New Surroundings

Another day and another series of adventures in the city.  I got to the town hall nice and early and made sure I was visible, both on the glorious computer system and to those to whom I needed to speak.  I bumped into one of my street fellows there and asked him to pass onto the other “usual suspects” that I was OK and had slipped off radar only because of the whale of a time I was having in the town hall and, in similar vein to Mark Twain, any rumours of my demise had been greatly exaggerated.

Whilst waiting patiently (there seems little point in waiting impatiently – it doesn't make things happen any quicker), a young lady came in with her daughter; another poor soul fleeing domestic violence, and sat next to me, recognising me as “the nice man who gave us biscuits yesterday”.  The latter part of the description is factually accurate but the former opinion is highly debatable.  We chatted about our various situations, she showing genuine surprise for the calmness that I had shown to rough sleeping in what is perceived to be an urban killing zone, and I offering words of comfort and encouragement for her and her daughter’s future and that now they were “in the system” things will start to improve – there may be some stepping stones but they are a mere inconvenience compared to a fist in the face.

I have been handed what feels like one of Wonka’s famous Golden Tickets; I have temporary accommodation!  It is seemingly at the ends of the Earth compared to the city centre – ideal for somebody with a mobility issue….  It takes around and hour to walk from the city centre (although where you mark the centre of the city is a debate in its own right).  I need to go back to the town hall and library tomorrow so I can use that time to look up exactly how far it is, but it would not surprise me if it was a little over 3 miles which makes for some serious daily exercise!

The place I am staying feels like luxury compared to the concrete mattress I am used to.  Aside from a bed, there is enough space to store my worldly possessions (oh how my shoulders will thank me), a TV which is background noise rather than captivating entertainment, but best of all there is a shower!  Once I had vaguely figured out the interesting contra-rotating shower control and stumbled upon a temperature which was not freezing nor burning my skin off, I could have stayed in there for the rest of the day.  On the subject of skin, acres of it seem to be missing from the soles of my feet.

After washing a few weeks of streetness off my aching body, I spent some time in front of the mirror.  Many, many minutes and several razor blades later and I rediscovered the lower half of my face.  I got dressed and took a plod into town to see a few familiar faces and let them know of my whereabouts – I would hate them to be scouring the streets looking for me for no good reason.  There are several people I have met who, given half the chance, I would get off the streets without hesitation.