I pondered thought, walking out of sweets paradise. Not really the notion of how I would pay rent, but more of what did I get myself into. I was what you could call a self-proclaimed homebody. Meaning, that I loved to be at home and rarely left my place, but in reality, I left all the time. I know, I know, but that’s good, isn’t it?

You’d be Wrong. I also despised going out with people around too.

I sighed out loud, looking to the left and right of me. Autumn was in the air, and there wasn’t a green or healthy tree in sight. The fowl air from the city was sucking the life out of all trees around, myself included.

The thought of celebrating my birthday had me in a knot because I didn’t enjoy my birthday. Who would enjoy the day that I was brought into this world to suffer? Shaking my head in disbelief, I thought, I had to find a way to back out of the plans tonight.

The changing of Autumn was definitely here, I hugged myself, to warm myself up from the midday shivering winds.

Too damn cold as always, I thought, continuing to say aloud in an obnoxiously loud voice.

“I really hate this time of the year.”

I concentrated on walking the main sidewalk of what looked to be an abandoned streetway. I closed my eyes and then opened them, pointing up to the dimly polluted sky.

I didn’t take a large breath like they did in the movies. No other reason, besides, pollution, gunpowder and piss.

I breathed out, not breathing back in, taking in the shitty scenery.

Quite the once in a lifetime view, you could only see here.

“home” I mouthed to myself, as I stumbled, at what I believed to be a drug deal going on across the sidewalk from me. It seemed to be between a Russian mobster and one of those New York Mexican gangsters.

Behind them, was a scantily clad dressed broad whose makeup was far over caked. I tried not to notice, but that beehive hairstyle? Was it even still in style? The woman was hanging out with her arms folded across the window of a 2008 Baby Blue, BMW.

I nodded that way silently applauding and admiring said women. What kind of girl scout wore a pink satin, silk gown, with 6-inch heels. Also, Care sales? The troop was really dedicated this time of year.

“next time around ill have to ask for some thin mints.”

I know you’re thinking, what I am thinking?

What a wholesome lady. Yeah, I know this place can be somewhat of a dump, but when the magic really decided to shine… you’re absolutely right.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

It was more of nostalgia for me. Like Peco, my childhood smelly package delivering neighbor. He would always give me money for little adventures throughout the apartment complex and neighborhood. Running stuff wrapped in paper and plastic, felt like I was a real pirate or a small Jeff Bezos with my own delivery company. I was just an innocent kid, learning the value of a dollar while doing earnest and wholesome favors.

My mind wandered to chardonnay who was my favorite older lady friend. She hung around the apartments I grew up in. She would always come in real early when I was hanging around on the staircase running for Peco. She would bring smiles, the smell of hot wings, and her man Ricky… you know, the regular no parental supervision.

I liked her, Ricky? Not so much. You could say Chardonnay was my first crush. How cute and innocent, I know.

She would talk to me, and take me to go get ice cream, but the best part was when she let me count out the ones to the vendor. They were almost never-ending. Ricky, of course, would watch, keeping a close eye; probably to see If I would pocket any of the ones. Like, I would do that to MY Chardonnay.

Wholesome memories if you ask me. I know you were waiting for some sick, disturbed, haunting childhood past. Well, no way. Life was great back then.

It wasn’t till I grew up. You had to get your money on your own, and those childhood friends I once had didn’t feel so friendly anymore. I was now their own ATM.

Piss stung my nostrils as the air filled and hit, causing them to burn, irritating them for a good couple of seconds. After wiping my watering eyes, I noticed a couple of the neighborhood kids playing basketball with a makeshift hoop and a trash can.

Already feeling better after a trip down memory lane, I stopped by the group of kids.

I thought maybe I’ll show these kids a move or two; you know, back in my day they called me the poor man's Steve Nash.

I was quite the infamous star. Well, only because all I did was pass the ball, couldn’t shoot for shit.

I walked up to the kids and motioned to them that I wanted the ball. I mean my arms were longer now; I felt I could definitely shoot now. The kids passed me the ball, hyping me up. I thought this must be how Kobe felt at the line in the middle of a playoff game down by a couple.

I dribbled twice.

Ok let's pause for a second.

I should have known how this would end. I should have kept walking, never stopping to show off. Alas I did, and oh boy did I ever show off.

Ok, resume.

I kept the dribbling up, like those dads in every basketball movie. You know the ones… that awkward two-handed dribble. After a couple more awkward dribbles, I shot up the shot, which was higher than it needed to be.

I mean it was a trashcan. A TRASHCAN, NOT AN NBA GOAL WITH 7 FOOT EXTENSION.

Not only did it sail over the trash can, but the ball also hit an oncoming car and flew some fucking were.

I reflectively flinched to the horn and obscenities spewed out. As they came raining down at me, I put my hands behind my back and pointed with my eyes at the little brats next to me. The car just kept driving and the honking died down.

Apparently, NBA basketballs are Expensive I already didn’t have any money, but it was the least I could do. I gave them 15$ and walked off.

I gave them all ones, so It would take some time to count, and who knows maybe they couldn’t count. I didn’t have 45$ to dish out.

I heard words reminiscent of profanity being thrown at me, but I waved my hands goodbye, yelling back.

“Sorry, Uncle Charlie can’t keep playing, get yourself something nice with all that cash.”

I continued my walkthrough, through the concrete jungle. A smile was plastered on my face as I mouthed aloud.

“Yeah, I really do fucking hate this place.”