Yellow muddy sky, outlined by the palm trees and buildings- such beauty surrounded by filth and horror that commences beneath the crystal white clouds. Crossing streets on my pushbike with Emilie within the dark underbelly of our city, down we go pigging cars and trucks- wind gushing among our loose cheap cloths. An innocent feeling, a sense of freedom we felt from our monotones days living in black and white motels unable to seek sunlight, continuous congestion of space, ever-looming presence of danger above and beneath us.
A lonely grey tower we lived among the piled-up residents, 24th floor- second door to your right. A walk down the hallway toward our apartment will send a sense of eeriness around one's body as people watch from door cracks like owls at night seeking valuables its a jungle in here, the survival of fittest. We're kinda known around these parts as my mom's boyfriend is the gang leader of 07s a local gang that I am forced to work for.
"I'm soooooooo hungry, what are we cooking today", said Emilie
"Well it starts with a B", I said
"You know I can't spell right, so stop messing with me hurry up, I think my tummy is speaking to me-FEED ME, NOM NOM NOM", she replied.
We both giggled along our walk down the hallway about to enter the apartment, a shed built out of concrete- its structure weaker than clay and reeks the sent of cigarettes, sweat and drugs. The door slowly cracks open, every inch it widens a cry similar to a dying sheep weeps and echoes across the hallway. Wellcome home I thought to myself, somehow I don't feel at home. It feels like I'm an intruder, It felt odd. I don't know if Emilie feels the same but.........My internal thoughts were disrupted by Emilie talking-"Biscuits again OMG, can we eat something else for once", she complains.
I then replied," Like what, what would little caterpillar want".
She turned around swiftly" Hey! I'm not a caterpillar anymore, I'm a beautiful butterfly with pink wings,'' she argued.
"You're not a butterfly yet silly, you're still growing", I said while opening the fridge to get dinner ready.
"Are you a butterfly or caterpillar", she asked.
"Well, Emilie I'm a........wait wheres the food?". I said
Soft laughter can be heard across the room. My mom's room. I storm into her room only to be greeted with both of them fondling in bed.
"DID YOU TAKE OUR FOOD MOM, I bought that for Emilie. You're so fucking pathetic. What are we to eat now? YOU....."again I was interrupted.
"You better watch your mouth boy. Before I teach you a lesson".
"Calm down honey, let me handle this. We were hungry, so we ate- see simple. Now get the fuck out before Alex makes you".
There was nothing I could do, treated like a dog. I can't fight back. I have other more pressing issues to attend to. Arguing with these mindless people are a waste of time. I notice Emilie hearing us argue, quickly I carried her out to the kitchen. As I was performing this action in the back I could hear my mother faintly talking.
"Bring that little failed abortion out of my sight". Only a person with no soul would say that.
"Well, Emilie Chinese takeouts?"I said
"Thought you never asked," she replied.
Before you say it, this is no place for a child but what other choice do I have. I try to protect her as much as possible, to make sure she does not end up like these people. She has no idea what's happing, oblivious to her surrounding like a caterpillar. Emilie, she is my......
Once again I was interrupted-"So are we eating or what", she asked annoyed.
"Get your coat, Emilie"
Out we went to a local Chinese restaurant near our Motel, the owner was a friend of mine. I knew him ever since I could learn to walk. He even though me how to shave.
"The usual my boy", spoken with a thick china accent in a welcoming tone.
"Yeah uncle Tommy", I uttered tiredly.
"Ah, trouble at home again?", he asked
"Yeah the usual"
"What would Miss Emily want", he asked kneeling.
"I want the hottest noodle you can make Uncle, with extra..."
"Extra dumpling, mhmmmmm", he enthusiastically said.
I reach to my pocket to take out what I had owed. Unfortunately, he laid his hands on my shoulders and said"On the house, no need pay", I insisted but kindness cannot be unaccepted, especially in these times.
The sun had a long run and Emilie has fallen asleep on my shoulders, she can't comprehend the situation we're in I sometimes wonder if it's a gift or curse. Blissful she snores through the quiet night of our corrupted city.
I miss being little not a care in the world, out to seek adventures- broken down car was a ship sailing in the ocean, abandoned building was war zones. Our creative innocent minds are destroyed by filth provided by these degenerate people. Somehow Emillie remained herself, at least for now.
