neighbor supported the boy with difficulty.

>> We'll put him on the sofa right away! <<

Said and done! When that was finally done, the two sat down exhausted. Anton wiped the sweat from his forehead with his hand. >> Now I only realize that I am no longer the youngest. <<

>> I'm going to get him a blanket. Otherwise he will freeze tonight. <<

>> But don't wake me up so early tomorrow when your money is gone! << said Anton sarcastically.

Jürgen went to the closet and took out a nice thick blanket and a pillow. He ran to the sofa, shoved the pillow under Alexander's head, and placed the blanket over him. >> So now he's not freezing! <<

Anton became thoughtful. >> Do you know that you are a good person. I hope you won't be disappointed again. <<

>> I don't know if I'm a good person, but I just can't say no. If someone is lying there I have to help. Maybe he'll steal from me, then I'll be unlucky again. But I would never forgive myself for not doing anything. Do you understand that? <<

Did he understand that? At least he tried. >> I understand them a little, but only a little! <<

>> Why doesn't anyone help these poor people, that's what I don't understand. If only everyone would do a little more for their next one. A pity! <<

That night Jürgen sat next to the sofa and thought about this world before sleep overcame him.

The light fell in his eyes and for a moment she had to get used to it. A look at the wall clock shows Jürgen that he had slept a long time. The boy also opened his eyes. >> Where am I? <<

>> You are in my apartment! Me and my neighbor picked you up on the street last night. To put it mildly, you weren't that sober anymore. <<

Alexander sat up and touched his head. He had never had such a terrible headache. >> You could have left me there. <<

>> You can't say that. I always help, I just can't change and I would never just leave someone lying around. Is Sergei your friend? <<

Alexander nodded. >> But Sergei is probably dead! <<

>> Dead? <<

>> Yes, I searched for months in the city and could not find it. <<

>> Maybe he's in another city. <<

>> No, he wanted to go back to Moscow. You put him in a home during a raid and he ran away. <<

>> Apparently the little one means a lot to you. <<

>> He had no one and I had no one. Now I'm alone again. <<

>> I understand! That's why you got drunk yesterday? <<

Alexander nodded. >> I wanted yesterday .. << No, he couldn't tell this stranger. It was better not to say so much. "Maybe I can have some tap water?" He asked instead.

Jürgen shook his head. >> I won't give you tap water! << After this answer he ran into the kitchen to come back a few seconds later with a bottle of cola and a bottle of mineral water. "It's better than tap water!" He smiled.

>> Thank you very much! <<

>> It's okay! Would you like a glass? <<

>> Yes, that would be nice. I don't drink everything, then you can drink from it later. <<

Actually he didn't care, no disgust came over him so quickly if he wasn't exactly having cold sores. But he said nothing and got a glass.

>> Excuse me, where are my manners, I didn't introduce myself, I'm Jürgen! <<

>> My name is Alexander! <<

>> It's nice to meet you Alexander, albeit under tragic circumstances. <<

Alexander drank almost half the Coke bottle. Nothing spoke, however, that Jürgen wondered. >> You probably never talk a lot. <<

>> Yes! <<

>> Is it because I'm a foreigner or because I helped you? Maybe even both? <<

>> No, I'm just sad. <<

>> He'll definitely come back! << Of course, he knew inside that the chances were bad. In fact, numerous children disappeared every year. However, no one mourned him. Neither her parents, neither society nor the city administration. After all, they were only a problem for tourism. Yes, it was and is that way!

Alexander started to cry. >> He never comes again! <<

Jürgen handed him a paper handkerchief. "I missed those last night!" He said. >> I get something for breakfast. I hope that you will still be there after I come back. <<

Alexander wiped the tears from his eyes. >> Can I go to the bathroom?

"You don't need to ask." He pointed to the kitchen. >> Right next to the kitchen. <<

>> Thank you! << Slowly he got up. His ankle hurt like hell now. He limped slowly towards the bathroom.

The boy was in bad shape. Should he bring his notebook to Anton? No, not everyone is sure. Alexander came back and sat on the sofa again.

>> How did that happen? <<

>> I slipped! << The answer wasn't even a lie.

>> If you want I will go to my neighbors afterwards, he was once a medic. Maybe he can do something. <<

Alexander shook his head. >> It is not necessary, it will work again soon. It's just a little swollen. <<

>> I've let a boy stay here before, he stole me. I hope you are not like that. But don't get it wrong now! <<

>> You don't have to be afraid, I don't take anything away from you, I never took anything away from you. <<

Jürgen got his coat and put it on. >> I'll be back in half an hour, then we can have breakfast! << The door slammed into the lock and he was gone.

