Man, what a day! I woke up in Hoogvliet, and I swear, I thought it was just gonna be another chill day. But nah, life had other plans. First off, I’m a Mourner, right? So, my job is to be there for people when they’re feeling low. But today? Today was a rollercoaster.
So, I’m strolling down the Korte Hoogstraat, just minding my own business, when I bump into this old dude. He’s crying, like full-on sobbing. I’m like, “Yo, what’s up?” Turns out, he lost his cat. A cat! I mean, I get it, pets are family, but c’mon, it’s a cat. But then he shows me a pic, and man, that cat was adorable! I felt for him, ya know? So, I helped him put up some flyers. We hit up the local shops on the Hoofdweg. I even got a free coffee from the barista at ‘t Koffiehuis. Sweet deal, right?
But then, outta nowhere, I get a call. It’s my buddy, Jeroen. He’s like, “Dude, you won’t believe this!” I’m thinking, “What now?” He tells me his grandma just passed. Like, seriously? I just helped a dude with his cat, and now this? I’m torn between feeling sad and just plain angry. Why’s life gotta throw curveballs like this?
So, I rush over to his place on de Laan van de Vrede. It’s a small house, but it’s cozy. I walk in, and the vibe is heavy. Everyone’s crying, and I’m just standing there like a deer in headlights. I mean, what do you even say? “Hey, sorry for your loss”? Ugh, so cliché. But I try to lighten the mood. I tell a joke about how his grandma used to make the worst pancakes. Everyone chuckles, and for a second, it feels okay. But then, bam! Reality hits again.
After that, I needed air. I hit up the park near the Hoogvliet shopping center. Just me and my thoughts. I’m sitting on a bench, and I see kids playing, families laughing. It’s like, how can they be so happy when the world’s falling apart? I mean, I get it, life goes on, but damn, it’s hard to watch sometimes.
Then, I see this street performer on de Korte Hoogstraat again. He’s playing the accordion, and honestly, he’s not half bad. I throw him a couple of euros, and he gives me a nod. It’s a small moment, but it makes me smile. I think about how music can heal, even just a little.
But then, I get a text from my sister. She’s like, “Hey, can you pick up some groceries?” I’m like, “Seriously? Right now?” But I can’t say no. So, I head to the Albert Heijn on de Laan van de Vrede. I’m in the store, and it’s packed. I’m dodging carts like I’m in some kind of grocery obstacle course. I grab some bread, milk, and whatever else I can find.
Finally, I get to the checkout, and the cashier is this super grumpy guy. He’s scanning my stuff like he’s doing me a favor. I’m like, “Dude, it’s your job!” But whatever, I just pay and get outta there.
By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. I flop on my couch, and I just think about the day. It was a mess, but it was real. I mean, life in Hoogvliet is like that, right? One minute you’re helping a guy find his cat, and the next, you’re comforting a friend over his grandma. It’s all part of the gig.
So yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, laughter and tears. Just another day in Hoogvliet, I guess.