The Need To Steal
Brief Synopsis: Ivan is caught up in the vicious cycle of poverty and crime, but no matter how much he steals, it is never enough.
Running past vendors selling everything from cabbage rolls to clothing that all had the same dull, grey colour typically worn by the peasant class, a boy clutched his bag full of stolen jewelry. Petrified by the guards hard on his heels, he ran as fast as he could, nearly colliding with a large woman carrying a sack of flour.
“Stop! Thief!” Shouted the guards as they ran past the boy hiding amongst some vodka barrels. When the coast was clear, the boy chanced a glance over the barrels.
Taking a sigh of relief, the boy, whose name was Ivan, quickly made his way to his boss’ house, handing a henchman the newly stolen wares.
Flicking open the bag, the boss examined the jewelry before smiling at the nervous boy.
“Hmm, I did say last time that if you brought me something valued more than fifty rubles I would let your mother go. But I’ve had a change of heart.”
“No! Please, please let her go!” Cried Ivan.
“You should know by now Ivan…no amount of money can save a person’s life.” The crackling of laughter echoed through the house, mixed with the faint cries of its prisoners deep inside.
About the Creator
Jesse Leung
A tech savvy philosopher interested in ethics, morals and purpose.
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