Yesterday's Future 2✔️

1. The big city that never sleeps.

2:34pm
20th Street,
Flatbush, NY

"WELCOME back to the Big Apple sir. You're home now."

A black man wearing a newsboy hat, in his late fifties announced gleefully as he parked his red cab beneath the shade of towering trees, in front of a majestic brownstone building. He cut the engine, swiveling around to face his passenger, his eyes sparkling with a distinct New York vigor.

"Thanks Walter," Adam grinned, reaching into his wallet, freshly stocked with cash he'd exchanged at JFK Airport. He handed the bills to Walter, his long-time friend and driver. "Keep the change, please."

Walter's eyes widened with gratitude, yet a hint of protest lingered in his voice. "Oh, Adam, you know you don't always have to do this. You're a good son. Thank you. Will I be hearing from you soon?"

"I don't know. I hope to pick up my car later today but whatever happens, I'll call you."

"Alright sir." Walter tucked the bundle of cash in the front pocket of his coat.

Adam collected his pouch and the rest of his baggage, stepping out of the cab dressed casually in a white vest and jeans. Before parting ways, he leaned down to talk to Walter through the passenger window.

"Take care out there, my friend, and drive safely. You're not getting any younger, you know. Please send my regards to Louise and your family."

Walter nodded appreciatively, duffing the tip of his hat as a sign of gratitude. Adam straightened up, double tapped the roof of the car in a familiar gesture, and watched as Walter drove off into the bustling streets of New York, leaving Adam on the sidewalk.

Standing between his bags on the foot pavement of his tall brown building, excitement and apprehension coursed through his veins. His eyes wandered around, he observed the people passing by, taking in the sights, sounds and the familiarity of his beloved New York City once again. Twenty four hours ago he was home in Nigeria, but he was back to New York, the big city that never sleeps, where opportunities are limitless. It was his second home, albeit a bittersweet one, a place where he had sought refuge from the expectations and judgments of his family.

Thoughts raced through his mind as he surveyed the residential and suburban-ish neighborhood. The spotless silence and the way people went about their own business always fascinated him. It was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of his hometown in Nigeria. He cherished the allure of this lifestyle, the freedom he found here, but it had also brought him moments of regret and longing for what he had left behind.

A small red convertible hummed past him, catching his attention. He turned around to see the driver, a middle-aged slender blonde wearing dark shades. A warm smile crossed her face as she waved at him. It was Ms. Chappy, Adam's hot and single milf from the next block, who he knew harbored a secret crush on him. Returning her wave, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. As much as he loved being with his family, this peaceful neighborhood was a far cry from the crowded streets and constant noise of his hometown. The thought alone lightened his heart.

It was almost impossible to not compare the glaring differences between his two worlds. Back at home, there were no attractive milfs driving convertibles and waving at him. Instead, there were hawking children who could swipe your belongings in an instant, reckless okada men who don't  speak English but will hit you with their motorbike, or drunk trunk drivers who lose his brakes in the middle of a very bad road. And then there were the corrupt policemen who would harass innocent youths without reason. On an unlucky day, being a jobless youth could land you behind bars for no fault of your own.