The day is almost complete. Julia Guenison finished her daily rounds and collected protection money from the local tenements. The job is becoming more and more easy over the past days. Perhaps the recent bloodshed created a blunt reminder of how frail life can be, and Death will eventually win in the end. 

As she got tired walking, Julia sat on a dusty street bench. She uncoiled her brown hair, letting it droop over her shoulders. She also lit a cigarette and took a few puffs. Eventually, her nerves relaxed and she just watched the busy streets. People pouring in from alleys and street corners. Vendors selling stuff. Some thugs shot a glance at Julia, but she paid no heed. 

"I wonder what the future holds for everybody. Perhaps new great things and ideas can be achieved in the coming months. New legends will stand in the arena of Life. New homes will be built, and new connections as well. Will we have a glorious, thriving metropolis of hustle and bustle? Or just a faded etching of the past? It's thrilling to know, really. Until then, everyone should watch out for their backs...I guess." Julia said, although mostly to herself.

Julia resigned to her thoughts and took more puffs from her cigarette. She continued watching the streets.

~