This stranger would send him away again this afternoon or tomorrow, after which he would land on the street again. Begging and offering his body was the order of the day again. There were no other alternatives for him to make money. Yesterday was too much vodka, next time he would drink less, next time it would work !. He didn't want to live like this anymore. This loneliness, no one left to talk to. Maybe there was another way to get yourself out of life, Alexander was thinking!

Jürgen was now standing in the hall with the paper bag from the bakery. He poked his head curiously through the door. >> Here I am again! << His eyes fell over to the sofa, it was empty, the notebook was still there! "Alexander!" He shouted. There was a howl, it came from the bathroom. He immediately ran to the bathroom and opened the door.

Jürgen stopped in shock! Alexander's arm was full of blood. There was a kitchen knife on the bathroom counter. The boy wanted to kill himself. Blood dripped into the sink. He immediately got a cloth from the kitchen and tied his arm with it. >> You stay here, I'll get help! <<

He ran to the apartment next door and rang the bell.

This time Anton was already dressed. "Let me guess, they were robbed!" He smiled grudgingly.

>> No, the boy has cut the plus vein, come quickly! <<

>> God, there's always something going on with them! << The two of them ran as quickly as possible into Jürgen's apartment. Anton was surprised for a moment because the room was empty.

>> He's in the bathroom! <<

The way through the kitchen led them into the bathroom. Blood on the boy's arm and pants. >> Hello, I'm his neighbor, can I have a look at your arm? << The boy just cried. >> Everything will be fine! <<, the former medic reassured him, then he carefully took his arm. >> We have to wipe the blood first so I can see it better. Bring some towels! Then go to my apartment, there is a little white suitcase in the bedroom closet, please bring it to me!

Jürgen was very excited, he almost ran down the stairs now. He came back to the bathroom with the white suitcase. Anton opened it and took out a small bottle and a swab. >> It looks worse than it is. I will disinfect the wound. Then we put on an association, which I will change again tonight. <<

Finally the bathroom was clean again. Jürgen put the cleaning rag away and went into the room. The boy just sat staring at the wall. The bag was still on the table. >> I got some rolls, would you like one? <<

>> No thanks! I'm leaving today at noon! Then they'll be rid of me. <<

Jürgen sat down next to him. Alexander continued to look at the wall. >> Do you think I want to get rid of you? <<

Now the boy looked at him seriously. >> People like me and Sergei are nowhere to be seen. <<

>> Alexander, you are welcome here and I honestly mean that. <<

His counterpart showed no reaction to his offer.

>> What do you live on? <<

>> From begging. << That he offered his body, he kept silent on purpose, he was embarrassed.

>> It is definitely not easy, I certainly could not. <<

>> If you live on the street, you learn it. I learned it quickly. Sometimes you don't take enough, then you have to search for food in containers and bins. You learn that just as quickly. << Then he asked a counter question. >> Are your parents still alive? <<

>> No, both are already dead. <<

>> Were you nice to them? <<

Jürgen was surprised at the question. >> Of course they were nice to me. My mother scolded sometimes, but only when I did something. <<, he smiled. >> Since you ask me this question, I assume your parents were not nice to you. <<

>> You had no time to be nice, just no time! <<

>> Have you thought about my offer? <<

>> I don't want to be a burden to anyone, I can take care of myself, I've always been able to

>> I can't force you to stay here. But it is better than begging and sleeping on the street. Don't you think? <<

>> So far I've done it. <<

>> Before that it didn't look like you wanted to kill yourself, << said Jürgen worriedly.

>> Doesn't matter, nobody cares if I'm alive or dead. Nobody would miss me anyway. <<

>> Yes, I am interested! <<

Alexander was surprised now. >> Why? <<

>> I think you deserve a better life, and not just you, but everyone who lives on the street. <<

Alexander had fallen asleep around noon. Jürgen wanted to use the time to get advice from his neighbor. He crept quietly out of the apartment, believing the boy would sleep. But to believe is not to know!

Alexander was quickly out of bed. He limped out the door just as quickly. The joint ached with every step. He wouldn't get very far with that. There was only one choice, the basement of the house! It was pretty slow on the stairs.

>> He wants to go, I don't know how to convince him. <<

Anton thought about it. >> Now you want advice from me? <<

>> Yes, they are older and are Russian. You know the people here better than I do. <<

>> It's easy, the boy is proud, he's embarrassed to be helped. So far, he has done everything on his own and has never relied on outside help. Not to mention that probably nobody ever helped him. <<

>> Don't you know how I can convince him? <<

His neighbor shook his head. >> If he wants to go, let him go. <<

>> And if he does something to himself again? <<

>> Either way you won't be able to prevent that, here or somewhere else. <<

There was silence for some time. Jürgen could see his sadness.

