My Side of the Story
A short story by Lisa Bui
“What a miserable autumn morning”.
I huddled against my rag blanket to keep myself warm from the cold, howling winds. I was waving a small, cracked bucket in front of me, in hopes of a caring passerby to throw me a meager coin. Crowds of people surrounded me: two business men who were arguing like bears, a curious tourist with an annoying camera click- just like a braying donkey- and a numerous amount of people dashing toward the Hurston Theater, wanting to see a play. As masses of people brushed by me, none of them threw me a copper penny, a reassuring glance, or even a smile. Instead, I was given cold sneers, mocking glances and looks of disgust.
“Is that a hobo on the street? How disgusting!”
“Look how dirty he dresses, Melissa! He’s a rat in a hole! A worm on the sidewalks!”
“Mommy! That man on the street scares me! Why does he live there?”
I indignantly frowned, and stared in disapproval at the unwelcoming strangers. They were weasels with kindness; insulting and incompetent. Who did they think they were? The Queen and King of the World?! I started to impulsively walk to the Homeless Shelter, as it was where I could drop in and grab a bite to eat or even a place to sleep, when a step stopped me.
The Homeless Shelter was an inadequate building for the 7,000+ people living in the downtown slums. This was, especially, as the afternoon was rolling in, loads of fellow homeless friends would hurry towards the building for a repugnant lunch of sticky baked beans and boiling hot soup.
” What are you going to do with yourself now, Wolf? You just scared the daylights out of a kid.” I sighed deeply. “How does anyone afford a home anymore? The government just keeps raising the price each year…”
I hung my head in defeat, as I continued to sulk in front of the Hurston Theater, again, I felt the awfully cool breezes of the upcoming winter.
“Hello…?”
I immediately turned around in astonishment; standing before me was a women. I guessed she was in her early thirties from her heavy make-up and bright eyes. She had a florid complexion, a crimson blouse with pink pinstripes, blond hair, with lavishing highlights tucked away in a bun, and finally, fading blue jean’s, with red, devilish, high heels to finish her appearance.
Overall, she was overwhelming. She belonged to society, and she was talking to me. Me, someone who was cast from society like a outlaw, running from the law. She glanced at me again, confused, as if I had a mental illness and couldn’t hear her.
“Well, hullo ma’am. It’s nice to meet you.”
Her smile was as warm as sunshine. Her beams warmed me, and I forgotten the chilly winds that breezed.
“Hello. It’s quite dreadful to see you alone in the cold. Could I offer you any money for a nice winter coat?
I forced my sunken frown, into a crooked smile, which I was not use to.
” Ma’am, I wish not to rob any money you have. Your smile is priceless, and your kind words are enough payment for me.”
“I still wish to offer you money. Though, I will exchange my coins for your story of how you ended up on the streets of the Hurtson Theater.”
My half-smile began to widen, and I was drowning in a pool of compassion. I was choking on how to begin my story; however, her kind encouragement gave me a new will.
“Meh name is Wolf. I’m well educated ma’am, n’ I was gonna to be famous n’ rich as a Shakespearean actor. However, being quite young and all, I was foolish as a lad n’ spent money I had on gambling and expensive rent on various hotels. My acting career started to go downhill, as I came to every audition drunk as a dog, wasted my time on gambling instead of remembering lines, and cursed frequently when I recited my lines in front of possible agents.”
“You poor dear! I remember when I was young and carefree. You certainly don’t talk like an experienced actor. After your failure at acting, did you pursue any other careers?”
“I went to Redmond to become a possible plumber. I earned only eight pence an hour and it did not help my financial position. The bank refused me from any loans for my house and I was abandoned to live on the cold, heartless streets of the Hurston Theater.”
“Kicked out from the government! That’s the worst! Hardships follow you like a black cloud, don’t they… Wolf?”
My smile bent and I felt the memories of my old past wrenching my heart.
” Yes Ma’am, I guess they do. I appreciate your kindness in listening to my story. Not many people care for any other human being than themselves. I can only offer this: if you are in any kind of trouble, on the streets, find me. I have many connections, and are only useful on the streets.”
“Wolf! Thank you! I feel reassured by your voice and have gain something that is very great. Once again, thank you.”
Did she really mean that? I looked up to find to her friendly face smiling at me, like a beam of heavenly light. I knew deep down, she was very sincere upon her words. She had showed compassion, and while no other had, she did, against all odds. She didn’t cared if she was stared at by millions of beady, hateful eyes, for she was a polished diamond within a pile of coal, shining ever brightly, and never losing her lustre. All I’ve ever really wanted, I guess, was to share my side of the story with another human being.