The comfort of the rich
Depends upon an abundant supply of the poor
Voltaire (1694-1778)
Living on the streets was tough. Winter was harsh and extremely cold. The snow that looked beautiful caused many troubles. Due to lack of food everything became more expansive. The mark-up wasn't much for the wealthy, but the poor had to skip meals constantly, unless they decided to steal. I hated stealing, so I'd mostly skip meals in order to beg for money, but sometimes the hunger was too much to handle. Most of my attempts ended up with me being caught. The merchants would scold me and kick me out while the costumers who saw everything shunned me. Trying to steal never helped me to get food, however, one of my attempts was somehow successful
It was in a late afternoon in the beginning of January. I didn't eat anything that day and we were out of money. While Heide was looking for a place to stay I went to the bakery in the center. It was rather busy so I didn't stand out at all. I found my way through the crowd and got behind the desk where the bread was displayed. A woman pointed at the desk "Thief!" she yelled. The baker who was getting fresh bread out of the kitchen turned around. He looked very angry and started to chase me. I tried to run, but I tripped over one of the customers. He grabbed me and handed me to the baker.
"How dare you to take someone else's property!" the baker yelled. I remained silent, I was too scared to answer. "How old are you?" "I-I am almost nine, sir." "And already stealing, huh? Do you think it's funny or something." My stomach started to rumble. I didn't say anything for a few seconds but soon I knew what to say. "No, I hate stealing. I'd love to buy one of your breads, but I can't. If I would be able to earn enough money then maybe I could buy something one day." The baker looked shocked and put me down. "Nice talk for a poor piece of trash!" a teenage boy said teasingly. "Leave him alone!" the baker said. I offered my handshake to the baker. "I'm sorry sir you can have it back." The baker shook my hand and smiled "It's okay. I forgive you. You can have the bread. Enjoy your meal!" His words relieved me "Thank you sir you are really nice."
Two weeks later I turned nine. Things were getting better. Heide and I earned more money with begging, and I would sometimes read stories on crowded squares to earn more money. "You sure earned a lot today." Heide said proudly. "We can buy something good now!" I laughed and took my mother's hand "Come Mutti! I know a nice bakery." On our way we talked about the good times. Heide told me a lot of stories about when I was little. "Do you still remember that?" Heide asked after she mentioned one of her memories. Most of the time I would shook my head. "Mutti, I really look forward to spring." I said after walking for a while "It will be much warmer and the flowers will bloom. I promise you that when spring is here that I will make you the prettiest flower-crown I can make" Heide smiled "Thank you darling."
After a while we arrived at the bakery. We entered and I noticed something. Next to the cash-desk was a glass jar filled with coins. There was a note next to it, but it was too far for me to read. When the cue got shorter I could walk to the desk. I stepped forward and read the note "Please, donate to those in need." I read out loud. The baker turned around and noticed me. He asked his assistant to take over for a little while. She nodded and the baker walked towards me.
"Do you still remember me?" I asked nervously. He knelt down and smiled at me. "Of course I do. Why would I forget the boy who convinced me to become a better person?" I didn't understand it at all. "What do you mean?" "Well, I used to be rather selfish when it came to my business. Many hungry people have tried to steal my bread, just like you did. It used to make me angry, but then you came." The man took a breath. "The words you said to me made me realize how mean I'd been to those in need. After you left I promised myself to start helping them. I really want to thank you for the life lesson you taught me." His surprising words made me happy. I nodded "You're welcome." The man stood up "Excuse me young man. I have to get back to work."
"One Kaiserbrötchen, please." Heide said after the baker continued his work. "Is that your mother?" the baker asked. I nodded proudly "She is really nice. She promised me to buy something good for my birthday." "Is it your birthday today?" I nodded. The baker laughed and offered me the bread "Then it's free. Happy birthday little one." I took the bread and whispered a soft thank you before I left the bakery.
"How great Mutti. Now we have some money left!" I said with glee. Heide smiled "Maybe we can buy another blanket soon." She offered me the blanket and I put it around my back. "Great idea, then we'll have some more warmth. I think I'll read more stories at the square, maybe I will earn something." Heide knelt down and kissed my forehead. She wished me good luck before I headed towards the square. Despite the fact that I had a heavy cold people still enjoyed the stories I told. Soon I became a well-known face in the center of Berlin. Especially younger children would often sit down to hear a story. The smile on their faces made me feel peaceful.
About two weeks later we saved enough money to buy a blanket. As soon as Heide took me to a store I noticed how expansive the blankets were. Most cost too much for us to buy, all I could do was stare at them and appreciate the beautiful patterns and the soft texture. After searching for a while, Heide found a blanket that was cheap enough for us to buy. It was a plain white blanket, yet it gave us plenty of warmth. "Thank you for your purchase ma'am. I hope to see you again." Heide accepted the blanket and left the store.
"Now both of us can be warm!" I said happily as I put the new blanket around Heide. "It's getting late now. Let's find a place to rest." She lifted me and walked around the city. Eventually we reached a dark alleyway most people would fail to notice. It was rather quiet, but very cold. "I'm sorry Gilbert. I don't think there's anything better." She put me down and leaned against the wall. "It's okay Mutti" I said "We have the blankets, and we can hug to keep each other warm." Heide sat down "That's a great idea, dear. Come!" She reached out her arms and I walked in her embrace. "Mutti?" I whispered quietly "Did you know that your hugs are the warmest in the whole world?" Heide shook her head. "Now you know! Are you happy?" "Yes my dear." I chuckled "Good, I'm happy too because I have you to give me warm hugs. Good night Mutti, I love you." I closed my eyes, before I fell asleep I heard her whisper "Good night my dear I love you too."