I know that we have our own reasons why we got into this kind of work and as Uncle Pao is also close to me I want to know how he got into this. None of him looks like he's just on a trip or someone is pushing him. He’s also not addicted and he’s like Dylan who can control and has a lot of reminders to everyone.
“I became comfortable with Mia's life. Pampered and I feel like my parents are not running out of money.” He then began to look at the ceiling as if remembering the past. He also leaned back in his chair as if relaxing himself.
“My parents are both businessmen and I am the only child. Everything I want is complied with and I get anything I want. One request, ten are given to me. That's how my parents raised me. I also didn't finish my studies because I think the richness and wealth they have is not empty. I never thought that all that would be gone one day.” He looked at me then smiled bitterly and obviously with sadness.
“At the same time, my parents died in an accident, and the wealth that I thought was inexhaustible is gone. It turned out that their company had lost money and all the property was mortgaged. I just woke up one day to be passed around by relatives because almost everyone didn't want to feed me. Until I lived on the streets alone and missed my parents.”
“Some nights I would cry and call them. I also tried to commit suicide several times but I failed. Until I meet someone like us. At first, I just wanted to feed myself. Get dressed and found a sensible place to live with a roof to keep it from raining and getting hot so I entered this kind of work. But as the number of my acquaintances went on and on, I was able to get more and more. Until I didn't realize I was sinking and couldn't get out of my place.”
I just kept listening to Uncle Pao telling his story. It was as if he was taking me back to his old life by telling stories.
“You're young Mia, you don't know that much and I won't let you get too involved. You still have time to change the path of your life. Don't waste your future on short-term big profits. We are not forever safe and we will not be protected forever. Maybe tomorrow, the ones who protect us will also harass us so that they can rise to the position. We are the ones they have to bring down so that they can rise and they don't care about the partnership because we are not really important to them because they are just making money from us.”
“I know you were just forced to enter it because it was the easier way to make money. But you have a choice and you still have a chance to change your life. While it's still early, find a way.”
I grew up that drug addicts don’t care about being around other people. They are selfish and they think only of themselves. They are useless to society and a burden. But now I understand that not all of them are bad, just as not everything you think that professional is good.
The others were just forced to enter and when they wanted to leave, they did not know what to do. Other than being bankrupt they are also a security threat because they are exposed so much. So even if they want to get away they have a hard time.
If the rest of them had a choice, they would also choose to change the path of their lives. They prefer a quiet and simple life that does not hide and is not nervous. I don't know all of them but I know there are still many more sensible thinkers like Uncle Pao.
"It's still not too late for you to change, isn't it, Uncle Pao?" He smiled at me then shook his head.
“It's too late for me Mia, I'm already in the hands of those in position and many are already above me. When I fought, I had only two consequences. Cemetery or jail. Also, this is just my way to keep you from being exposed to them. I will just protect you in the way I know without exposing you to them. Because it’s time I disappeared and you went to someone else you think there is no possibility of overthrowing you. It's ok for me to think about everything. As long as I remain in this position I will protect those below me.”
“I hope that before I lose this position, you and Dylan have changed your lives. Whether you are together or not but hopefully the day will come when you are far away from this situation. Because I know you both have a long way to go.” I suddenly thought of what Uncle Pao said.
I will not stay in this kind of job forever. If I am given the opportunity to give my family a good life I will also leave this work. But I will not leave here alone because no matter what happens I will take Dylan with me. It's up to him if he really comes.
My phone rang and someone texted me wanting to score so I said goodbye to Uncle Pao.
"Tito Pao, I'm leaving and I'll just meet someone."
“Mia, don't act without Dylan's knowledge. Don't just trust those you don't know and especially those that Dylan doesn't know.” I nodded to him in agreement.
"Yes." He just shook his head and sighed. I knew he had a hint about me giving in to another addict.
"I know you, remember that Dylan won't hesitate to kill when you're the one who's lost." I didn't answer so as not to prolong our conversation with Uncle Pao.
I used the motor to go to San Juan and dropped ten packages. When I finished I leave immediately. I was going to Vicente because Dylan and I had a conversation that I would take him there. But it suddenly misted so I went back. Maybe I can still get wet and what I'm carrying will dissolve.
I decided to go through the house first to get some clothes, which are really close by. That's where I'll sleep at Dylan's house now. But while on the road, the wind suddenly heavier and the rain as well.
I sped up the run but I felt that the bag was not properly placed behind me. I was close to a waiting shed next to Kanor's shop. I stopped and turned off the engine and immediately parked the motor. I got off and ran to the waiting shed because the mist got a little heavier. I adjusted the bag as well as my pants. I just let the motor wet.
I just texted Dylan that I didn’t go through with Vicente and he didn’t reply. Maybe he is too busy. I also texted when I was about to fall that I wouldn't be able to get there right away because it's already raining here in the area where I am.
"Mia." I turned to the one who calls me. Why didn't I notice that he was here? And the sad thing was that we were just two. I turned to him and smiled wryly.
‘Fuck you, Mia, don’t be obviously affected by his presence.’
"How are you?" he asked me.
But instead of answering, I first took a cigarette and then lit it so that I could somehow calm myself down. Ever since I got into this kind of work, cigarettes have become my sedative. I also don't know how I learned it. Dylan doesn't smoke.
"It's okay, how are you?" I hope you're ok and I hope you find yourself. Because that is the reason why you leave me.