Staircase Memorial

1995

-Staircase-

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.

One, two, three....

This stain is never going away. It seems like the blood has soaked into the concrete. I've seen Mrs. Nadiya clean this step at least three times. I think it brings back a very bad memory for her. Every day after school I used to see her sell potatoes, carrots and cucumbers at the market. Now the only time I see her is once a week, sitting on this step. Very sad. Mom always tries to talk to her, but Mrs. Nadiya just doesn't say anything...

It was kind of creepy for me the first few weeks. Having those images flash before my eyes. Some one just laying there, so lifeless. Bunch of questions storming through my mind. Like, what really happened? Was he in trouble? I've never seen Mr. Vitali argue with anyone. He always seemed so kind. Maybe someone tried to rob him. He was a big guy, so maybe he fought back?

...now I don't really feel much when I look at it.