Forced to steal

The cars were jostling against each other as if trying to own the road for it was midnight -- the only time when the roads of Manila are not clogged of vehicles. Beep! A red filthy car horned at us because we crossed the unrecognizable difference of the sidewalk and the thoroughfare. Who would? With all the cars parked at the supposed pathway of walking people and the vendors who owned the remains of the road -- it's impossible not to march along with the automobiles. Powerless to complain, we just left "his" road and penetrated the skimpy footpath.

Meanwhile, my friend started to divulged ludicrous stories about the party whilst walking -- trying to be nice and appreciative, I did laughed. It somehow made me forget the mishaps of the previous occurrences.

Everything was fine as we are nearing towards our target place when a girl that's probably the same age as mine approached me for some money. I swayed my head -- telling her no. Persistent as she was, her voice started to grew louder saying "Palimos Kuya!! Palimos!" 

My friend started to give me alarming stares and decided to accelerate our stroll. However, I didn't feel any adrenaline rush within me -- maybe because I do have a good faith in humanity. Nonetheless, this belief started to be shook off as three youngsters approached us at the back. One of them placed his hands at the strap of my bag pulling it against me and another one trying to put his hands inside it. It was crazy. I'm not really feeling any danger at all but because of my friend who became so vocal against them stealing -- I felt the need to be. 

Imagine it. The lamp posts-- thank goodness are all well lit and there are so many cars along the road. Some people were also along the vicinity yet none of this stopped them from attempting to rob us. They continued pulling the strap but with all my might -- grabbed it successfully and placed it near my chest -- hugging it. Then, something made me more petrified. A group of young guys that seems to be their friends are on our right side -- carefully staring at their prey probably planning their next move. 

This made me sense the need to run and did it as they become more aggressive. We managed to leave them but I'm not really sure that we're that fast or they just gave up running. Whatever's the reason, I'm thankful that we're safe.

To be honest, the bag is just full of clothes and some inexpensive stuffs but the thought of getting robbed is something that I don't want to experience. 

Despite managing to avoid a tragedy, I still felt troubled for it made me realize how awful our society is -- making young people steal. It's a great slap towards the government and even us ordinary citizens that compels us to do something to change the situation.

The thought of danger lurking along the streets of our country is alarming. Even so, the thought of our youth doing untamed acts because of poverty is a way more terrifying.