We entered the deep basement of a neglected building in Rijeka. Grey, just grey. Battered walls, dampness, stench, garbage everywhere, scratched dirty clothes... However, the mission was ahead of us. We knew what we had to do and who to find, so we ignored the distractions, even though we could have. We could have been like the majority, who are warm and comfortable, like those who are full and have a solid roof over their heads. There were about fifteen of us. We were not afraid, we were brave and supported each other until the very end. We were guided by only one thought - to find the "King of the Underworld".
A tunnel opened around the corner. It was long, and on both sides there were empty spaces. They were apparently warehouses in the past. Those were the times when life was different, when the world was not so corrupt, when the work and efforts of the old masters who worked there were appreciated. Back then, people went to work on foot, for kilometers, in old, worn-out shoes. Today it is no longer like that. Times have changed, and warehouses have remained empty.
We turned on the lights. We walked cautiously, talked quietly and admired the empty spaces, silence and darkness. A little further, around the corner, there was an improvised toilet, but not a real one - but the one "get on with it, mate". There was a bunny lying in the corner. Alone and sad, he was no longer in the arms of his friend-child. The scene was sad, the atmosphere gloomy, something we will remember forever. Suddenly, we heard rustling and shuffling. Someone was there, behind us. Yes, that was him. We have arrived.
"Friend, here we are, we come in peace. Greeting! Are you okay?" Behind the stacked boards that served as the door, a small voice was heard softly: "It's fine, thank you." Through the small opening between the planks one could see tattered trousers and old bare feet. He sat, afraid and ashamed. He didn't want to come out, not in the light, not in this sad edition. He knew he could do more, but fate wanted it differently for him. We gathered the sandwiches we had for brunch, some sweets and fruit and left them in front of his "door".
"Friend, we leave everything on the floor for you. Be well and in peace. Take care." He quietly thanked us from the darkness, and we left.
On the way back we talked for a long time about everything we saw and experienced. We thought about feelings, helping, love and his story, about which we really know nothing. But that doesn't matter. Until now he may not have had anyone, but from now on he has us. We will be back to give him help and love. This is what our society, which closes its eyes while enjoying abundance, is chronically missing today. It's time to change that and become better.
