It had been an interesting week. There was the usual hustle and bustle of mob life, but thrown into the mix were increasing occurrences of weeping in public. At first Curtis paid no attention, after all, the country was trying to recover from an unprecedented financial crash and the harsh realities of poverty were causing most people considerable hardship. After a few days though, the frequency of these incidents penetrated the register of normality and gave him pause for thought. He stopped the next time he heard a young mobster whining on a corner and listened. He was amazed.

It turns out, this one red-faced youngster was breathing a lot about people being killed for nothing. It was pointed out to them by several venerable mobsters, with blow-by-blow simplicity, that all the incidents mentioned were all entirely expected results given the behavior displayed. This did not seem to satisfy the youngster. Being full of blood and driven by emotion at this stage, the argument itself had become the drug. Oblivious to all rational input, the youth descended into increasingly desperate lunges at making a point. Falling short with greater embarrassment each time. Curtis shook his head and moved on.

Then he saw another, balling their little eyes out on the sidewalk. Curtis stopped to listen but this one was even less coherent than the last. They ended their brief outburst with the suggestion of more information which was not forthcoming. When the honorable Rick_Dalton asked for further explanation, the pitiful pubescent up and shot themselves clear through the head. Unbelievable. Curtis said his hellos to his dear friend Rick and wandered through the streets shaking is head at the madness. Finally he decided to try and addressed the matter to a crowd gathered in a local square.

"What's with all the pathetic bleating?

It seems to be all the rage with the kids right now. For as long as this thing of ours has been here, we have seen children of fallen mobsters come into the streets and all too often, embarrass the family name their parent worked hard to build. A certain amount of this is to be accepted as losing a loved one is a bitter pill for even the most ruthless heart. However some of the tantrums being broadcast out here recently are little short of ridiculous. I'm all for self expression in the youth but I have to say, killing yourself under the most basic cross examination is going a bit far."

Few mumurs and hurumphs. 

"Really. If you little cretins insist on making such a pathetic exhibition of yourselves, then you will have to accept having grown-ups laugh at you. Really, the way you are carrying on is laughable. It's the behavior of wailing fucking babies, not mobsters. Your arguments are without merit and your threats are even worse.

'We'll hitlist the whole lot of you and see how you like that!'

"Fine, have at it. Demonstrate even further to the world how you are a spoiled over-privileged infant that, in the middle of a world full of hardship and those in need, will ignore all the starving people around you and throw hundreds of millions up the wall on impotent hits that no one cares enough about to buy off. Well played, that really showed us. While those around you starve. You selfish little imbeciles."

Curtis takes out a small silver hip flask handed down to him from his great grandfather. Taking a swig he looked around at the crowd.

"Most of this community is populated by hard working people just trying to make a crust. Mobsters on an honest hustle, looking to put in the hours for a family that will reward them. You know, adults. These are the life blood of what we do. You worthless little gripe-chandlers are the opposite of all of this community was built on. 

I'd normally say something about damaging your futures and the futures of your kids but you clearly don't care. And if you don't, why should we? If you insist on behaving like clowns, don't complain when you get nothing more than laughed at."

Taking another swig from his flask, he slowly screwed the top back on while examining the faces in the crowd. Making notes of who's face said what.

Interesting indeed

When was the last time you were not in position of power including being a hand?  Otherwise, you lack the ability ro relate. So real easy for you to come out here and toot your horn. You are the red faced youngster who has to have your way from the start or you will not play with anyone. 

Hah finally stops giggling after the most recent bleating into the wind, this done by a crew leader no less, ceases to tickle his eardrums.

"Your anger sounds like it might come from the most recent hit that you so vehemently say means nothing to you. At least if not then why are you so red in the face? For someone who speaks as if they hold the key to success, you sure sound exhasberated by just how unsuccessful you seem to be with the masses.

In other manners of speaking, why you mad?"

Quite frankly I agree - they seem to drone on and on about being poor little mobsters far too much

Why can't they be vocal in the streets without upsetting anyone - ideally, the exact same as nearly everybody else. Yes, that would do it, then we could all co-exist in a happy silence.

Great idea champ.

Also - Curtis - I do hope the irony of writing a note in the streets complaining about people writing notes complaining in the streets is not entirely lost on you

Very meta

Bravo once more champ.

Johnny is walking down the street with his hands in his pockets when he overhears some people speaking. He decides to join in the conversation.

"It's this new generation you know, they're soft. Babied. I get it some people die. When I was coming up that was just the way of life guys I knew closely died but you got over those deaths. People come and go. Not like today some people get in their feelings over their fathers dying. Let me tell you something listen I loved my father. But he was a pussy and trusted a Stokes that led to his death. If I die whenever that day comes I'll accept it I won't bitch about it. In fact I welcome death."

Fucking hell Johnny, that's dark

I think maybe you should see someone.