I had never been in an alley…I never knew what filth and decadence they could hold. It was first visit to the city and the weather was not cooperating in the least. I had been searching for a small shop downtown and it became more and more apparent as time went on that the directions I had been given were incorrect. The skies were darkening again; the threat of rain was imminent. I knew I would never find the address I was seeking in time to avoid the rain. At the first clap of thunder, I scurried into an alley hoping to find shelter before the skies opened up and unleashed their fury. Almost as soon as I entered the dark alley, I knew it had been an error in judgment. I could see the piles of garbage and the human refuse beside them. The rain had started, pouring down and drenching my clothes. I began to wander aimlessly, stepping over the filth and bums. I was moving quickly, trying to get to an opening to allow me my escape. Stopping to catch my breath, I leaned against a dumpster. Looking around cautiously, I realize how lost and alone I was. As the unsettled feeling washed over me, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. A dirty, foul smelling walked up to me, grabbed my arm and asked me for money. Disgusted, I broke free of his hold and began to run down the alley.
Stumbling over the trash, I found myself falling. Then suddenly, I felt arms wrapped around me, breaking my fall. My body pressed against another, a gentle, yet firm voice emerged from this dark, looming figure. “Is that bastard bothering you”? he asked. Knowing my fear was palpable, I look into his dark eyes, “N..no not really.” I watched as he shot a look at the bum running him off. I pulled away from him slightly taking him in. Dark hair and eyes, a neatly trimmed goatee surrounding his pursed lips. He was young, yet his eyes told a different story, as if he had seen the world many times over. He stood about 5’11, about 170 or so but I could feel his strength was that of a man much larger. There was a darkness about him and yet he made me feel safe in this dank, dirty alley. I trusted him.
I watched his eyes drink me in, my wet clothes clinging to my body. Slightly embarrassed, I broke my gaze, looking down, “Thank you…..”
“That bastard would have taken more than your money you know.”
“I know and I thank you for being here when you were.”
Turning to leave, I smiled and thanked the stranger yet again. I felt his grip tighten on my arm.
“Where are you going”, he asked. “You appear to be lost.”
I gently pushed his hand off my arm, and he relinquished his hold.
“ I am fine….but yes, I am alittle lost. Perhaps you can direct me?”
“You would only become more lost and confused. The perils around each corner would only become greater.” He said sternly.
My smile faded, “You cannot help me find my way?” My shoulders slumped, my hope fading.
“Not tonight, it is too late and even I do not know where you have left your car.”
As a single tear rolled down my cheek, I looked into his eyes, “Where am I to go? I cannot stay here.”
“Come, follow me”, His voice firm yet soothing, I obeyed as if in a trance.
As I watched him saunter down the alley, we moved deeper into the underbelly with each step.
Telling me to keep up and not lag behind, I quicken my step trying to keep up with his rapid strides. I watch as he picks up his pace, elbowing a bum who gets in his way.
“This doesn’t seem like the right way to anything”, I wonder aloud.
“It is the way”, he assures me. I have no choice but to follow him into the darkness.
After many turns we finally reach what appears to be a dead end. It is another alley, but much longer and cleaner than the others. When we reach the end there is a door with a light above it. It emanates a warm glow bathing us in a sense of security. I watch as he unlocks the door and steps inside. Turning to see if I am still with him he scolds, “Are you staying out in the rain?”
My wet clothes cling to me, sending a chill through my body, is enough of a reason to follow him into the warmth. Once I am in, he slams the door shut locking it.
I look around taking the room in. There is low-voltage lighting washing the walls with just enough light to see.
“Wh…where are we? Is this your place?”, my voice quivering as a sense of uneasiness begins to creep over me.
Suddenly I hear the whirring of an old creaky freight elevator. It stops and he walks over lifting the gate and stepping inside.
“Are you coming?”, He looks at me slightly annoyed it seems.
“Do I have a choice?” I smile; He returns my smile with his eyes, assuaging some of my uneasiness.
“Out in the rain with the bums or with you”, I step in behind him. The door creaks shut and the elevator begins to move. But much to my surprise it begins to descend. I look at him questioningly, “Where are we going? Do you live downstairs?.”
“To where it is warm and dry….”, he answers quietly.
The elevator stops and he lifts the gate stepping out into a vast concrete room. I follow, my arms wrapped around me, a chill has set into my very being. There is a sense of foreboding I cannot shake. In the dark I see him walk to the wall and flip a switch. A warm light bathes the room. I notice the furnishings are sparse.
“I am getting out of my wet clothes. I suggest you do the same”, he says matter-of-factly as he moves towards a door removing his shirt as he does. He stands at the doorway pointing to another, “You can shower in there.”, he says and disappears.
Hesitating for only a moment, I open the door and step inside. There is a walk-in shower and piles of fluffy white towels. I quickly strip myself of my wet clothes and the chill begins to leave me. Turning the handle to the hottest temperature my body can tolerate, I step into the cascading water. Taking the soap into my hands, I lather my body up, the warm water rushing over me, allowing myself a respite of the ominous feelings.
When I have finished showering, I grab a towel from the rack and dry off. As I wrap a towel around my body and step out into the large concrete room, I wonder to myself where the stranger has gone. As if he heard my musing, he appears out of nowhere.
Giggling nervously I say, “You frightened me…I did not hear you coming.”
“ I have no clothes for you. The towels will have to suffice”, he mumbles as he takes up my wet clothes and hangs them on ominous looking hooks on the wall.
“You have been so kind, thank you again for everything. I will go when my clothes have dried…I don’t want to intrude.” I smile at my host.
“It will be daylight shortly…you should sleep.” He points to another door. “My bed is through there, you can use it tonight.”
