city life

This story was inspired by my reading of "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair.

Gray clouds hovered above the snow capped city. Smoke devoured the active metropolis, its skies often masked by the billows of polluted clouds shot from concrete cylinders releasing the toxins from the factories. Residents breathed in the smoke exhaling their own hot breaths in the bitter winter air. They moved quickly to reach their destinations oblivious to the parties surrounding them. Horse’s hoofs clattered against the gravel pulling carriages full of passengers. Josh loomed in the corners of the industrialized urbanization, inanimate against the current of bodies. His clothes were ragged and thinned with use. His face paled and slender marked with the black dirt of city life.

“Do you have any change to spare?” he begged of the people passing only to be ignored. “I only need enough for lodging for the night.” His voice quivered after the departed individual, exasperation taking its toll.

The unforgiving practices of the factories left Josh homeless. He came to this country eager to establish himself as a working man, but soon learned of the difficulties which constantly pulled him under the water of immigrant low class society.

Available positions led him to and eventually work at a fertilizer mill. The hours were endless and the pay was three dollars a week. Despite his tired body and sleepy mind he worked day after day never disappointing his supervisors. His lodgings were modest. A boarding house six miles from the mill were what he was to call home. Amongst him were drunks and idle men who squandered their earnings for alcohol and women. Josh minded his own business and continued on this path towards the American dream. After a work related injury kept him bed ridden for three days, he returned to the mill to find his position had been refilled. Nothing he could do would give him his position back. He left the mill with his head hung low and his spirits crushed.

Work had become scarce and a job could not be found. Josh was thrown out into the street were he begged to make it through the day.

Josh started quickly piercing through the chill air with his brisk strides. Along the way he continued to beg for change. Ahead was a man walking towards him. This was a man of wealth evident of his new black hat and long thick overcoat. A boyish charm warmed his face.

“Sir, could you lend me some spare change? I so desperately need a warm meal.”

The man stopped and looked at him with a peculiar expression.

“What is your name?” The man asked his sparkling blue eyes vivid despite the dark night.

Josh was silent. Why did this man need to know his name?

“Your name?”

“Josh” He finally replied.

“Josh. A nice name. Would you like some food?”

“Very much so, sir.”

“Come with me.”

The man walked passed Josh continuing down the crowded sidewalk. Josh followed tentatively unsure if this man could be trusted.

They approached a restaurant known for being the most expensive and most elegant of the city. Couples of great affluence sat at the tables adorned with expensive clothes and ate their expensive meals. Josh looked at the man waiting for his next move.

“Does this restaurant sound good to you?”

“Sir, I don’t belong in here. I’m a poor man.”

“You are a hungry man. They have the best steak in the city.”

The man opened the door and moved to the side. He motioned his hand forward to entice Josh inside. He stepped into the restaurant and all eyes looked towards him disgusted at his ragged and unclean sight. Josh stood embarrassed. The man walked beside him and looked intently at each guest backing them down.

“You have to forgive these people Josh. They are uptight old dimwits.”

Scattered gasps accompanied them as Josh and the man found a table to sit. Josh kept his head down for he should not be surrounded by such opulence and class.

“Josh?” The man asked.

“Yes, sir?”

“Look at me.”

“I can’t sir. I’m not deserving of these people.”

The man laughed and Josh rolled his eyes up to see blond curls escaped from under the black hat but quickly cast them down as the man’s eyes connected with his.

“Please stop calling me sir. My name is Justin and if you continue to look down I’m afraid you’ll stay that way.”

A humored smile spread across Josh’s face. He sat properly and his vision filled with a pleased pair of eyes.

“That’s better. Now, let’s get some of those steaks.”

***

Empty plates littered the table. Both men held their taunt stomachs in satisfaction. The restaurant was cleared of all patrons and the silence and the absence of abhorrent glares were a welcomed departure.

“Tell me about yourself.” Justin inquired, curious as to the unfortunate fate of this man.

“I came here from Switzerland.” Josh began slowly, I had aspirations of becoming a prosperous man but my destiny was to be of something else. I had a job at a fertilizer plant but lost it and could not find any other jobs. My money was not kept properly and soon ran out and I was left to the streets.” He finished and waited for a response. Justin’s face betrayed him exposing his concern and pity for the poor immigrant.

“I’m sorry” he whispered, his eyebrows burrowed in trepidation.

Josh found the distress Justin displayed an enduring quality. He did his best to hold back the urge to embrace him and comfort the sadness that overtook him.

