Victor Davis is a man whom I’ve known for several years now. Victor is one of several men who has decided to take up residency in one of the alleys in Chicago’s Loop area. Like many homeless people, Victor has access to a place indoors where he could stay, but has decided to live a more unrestricted lifestyle by living outside. In this way, Victor is free to do as he pleases, without all the responsibilities that come along with indoor living.
Finding food in Chicago’s Loop is hardly ever a problem for homeless people. You don’t really have to eat out of dumpsters as many church groups and individual people give food to the homeless. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see panhandler signs that read “Please, NO MORE PIZZA!”
Victor has unbelievable stories, but, as Teddy says, “everyone is entitled to their own imagination.” Things generally start out believable, but soon diverge into questionable territory. As Victor straightens out his belongings, he tells me the following story:
“A long time ago, when I was younger, I played bass in a heavy-metal band. One time we played at this heroin dealer’s funeral. They had all kinds of food, and I ate like a king. When I went back on stage to play, I was high as hell – all fucked up. I was wondering what the hell was wrong with me and why I was so fucked up. Turns out, they had ground up the heroin dealer’s bones, and put them in the food.”
Along with drugs and alcohol, mental health issues are in no short supply on the streets. That being said, even people with mental health issues are free to make their own decisions.
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