A Night at
Luigi’s.
Tim Barker (2000)
Time passed slowly and so did Luigi. He clung to the back of a street sweeper, propelling him into the night towards Destination Unknown. But he didn’t care. Tonight he was on a mission to just drift around town, taking in the sights and sounds of inner-city night-life. He let go of his unwilling accomplice, rolled then landed in a heap in the freshly-cleaned gutter.
“You all right mate ?” Enquired a passing punk.
“Yes, thank you”, replied Luigi, “I’m just floating with the flotsam and jetsam.”
“Fair enough mate. Aren’t we all ?” The Punk retorted.
Luigi crawled out of the gutter and sat on the curb with his head in his hands. After a moments thought he reached into his trouser pocket, produced a small pouch of rolling tobacco then proceeded to construct a cigarette. A few puffs later and he was ready to continue. He arose and began making his way along the footpath to the illuminated front of a 24-7. Soon he was entrapped by the luminescent lullaby and so entered the shop to see what he could steal. Much to his surprise there was no CCTV camera and there were a couple of isles hidden from the glare of the assistant. They weren’t totally stupid though as the cigarettes and booze were behind the counter. He made his way down the aisles to see what he could find then went to the counter to buy a packet of papers.
Once outside Luigi opened his coat to reveal a multitude of loot: matches, candles, string, a veg pasty, a box of rice and a bottle opener. Not bad for a night’s work, he thought to himself. He realised at this point that he should find a place to doss. He needed a box so he left the relative safety of the pavement and turned the corner to enter the alley behind the unassuming shops. It didn’t take him long to recover a couple of empty TV boxes which would do nicely, thank you. He then decided to head for the old arches, plenty of places to hide away there. On the way he stopped by the fountain in the square to fill up his water bottle and picked up any driftwood he set his eyes on. The raucous revellers teased and pushed him around a little but he just brushed it of being used to it all by now. Soon enough he was in a dark corner well hidden from the screaming city above.
And in a little space, well out of harms way, Luigi lit a candle and made the most satisfying meal he had had in a long time then retired to his humble home for the night.