After walking the streets for days on end taking care of not so Legit business, he felt as if something just wasn't right. It makes no sense to him at all. He's making money, has a family, and learned how to get the cops to lean in his favor. What could be missing?! What more would any body who walked in the same path he chose want? Everything we all wanted is possible here in the USA.

He decides to take a seat on the curb next to a light poll, no longer caring that his sharp overcoat and freshly pressed slacks will get soiled. He pulls out a cigar from the inside of his jacket and retrieves the matches from his right pants pocket. Sparking his expensive cigar he looks at it and doesn't get that tingle that he used to get when he was first able to get his hand on one. What is Wrong, he keeps thinking to himself.

Leaning his back against the light poll he looks around at his fellow people walking the streets. Looking at peoples actions it looks as if they are just going through the motions. As if it is a chore to come out and get money to do the finer things we love. Where was the fun now?

He looks at his once loved cigar again and shakes his head. Not noticing he speaks aloud to himself.

"What the hell is going on? Looking at all these people here who just don't look happy is starting to get to me. I remember when I first came here about a month ago I had no clue about anything in this world but everything was intriguing. Everything was new and refreshing. After doing personal security for so long before this and being left unemployed after my client committed suicide, there is nothing else in this world that I want to do.

I see Bloodlines who have been here for ages talking about the many changes and the dwindling numbers of newcomers like me, All of which I would have never known without being told. I sit and wonder about the new people who are curious about this life style, and, if they come to the streets or have a conversation with a "mobster," can feel the depression. Hell, it's weird because I find it more refreshing when I'm talking to someone who is considering this life style, then I do when I'm talking to an elder who has the knowledge I need to improve myself as a person in this profession."

He takes a deep puff of his cigar and lets his mouth absorb the taste. Looking at the cigar again his brain starts going.

"I love my family. I love the people I'm around. They have taken me in and have helped me get on my feet. They've given me the knowledge I need and now I am able to help newcomers like me do the same. But in my interactions with some, you can feel the depression. Not that they are in anyway disrespectful, just not as "welcoming" for lack of better words.

Have some people started the process of giving up? Maybe its the appearance from the outside looking in that is turning people away from joining us. Why wont people just enjoy the numbers we have now and make their day to day life more enjoyable? I know when I look at someone who is enjoying themselves I have the urge to join them. Lack of numbers should have nothing to do with the lack of quality. We still have amazing people around (from whatI know). Maybe there is something I'm just not seeing."

Thinking about everything he just said he notices he is looking exactly like what he just described. A depressing figure just "there". He stands up and looks at his cigar once again. Now with a little grin he takes a puff while adjusting himself and his clothes that he has worked hard for. Ashamed that he let himself get to the point of not caring, he thinks about his daughter and how he would hate for her new family to see him in that kind of state. Determined to do his part he smiles, thinking to himself he shall enjoy himself one way or another.

Sneaker hears a man speaking aloud and nods in agreement. She is also fairly new to this thing of ours and there seems to be an elite group of what she calls "Entitileists" that would rather bash a newcomer than give them a helping hand. Who would rather live in the past than progress towards a proserous future. She approaches the man.

I know all to well of what you speak. It is refreshing to see someone such as you speak their mind. Good day to you Sir.

Thank you, I was just thinking aloud but i'm glad to know i'm not the only one seeing this.

Sadly this is how things have come to be... I remember when I first came here... Nothing but excitement and curiosity... I like to think I havent lost that spark, but whos to really say? The sad fact is that the old-timers feel like things are in a decline, and whos to say if there right? All I know is its refreshing to see people like you and Sneaker, people who arnt ran down and tired. We need more people like you guys to get the old timers out of there rutt.

You are quite welcome sir.

Sneaker walks on down the sidewalk feeling not quite so alone anymore.