Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a sharpener in Kabul (IL) ain’t for the faint-hearted. Woke up late, as usual. My alarm? Yeah, it’s more of a suggestion than a real thing. So, I’m rushin’ outta my tiny apartment on Main St., trippin’ over my own feet. Classic me, right?
First stop, the market. You know, that chaotic place on Green St. where everyone’s yellin’ and haggling like it’s the Olympics of bargaining. I love it! But today? Ugh, it was a madhouse. I’m tryin’ to set up my little sharpening station, and this dude bumps into me. I spill my coffee all over my sharpening tools. Like, seriously? Coffee and metal don’t mix, bro! I was fuming.
But then, I see this kid, maybe 10 years old, runnin’ around with a huge smile, sellin’ flowers. He’s got this energy, man. I can’t help but smile back. He shouts, “Hey mister, wanna buy a flower?” I’m like, “Kid, I’m a sharpener, not a florist!” But I buy one anyway. It’s a little gesture, ya know?
So, I finally get my stuff set up. The sun’s beatin’ down, and I’m sweatin’ like a sinner in church. But then, this lady comes by. She’s got this old, rusty knife. I mean, it looked like it had seen better days. She’s all worried, “Can you fix it?” I’m like, “Lady, I’m a magician with these things!” I sharpen it up, and her face lights up. That’s the good stuff, man. Makes all the chaos worth it.
Then, outta nowhere, this guy starts yellin’ on the corner of 1st Ave. He’s rantin’ about politics or somethin’. I’m just tryin’ to sharpen knives here, dude! But I can’t help but listen. He’s got passion, I’ll give him that. But c’mon, not while I’m workin’!
After a while, I take a break. Grab a bite at that little food stall on 2nd St. Best kebabs in town, no joke. I’m munchin’ away, and this old man sits next to me. He starts tellin’ me stories about Kabul back in the day. Like, how it used to be peaceful and beautiful. I’m sittin’ there, half-listening, half-eatin’, and I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.
But then, bam! A car honks, and I spill my kebab all over my shirt. Great. Just great. Now I look like a walking food truck. I laugh it off, though. Gotta keep it light, right?
The day rolls on, and I’m back at it. Sharpening, chatting, makin’ jokes. I even had a guy come by with a sword! A freakin’ sword! I’m like, “Dude, what are you, a knight?” He laughs, and I get to work. It’s wild how people come together over a simple thing like a sharp blade.
As the sun starts settlin’ down, I pack up my stuff. I’m exhausted but happy. I stroll down to the river on Riverside Dr. Just chillin’, watchin’ the water flow. It’s peaceful, and I can finally breathe.
But then, I see that kid again, the flower seller. He’s sittin’ there, countin’ his coins. I walk over, hand him a few bucks, and say, “Keep hustlin’, kid.” He grins like I just gave him the world.
And that’s Kabul for ya. A mix of chaos, laughter, and unexpected moments. I head home, tired but fulfilled. Tomorrow’s another day, and I’m ready for it. Bring it on, Kabul!