Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a Watchman in Dokuchaievsk is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s barely up, and I’m already feelin’ the weight of the world. I grab my coffee from that little kiosk on Shchorsa Street. You know the one? The barista there, she’s got a smile that could light up the whole city. But today? Nah, she’s all outta my favorite blend. Ugh, typical!
So, I’m chugging this mediocre brew, and I head out to my post. The streets are quiet, like, too quiet. I’m thinkin’, “What’s gonna happen today?” You know, the usual paranoia. I mean, it’s Dokuchaievsk, anything can go down. I’m standing there, just minding my own biz, when I hear this loud crash. I whip around, and it’s some dude on a bike, totally wiped out on the corner of Komsomolskaya. I can’t help but laugh. Like, bro, you good? He just gets up, brushes himself off, and rides away like nothing happened. Classic!
Then, outta nowhere, this old lady comes shuffling by. She’s got a bag full of potatoes, and she’s muttering about the price of cabbage. I’m like, “Lady, it’s not the end of the world!” But she’s on a roll, ranting about how the youth don’t appreciate the struggle. I’m just standing there, nodding along, trying not to crack up. I mean, she’s got a point, but c’mon, it’s just cabbage!
Later, I’m patrolling near the park by the river. It’s a nice spot, but today? It’s packed with kids. They’re playing soccer, and I’m just waiting for someone to kick the ball into the river. Spoiler alert: they did. And the kid who went in after it? Hilarious! He comes out soaked, looking like a drowned rat. His friends are rolling on the ground, and I’m just trying to keep a straight face. I mean, it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it, right?
Then, I get a call on the radio. “Hey, Watchman! We got a situation on Lenin Street.” My heart drops. What now? I sprint over, and it turns out some guy is trying to sell “magic” rocks. Like, seriously? Magic rocks? I’m standing there, trying not to laugh, while this dude is going on about how they can bring you luck. I’m like, “Bro, you need luck to sell rocks?” He didn’t take it well.
By the time I’m done with that nonsense, it’s already evening. I’m exhausted, but I can’t help but feel a bit of joy. I mean, this city, with all its quirks, it’s home. I stroll down to the market on Gagarina Street. The smell of fresh bread hits me, and I’m like, “Yes, please!” I grab a loaf and sit on a bench, just watching the world go by.
People are hustling, chatting, and living their lives. It’s chaotic, but it’s beautiful. I see the old lady again, still ranting about cabbage. I wave, and she gives me a nod. I think we’ve formed a bond over potatoes and bad coffee.
As the sun sets, I head back to my post. I’m tired, but I can’t shake this feeling of happiness. Sure, it was a wild day, full of surprises and a bit of chaos, but that’s Dokuchaievsk for ya. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s full of life. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.