It was an early Sunday morning, poorly lit and the sky was a colour like that of ash. This was very unusual for New York City, even though I lived on the outskirts. I remember this day like it was yesterday, this was the day my life completely changed. I live in downtown New York. The streets smelt of rotten garbage due to the horrendous amount of trash lying about. People were unkempt and in poverty. The streets would be surrounded with gangs, tramps and loan sharks, preying on their next victims. But despite all that, it wasn’t that bad a place to live in. Just don’t bring any attention to yourself if you don’t want any trouble. I’m just a small town girl at heart. I was born, bred and brought up in New York City. I’m twenty two; I’m not that old yet. I’m living on my own, whilst I study at college to be a nurse. For money I work at sunshine café, which is located in the centre of the city. This is quite a way from my house it’s like a thirty minute walk, which is about three miles. It’s like climbing up and down a mountain every day, with twists and turns in every direction. I remember this specific day whilst walking home from work. It was early, street lights were still on, but very dim. The moon was still awake in the sky however it was being bullied out by the sunlight awakening. The cold air aggressively attacked my face as I moseyed up the pathway. My hands were tucked tight into my coat pockets, trying to avoid the cold. I turned off the pathway onto my driveway leading up to my house. Watching my shiny shoes glisten as I took further steps up to my front door. Looking up to my front door standing still, stunned like I couldn’t move a muscle in my body. My red wood front door was completely smashed off its hinges and kicked in. I immediately phoned the police from my mobile. After I stood still like my feet were glued to the floor. My jaw dropped to its lowest, who done this? I was like this for about a minute until my attention was brought up by a sudden noise. The noise came from upstairs which was just to the left passed the shattered door. Tempted I entered my house. Full of apprehension, but despite this I nervously took a step to enter the house. I was in despair everything was trashed, it looked like a two ton demolition ball had gone through my house. Turned to the left where my staircase was, then began to take steps up the stairs. Tip toeing but even this sounded like it was easily audible. My heavy breathing was like a bear growling aggressively. Slowly and carefully I carried on taking more steps. Each step was with precaution trying not to make any sudden sounds. After fifteen cautious steps I eventually reached the top of the staircase, every door was closed but one. You could see the shining from my bedroom, filling the landing with light. The light was enticing me to enter the room. Still tip toeing I made my way towards the bedroom door. My legs were dragging behind as if they didn’t want to go any further. My breathing rapidly increased every time I took a step closer towards the door and my heart was pounding in my chest. Standing still thirty centimetres away from the door, my body stood straight.
I spoke out,” Hello? I’m coming in, I don’t want any trouble, I’m coming in”. Three, two, one I entered the room. The mirror was smashed, glass was everywhere and draws had been ripped out of the cabinet and thrown against the wall, making the clothes go everywhere. The curtains had been ripped of the pole above the window. If you looked into the corner of the room, you could see a, frightened man huddling in the corner. His head was lowered to his knees like he was ashamed. You could see blood dripping onto the cream carpet from a wound on his hand. He seemed oblivious of me like a snail in its shell. Out of nowhere, he shouts “why?, Why me?”. Not knowing what to say, I waited about ten seconds before responding. I took two steps forward to approach the man; I lowered my tone to speak to the man as he seemed in desperate need. I spoke to him for about five minutes until the police arrived. The man stated that he had not long to live due to him having brain cancer. The reason for him being in my house was to find money for his family as they are in debt. He didn’t want to leave this world knowing his family would struggle. At this point I was feeling a little sympathetic towards the man then suddenly I could hear sirens and screeching of tyres outside, the police had arrived.
After the police left I was all alone. My mind was racing at the thoughts of this poor desperate man. It made me think of how lucky I am to be healthy and to be loved by my mum and dad emotionally in every way. Two months on I’m still cautious about my house, knowing that someone broke in and went into the room where I sleep, it has affected me in a massive way. My sleep Pattern is irregular and I feel on edge all of the time, I wake up with night sweats and my body trembling with fear. I will never forget that day my whole life, but will learn to ignore the effects of it someday. For now it’s ok. By Lucy Norfield