“My tale is not uncommon I’m afraid.”

“You must be exhausted. Why don’t we leave?”

Josh looked up at Justin in surprise at his sudden haste. Justin smiled down at him as he found his hat and coat slipping them on easily. Josh followed.

“I must leave you now. You must retire to your home and I have to find the price for lodging somehow.” Josh said in an attempt to depart from such a lovely evening. “Thank you for your kindness.” He turned to walk away but stopped when he felt a hand on his arm. Turning back around he came face to face with Justin.

“Please, don’t leave.” Justin’s hot breath warmed Josh’s winter bitten face. “Come home with me.”

Josh could not resist those pleading eyes.

“I will”

***

They carriage ride was silent and Josh watched the scenery before him change from concrete and lights to trees and complete darkness. He had never been this far removed from the city. His heart fluttered with excitement and nervousness as the carriage rolled on.

Slowing to a stop, the carriage rested before a mansion, its windows glowing with golden light, its brick exterior illuminated in spots by lamp posts.

“We’re here”

Justin handed the driver money and they both exited the carriage. Up the gravel driveway they walked, rocks bouncing and popping under each step. They entered the house and Josh gasped at expanse and beauty of Justin’s home. His admiration was quickly faltered as a stern looking maid stood before him, examining every inch of him.

“Can I help you?” her French accented voice asked in a discourteous tone.

“I-” Josh tried to mumble.

“He is my guest Anna. Could you please start a bath?” Justin requested.

She huffed but turned and went to her duty.

“Anna is very protective over me,” Justin explained as they entered the parlor. “She has taken care of me since I was a baby.”

Josh understood and sat down on a plush maroon couch, his eyes wondering across the room at the fancy paintings. Recognizing a familiar painting he rose to study it closely. The decorative painting caused his heart to flutter and his hand rose to lightly touch the canvas in awe of its intricate design.

“Its Gustav Bauernfiend’s painting of the Margrave Opera House.” Justin said.

Startled, Josh turned slightly his face mere inches from Justin’s.

“I know.” He said, “I learned of it back in my homeland. I was a lover of paintings and art.”

“Out of all the paintings here, this one never fails to amaze me. The magnificent detail and solemn colors coming together to represent perfectly the actual opera house are inspiring.”

Josh looked at Justin soaking in his passionate marvel and appreciation of the piece. Justin looked into his eyes and they both stood silent. “You are beautiful.” Justin said.

A red tint rose in Josh’s cheeks. He tried to voice an opposition to such a claim but could not form the words.

Justin stepped closer and Josh did not back away.

“I’m going to kiss you right now. You may remain still if you’d like.” Justin proclaimed.

Josh nodded his head slightly as his eyes focused on the pair of plumb red lips that moved towards him. He felt a slight brush of his lips on Justin’s when suddenly they were removed.

“The bath is ready, sir” The maid’s voice said into the parlor.

“Thank you Anna.” Justin called out politely. He looked back at Josh, his cheeks flustered, “Come, its time for you to get cleaned up.” Justin took him by the hand and led him to a white room with a waiting steaming bath.

“There are some clothes on the chair besides the bath.”

Justin began to walk through the door.

“May I stay the night?” Josh asked.

Justin turned back to look at him.

“Yes.”

The door clicked shut after Justin’s exit. Josh began to remove his clothes and stepped gently into the balmy water. It had been months since he had a chance to cleanse himself. The water engulfed him and he sat relaxing in the liquid losing himself in the welcomed comfort. He closed his eyes and the back of his mind clouded with the image of Justin. The kindness and beauty Justin emanated warmed Josh’s heart. Never before had be received such treatment. He felt himself captivated by this man.

The door had creaked open removing Josh from his pleasant dreams.

“Justin?” He called out.

Anna appeared instead, a harsh expression distorting her face.

“I know about men like you.” She hissed as she threw her head inches from Josh’s face. “You only are interested in him for his money. The moment you walked through that door I knew you were nothing but garbage. I don’t know why Justin has taken pity on you but don’t think that pity will be shown by me. I will be watching you” She walked away and Josh remained shocked as the door slammed behind her.

The water cooled and Josh stood up cleaning himself of the droplets. He slipped the pajamas off the back of the chair and put them on. A knock on the door forced him to dress faster.

“May I come in?” Justin’s voice asked through the small opening of the door.

“Yes.”

