After today I wish the whole damn city would sink into that hole in the ground.
I got off the Subway at my folks old stop and went to take a look at the neighborhood.
It was like walking in a war zone.
Ten boys asked me if I wanted to buy some crack. Five strung-out women said they would blow my mind for a little of what the boys were selling. Two men offered the same.
I just walked past them and headed for Mr. Thompson's store.
I entered the store and saw the cage of bullet proof glass that surrounded the clerk.
I looked at the Clerk. "Mr. Thompson still own this place?"
"You going to buy something?"
"I just..."
"If you're not going to buy anything, then get the hell outta here. I don't want you or friends hanging around."
From the mirror over head I saw him slip his hand around the grip of a baseball bat. As I left the decrepit store, I bumped into a group of kids standing in front. My "friends."
There were four of them. The oldest couldn't have been more than twelve.
"I'm sorry."
The leader looked me up and down. He opened up his Knicks jacket and showed me the gun. "You bet your ass you're sorry."
"Cap him," shouted one of his crew.
I stood there in disbelief. I was going to be killed by some punks just out of pre-school. The gun flew forward, aimed at my forehead. I ducked as the trigger CLICKED. Empty chamber. Everyone laughed as I gained my bearings. Suddenly, they scurried off in all directions.
I turned around.
One of New York's finest was cruising up the block.
I was just about to thank him when he rolled down his window. "What are you doing around here? You don't want to be here."
He motioned the way to the subway station and I headed back towards the hole in the ground.
The darkness and the tonic water helped soothe my jangled nerves.
"Mike? Is that you?" a slurred voice said.
Jess sat down next to me. "It is you. Sorry I'm so late. But I'm glad you called me."
I sipped my drink, realizing I had made a mistake
She put her hand on my thigh. "I missed you."
She looked a lot thinner than the last time I saw her. Her face was sunken in and her eyes were dark and lifeless. She looked sick. She was loaded. Coke? Crystal? Heroin?
Her hand started to rub my crotch. "You got any money? I know where we can score."
I pulled her hand away and left-- realizing I should have never come home.
