Once there were 3 siblings that lived in K.l. One elder brother in his early 20's and 2 younger sisters, both 20 and 19 years old. They live now their own, in a rented apartment and working full time to keep food in their fridge. Their parents past away since the youngest sister got out of school. They are not rich but they have each other. This story consist on the elder brother. On which he, in he early teens were a drug addict and a theft. He had spent years in rehab for his crime. As he was released, he became a better person. A more responsible brother to his siblings and they were happy with his changes. The brother knew that a person with his record would not be accepted much in public eye. So when he finaly got a job in a hyper market in K.l, he strive to prove that he is now a new man. It may not be easy for him cause of the surrounding public or his old friends may seem to try pull him back to drug uses. He worked his butt to the bone to keep him of the thought of using drugs again. And he manage to stay focus for 2 whole year working. He took his overtimes, and earned every penny legaly by working on public holidays till it almost became a habit for him to go to work on his off days. He was admired by his friends at work and they dont bother asking bout his dark past. Even his supervisors were impressed. He only said that, he is the eldest of the family. He is the one that should work harder for the family. Since they dont have any parents anymore. His sisters knew he is only trying to prove to them that he has change. Everything went well for them. Though they dont earn much but they were happy. Untill a few months later when he got detained by the police during his off days in K.l. He was browsing for some clothes. It was a raid by the police to snatch pick pockets and drug addicts. He was just one of the bystanders that were detained for inspections. Knowing that he did not do any crime, he oblige with the command of the police to come with them to a nearby station. Since he use to have a r! ecord in rehab for drugs, he was not released for further inspections. Which causes him to miss his attendant at work for the first time in 2 years. The process of getting his blood sample and background checked puts him 2 days behind bars. He was only allowed to make 1 call to his family or friends, so he told his sisters. The sisters later informed their brothers work place the excuse for his absence. After his release, he went to work on the very next day. Knowing that his absence were inform and recieved by his manager. He was right on one thing, the management were informed. But they couldn't accept the excuse. The day after, while changing his uniform, he was call to the office and was given a notice of termination. The management could not accept him back working there because of his record with rehabs and jail. They said that the company has a reputation and rules with the issue. The 3 siblings try every way to talk them for giving their brother a chance for it doesnt sound fair to them rejecting their brother that way. But alas, what can a young voice do to one with that holds all the cards... So with that, the brother was terminated and out of jobs, leaving the 2 sisters working by themselve. He did not give up on looking for a new job but all is lost when the company asked for his police record. He doesn't know what to tell them. If he lied in his applications it would end up the same way if anything like this happens again. And when he told the truth most of the jobs would not take him. He deeply regrets his mistakes but it was all useless now. To him nobody believe him being clean. So for the next few month he just stayed at home feeling bad bout himself. His sisters encourage him and give him supports with money for him to look again. This makes him even more depressed with the situation as the eldest. With every try took similar turns, he felt ashamed with his sisters and seldom dare to stare them in the eye anymore. Thus the happy family began to shatter its bond. The elder brother still couldn't get a job to help with the rents and bills. The work loads for the sisters began to grow and they seldom have time for each other like they use to. The brother began to feel as if he is a burden to his own family, so he started to think that they should be better of without him. He felt sorry for his sisters that has to work hard to feed him. With some pocket money from his savings he left the house in search for a place that would took him in. But what can an ex rehab do in our society? In the middle of the city where there are no rooms for people like him? Everytime he got rejected for a job because he was an ex convict he was pulled to his old habits to ease of his sorrow. It is the only thing he knew that could do him the favor. The 2 sisters did try to find him when the found out he left the house. But he doesn't want to be found. This may sound wierd to you readers, and you probably say that this young man gives up so easily. But in my eyes, he didn't give up. It is us, that gave up on him. Drugs is the only thing he knew that could give him the happiness he desires. Just like us when we ! want to be happy by eating or shopping after being depressed or broken hearted by our lovers. Is it wrong for him to do so? You may say that he should have more faith. But can it really be so simple when you live in the rat race? Is it his or our fault? Cause their younger sister once told me, ''Selagi masyarakat x bagi peluang pada orang2 macam abang kami, selagi kita duk cari2 perbezaan dari yg normal dgn tak normal kita, selagi itulah kita tak nampak perubahan yg mereka ada buat dalam diri mereka. Dan selagi itu lah mereka ambik benda2 jahanam tu''. The year was 2002. I found their brother, age somewhere around 25 to 30. He was heating the needles in the back alley of Chow Kitt. He saw and knew me, yet he looked at me as if i'm disgusted with his presence. I didn't say anything, i know i cant change his mind on going home. Besides, i think i know what he is doing. I knew how he felt inside. I can feel his pain and cry. And since i know how cruel this forsaken city can be to those that has nothing. I know how his heart bleeds. So i sat next to him. Helping him hold his needles to his skin. Then when he's done, and the drugs effects has started in and out, we just stared at each other in complete silence. I cant do anything for him but just give him a hug before i leave. I know he needs that. A hug from anyone telling that they understand and care. I know he just wants some freedom from his past. He just wanted to be free...
from all of us... =l
Posted Oct. 14 2008, at 3:23 AM
