by Christopher Welsch

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: October 16, 2009

Finally, at last, my own space to create an environment with hearth, Kenneth thought as he confidently walked up chipped steps of a corroded apartment building. He hadn't viewed the vacant place yet, but it did not bother the ex-convict. For the last several years, he spent each forced heartbeat incarcerated at the crowded Denver State Penitentiary. The chance to transform into an ethical, working man delivered inner-comfort in his recently received freedom.

With his head held rightfully high, he stepped across the dusty lobby to the desk clerk, and politely waited for her to notice him. Glancing up at the unshaven face and unkempt hair sent a startling shock throughout her aged spine. The appearance provided his radiating aura with a sinister image. After assisting him with paperwork and other essential protocol, she handed over a slightly tarnished, brass key. With an honest smile that could defeat capitalism, he wished her merry Christmas and went to his new apartment.

The previous tenets left his apartment in complete distress. Kenneth expected the typicality of city slumlords to rent out unclean areas. Looking around, he saw heaps of junk on the stained carpet and limited counter space. Blackish-green scum on the glass windows blocked about half of the sun's natural light. To add to it all, a strange odor filled every inch of the small apartment. None of this, however, irked his simple happiness to have a home. He even suppressed flammable anger over the unflushed toilet with feces and toilet paper.

Kenneth released a comfortable sigh of successful relief as he sat on the abandoned couch. An effective tactic against the faint dust devil began forming in thought. Forgetting how it felt to have a home, he didn't know where to commence thourough cleaning. The condensed battleground could clear easily since his urban domicile consisted of a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom; each room smaller than the next. He still sensed overwhelmed, though, while feeling immensely accomplished.

Perhaps, he thought, some of the junk left contained valuable items for use in his blank start. First, he decided to sort the massive pile near the drafty front door. Shortly after sifting through the disturbed trash's rest, a frightened cockroach, with an egg sac, scurried out into sight. It hid underneath a dinner plate that produced mold spores from uneaten food. He ignored the insect and continued to organize his home.

Later, he snugly wrapped himself in a dingy blanket he found and layed on the sofa to enter serene slumber. All alone, in a thrashed apartment, without a heating source to warm him throughout the wintry night. Another tranquil sigh escaped his chapped, crimson lips. Despite myriad negative factors, he maintained elevated spirits. Peacefully closing his weary eyes, excitement increased about the second day of his new life.

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