Evil eye

Today, a young guy died again on our street. He stole a car, and when he tried to escape, the police opened fire.

I live in the fifth district, the most criminal area of the city known as Evil Eye. Here, something happens every day: fights, thefts, murders.

In our neighborhood, the apartments are the cheapest, and drugs are sold on every corner. People here survive, not live. Every morning, as I get ready for school, I think that this day could be my last.

I don't know my father. He left my mother, me, and my two older sisters a month after I was born. Maybe he was killed somewhere in an alley, maybe he died from an overdose — no one knows. Now I am the only man in the family. We live on welfare, and I do everything to earn at least something. Sometimes my ways of earning are not the most legal, but I have no choice. The whole responsibility for the family lies on me. Thank god, my mother doesn't use drugs, but she drinks too much, leading to constant arguments between us.

My sisters are still schoolgirls, but they mean everything to me. If anyone tries to insult or harm them, I will go all the way, even if I have to sacrifice myself.

I found a way to express what I feel — I write poetry and rap. Sometimes I feel like it's my only chance to get out of here, to break free from this damn Evil Eye. There's no place for the weak here. If you suddenly find yourself here, don't try to resist when thieves approach you. Give up everything you have, and maybe you'll make it out alive.

The photo was created by Cottonbro Studio and taken from pexels.com.
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