The door opened and Justin stood reveling in the exquisiteness Josh had underneath the frayed clothes and dirtied face.

“Come. I’ll show you to your room.” Justin extended his hand and Josh took it.

“What about my clothes and the bath?” Josh asked.

“Anna will take care of them.”

They ascended up the grand staircase and Josh looked down into the foyer below catching Anna’s slivered eyes watching him intently, warning him once more. Reaching the top of the stairs they walked down what seemed like an endless hallway. Justin stopped before a door and opened it inviting Josh in. Josh sat on the oversized bed bringing Justin down with him.

“I must apologize for my behavior in the parlor. That was very impolite of me.”

“There is no need for you to apologize.”

There was a knock on the door and Anna poked her head in.

“You bed is warmed, sir.”

“Thank you”

She left and shut the door behind her.

“I must be leaving.” Justin stood to depart but Josh’s hand on his arm halted him.

“Please stay with me.” Josh pleaded.

“I can’t”

There was a knock on the door.

“Sir?”

“Just a moment Anna, please.” He turned to look back at Josh, his blue eyes turning dark under the rejection. “I’m sorry”

The door quietly clicked shut and Josh slithered under the thick blankets and closed his eyes inviting a peaceful comfortable slumber.

***

Josh stirred as he felt a warm mass push against his body. He opened his eyes to Justin’s face. Justin leaned toward him and their lips gently met. Stars formed in the back of Josh’s eyelids as he felt Justin’s hands caress him. Low moans escaped as Justin ran his mouth along his creamy white neck. Tears of pleasure and longing dotted his cheeks as Justin thrust rhythmically into him, quietly voicing his want, lust, and wonderment into Josh’s awaiting ear.

They lay next to each other intoxicated with love and bliss. Justin rested his head on Josh’s chest as Josh held him close.

“I want you to stay with me for as long as I live.”

Josh kissed the top of Justin’s head then leaned down and grazed his wet plumb lips. The kiss had sealed the arrangement and they both closed their eyes.

***

Josh awoke to the sun’s warm rays cascading across his sleeping face. He found himself alone in the bed curious as to where Justin could have been. Finding his scattered pajamas he put them on and went downstairs.

He found Anna in the kitchen working away at a meal. Carefully he approached her.

“Do you know where Justin is?”

“He went into town and will be back shortly.” She beat at the dough in the bowl. “But before he left he wanted me to give you something.” She removed her hands from the bowl and wiped them on her apron. On the table she picked up an envelope addressed to him and placed it in his open hand. He looked up at her quizzingly but knew no answers were to be given from her.

He retreated to the bedroom and opened the envelope. A short letter was its only occupant. He unfolded it and read:

Dearest Josh,
I am terribly sorry but I must ask you to leave. It was a mistake to have you come here and I am afraid I have no use for you. I expect you to have departed before I arrive back home.
                                                                                                   Justin

Tears stung his eyes as the words melted together through the haze. The letter dropped from his hands twirling to the floor. His freshly washed clothes sat at the end of the bed and he threw off the pajamas and put on his familiar garments. He ran down the stairs and out of the house as the tears continued to fall.

Anna stopped her baking as she heard the door slam. She made her way up to the room and found the letter lying on the floor. A pleased smile crept along her face as she tore the letter up congratulating herself on a masterful plan.

Justin returned home eager to see Josh but he entered the room to find it empty.

“Have you seen Josh, Anna?” He asked as he entered the office to find her dusting.

“I’m afraid he left, sir.” She looked at him with her face full of heartache.

Justin’s heart felt heavy with sadness.

“Did he say why?”

“There was no explanation. I was taken back by his hasty decent as well. I checked the cash box and some money had been taken.”

His knees grew weak and he fell into the chair. The man he believed he loved and cherished was nothing but a thief. He placed his head in his hands and wept.

***

Steam ejected from the machine and Josh stood in its hot path. Beads of sweat ran down every part of his body. His clothes clung to him like magnets. He had found another job at a meat packing plant and was slowly accumulating the money he had lost before. On the long hours he would often reminisce of the precious moments he and Justin had shared but once the thought of Justin’s dismissal crept into his preoccupied mind he cursed Justin and himself for ever believing in such love.

Justin spent his days hostile towards the events that unfolded into the breaking of his heart. How could he have invested so much energy into trusting and loving a person who was nothing but street vile?

The seasons passed like clockwork and soon the memories of their time shared were buried deep becoming unrecognizable to the scarred and wary men.