East Side Story

Simon had been keeping in touch with Daniel.

It seemed every day, since that moment they'd met in the alley before lunch, they were accompanying one another everywhere. Even though they came from two different worlds, with Daniel migrating from the distant lands of Africa, the pair could relate to one another's circumstance. On top of that, within only days of knowing each other, Daniel had introduced Simon to his friend, Alex, who had travelled all the way from Kenya. They met right on the very corner of Hastings and Columbia, the main intersection Simon spent most of his time, as the shelter was nearby with many convenient stores in the scandalized proximity.

"This is my bro, Alex," Daniel told Simon on the hustling street corner.

They shook hands as Alex was using his fingers to break a weed nug. Comedically, he panicked while spotting two police offices creeping up, before realizing that he was in the legal rights of Canada.

"Holy shit," Alex said with a smile. "In Africa they would've taken my head off already." He was medium built with thick lips, along with dreadlocks hanging from his slanted head.

"Fuck yeah." Daniel also laughed. "I keep getting paranoid and forgetting."

"I assume the laws are a little different over there?" Simon asked, attempting to break the ice.

"Are you kidding me? We'd be ransacked and stripped by now."

"Yup," Daniel agreed, still laughing.

"You're from Sudan, too?" Simon asked.

"Kenya," Alex replied, breaking down the last bit of product. So far, he seemed like a respectable guy.

"You guys wanna head to the park?" Daniel suggested.

"I'm down," Simon replied.

"I'm cool with anything."

"Alright. Let's get out of this nasty-ass place."

And like that, Simon had made yet another acquaintance. Surprisingly, he was making more "friends" down here than the once green-grass suburban neighborhood he lived. It was strange, as if everyone in the community was connected by a mysterious bond. Even though they were going through their own struggles, everyone could relate to the adversities of the challenged neighbourhood.

Regardless, the trio pushed forward, heading to Andy Livingston Park. The park was considered a bit "controversial," as it was only three blocks from Hastings Street, and addicts were known to use there along the overpass. On the other hand, there was a beautiful soccer field there too, used for different sporting activities. Simon had also worked with his step brother there many years ago, volunteering for the annual soccer festival. So he was familiar with the area. Even back then, the park seemed to have it's share of troubles, and it didn't appear that much had changed.

"How about over there?" Alex suggested, pointing to a bench beside the tennis courts.

"Sure."

As predicted there were several users in the park, with even a woman nodding out, hunched over behind a lanky tree.

"Does the city do anything about these people?" Daniel asked as they sat down.

"They tried," Simon replied.

"And what happened?"

"What happened? You're looking at it."