I've made quite a few changes in the way I conduct myself and in the various ways I present myself to those I meet. Every day still holds a surprise or two, but my defenses are strong against the majority of attempts to leech at my life. All in all, I'm satisfied.
In spite of this temporary change of character, I made what I would consider a good friend. Those of you who have spent any time with me know that I don't bandy with that word. Derek is in many respects my antithesis, but our individual strengths seemed to counteract any perceived weaknesses we would otherwise be advertising on the street. I can use my wits and long ago experiences to keep me out of trouble here, but that is in no way an equal replacement to having someone who has spent the majority of their almost 40 years dealing, running, and abusing drugs, robbing banks, and surviving amidst various cartels...as your wingman.
The street is a master magician. Before your very eyes, a cigarette denied slowly transforms into a concrete block dropped on your head as you sleep. That bag you're forced into leaving unguarded for the sake of a shower? KAZAAM! Sent away to a far off dimension...never to be seen again. It's the little things...
Most importantly, there are thousands here...hundreds I know personally...and I've only met two who want to move forward. Almost all of these people belong here, and a few of them even know it. He's tired of being a slave to crystal and the effect that has on the woman he loves, and I have too much inspiration to waste in this environment. A good team...
Today at 7am, I saw my friend off as he entered into a drug rehabilitation program. Life here will be more difficult without him, but I couldn't be happier that our efforts to get him admitted were not in vain. He said that I'd helped him abstain, but we both knew it was only a matter of time as the Cubans hawk their wares only a few blocks away.
I'm still doing everything I can, while maintaining my character, to make it. Jobs are few and far between, but this too is simply a matter of time.
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