Anton wanted to change his mind. >> I'll warm up something right away, do you want to join in? There is stew, left over from yesterday and it always tastes better on the second day

>> No, I have to go back to my apartment! <<

>> I understand, but you can't hold it, believe me! <<

>> I know, and that's the sad thing. Enjoy your meal! <<

>> Thank you, I will have it! <<

Jürgen was surprised that he hadn't closed the door. He hastily opened it again and looked first into the bathroom, then into his room. The boy was gone! As a precaution, he also glanced into the kitchen. He couldn't be far. Especially not with his sprained ankle. He quickly ran to the apartment next door and rang the bell. This time Anton was at the door faster than expected. The smell of fresh stew rose in his nose. >> The boy is gone, he can't be far with his foot! Can you please help me search? <<

>> You will probably never learn it! Go ahead, I just turn off the stove, otherwise everything boils over. <<

>> Thank you! << Jürgen quickly stormed down the stairs, opened the door and looked down the street. Nobody on the left, nobody on the right. The door opened and his neighbor stood in front of him. >> There is no one here! Run along the left side, I the right! <<

They both ran two hundred meters. But there was no Alexander to be seen. They met again in front of their house. Jürgen thought about it. >> Do you think the same as me? <<

>> Correct, if he can't run fast he's still in the house. He could also be in a neighboring house, but I think that is unlikely, how can he get in there. <<

Jürgen nodded. >> Let's do it this way, I look in the attic and she in the basement! <<

>> Good! << While Jürgen ran upstairs, Anton took the time to tackle the stairs to the basement. >> Oh, this person. Now my good stew will have to wait further. << Slowly he took the stairs and opened the basement door and turned the light switch to the right. The room lit up. Only four tenants used the basement. A large sack of potatoes was in it. A shelf with some empty mason jars on it and an old bike, that was all. He wanted to look behind the real and then devote himself to his stew. He was startled when he saw Alexander because he didn't really expect to find him down here. He was huddled in the corner, hoping that no one would find him.

"How's your arm?" Asked Anton first.

>> Thank you! <<, replied this quietly.

Anton sat next to him. >> My neighbor was with me before and told me that you wanted to go. << He bowed his head, then continued talking. >> He is very sad about it. <<

>> Nobody needs to help me! <<

>> You are wrong, he not only helps you, but himself! <<

>> What do you mean? <<

>> He told me the other day that he didn't mind being alone, but I don't think so. He is happy about some company, he often comes to me and we talk a little. I don't think he has a lot of friends. His phone never rang when he was with me. You can go back on the road now, then you will be alone again. Maybe you want to end your life, then someone else stays alone or you start over with him. You have nothing to lose, you can only win! <<

The boy didn't respond, but he seemed to be thinking about it.

>> Don't worry, I won't betray you. I'm not telling him you're down here. I hope you choose the right path. If you go, I wish you all the best! Goodbye Alexander! << With these last words Anton left the cellar.

Now he was alone again!

>> Nobody is in the attic, I searched every corner. <<

>> Nobody in the basement either. I'm going to warm up my stew now, it's sure to be cold again. The third time it tastes even better! <<, he joked. <<

Jürgen moved back to his apartment and sat on the sofa. This boy, why didn't he want to be helped? Now he was out there again and maybe he would hurt himself. He felt so sorry for him and that he couldn't do anything. The doorbell rang out of his thoughts.

Definitely his neighbor, who had run out of salt or pepper again. When he opened the door, he was not surprised. >> What do you need this time? <<

Anton smiled. >> Nothing, I just wanted to invite her to dinner! <<

>> Well, I have nothing better to do, I'll be right there. <<

He ran back into the room and folded the blanket. This and the pillow should be back in their usual place, namely in the closet! So he would not be constantly reminded of Alexander. Then it looked the same as before.

>> Hello! << The greeting came from Alexander, who was leaning against the door frame.

Jürgen didn't really know what to say for joy. >> I am glad that you are back! <<, he only brought out.

>> If I can stay here a bit, I would be happy. I don't know how long I will stay. If you want to get rid of me, please say so, I'll go. <<

>> Alexander, you can stay here as long as you want, I will never send you away. <<

>> Guys, sorry if I interrupt your conversation, the stew is waiting. Alexander you are of course also invited! << It was Anton who was now behind the boy.

A little later, all three were sitting in Anton's kitchen, enjoying his stew. The best time of his life would now begin for Alexander. Oh, and little Sergei is still in a coma!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 12)