A Giant's Dream

Reno felt the cold, brisk, wind, smacked his face and briefly closed his lids. Embracing the dull pain emanating from his left cheek, he pushed the slight discomfort aside. Avoiding dentist’s at all cost, it's been quite a few years since his last visit. Wondrous pain in all its manifestation has been a close friend to Reno; not to mention a consistent reminder of being alive. Glancing briefly at his watch, Reno quickened his long strides with only ten minutes remaining before starting his nightly rounds. Wednesdays were pivotal days as the local garbage bins were full with all sorts of treasures. Having to think outside the box to financially sustain himself; dumpster diving provided an avenue for his immediate needs. Glancing briefly at his watch, five hours remained before pick up. Early birds do catch worms in this business, as Reno’s competitors range from the homeless to city trucks. Diagnosed with gigantism, growth considered abnormal in children; Reno preferred to travel before dawn. Standing at an impressive yet intimidating 9ft, he never got used to the constant staring he received from others.

Originating from Russia, Reno was raised by his mother Agatha. Quite boastful of their ancestry, she would consistently tell anyone who would listen of claims to an aristocratic bloodline. However, details of Reno’s father were quite ambiguous and unverifiable. Passing away when Reno was three years old, many questions were left to Reno’s imagination. Consumed by the desire for status and recognition, Agatha spent a plethora of money to impress friends and colleagues. Inheriting a small fortune from her father, while deeming herself an “investor” the bucks kept coming in. The exquisite apartment in Manhattan was furnished with care, and felt more like a museum than a home. Agatha’s cackling laughter still echoed in Reno’s ears, often disturbing his sleep. Even as a child sleep did not come easy for Reno, as his feet would often dangle past the bed frame. A sort of socialite, Agatha’s nightly meetings seemed endless. A convention for the pompous, these gatherings were dreaded by Reno; as no pillow could muffle the sound of entitlement and pride.

Reno’s growth would not reach its apex becoming a concern for Agatha. A sight for sore eyes and oddity among his peers; he spent most of his teenage years awkwardly stumbling around. To be 7 feet at 16 at your local high school brought about a new perspective to the meaning of popularity. Often wishing for the gift of invisibility, Reno’s prayers did not come to fruition. Standing out like the Eiffel Tower among the sea of children was unavoidable. Agatha inadvertently fostered her son’s desire for isolation. Deciding to explore home schooling as an option, her motives did differ from Reno. Despite Agatha’s love for attention, Reno’s extreme growth spurt was a reality she preferred to hide. Followed by the numerous visits to the doctor, Agatha hoped for a miracle pill. Her desire to stunt his growth was borderline obsessive, as Reno did not fit into this quaint and ideal life Agatha envisioned. The broken bed frames which needed almost monthly replacements not to mention clothes and food. Oh yes food! Reno loved to eat and developed quite a taste for chicken wings as a child. Reprimanding Reno constantly for the bones found underneath his bed, closet, sometimes in his shoes, would turn Agatha into quite a nag. Reno would order at least 50 to 70 wings, a mild and spicy blend from a local Chinese restaurant. One of his favorite past times, he would consume every piece of meat from each wing. It did not end there, as cracking the bone delicately while slurping the marrow was part of this ritualistic practice. Whether it was a full belly or laziness, Reno would occasionally toss bones aside carelessly intending to pick them up later. However, that did not always happen, as Agatha’s disapproving tone seemed to follow every hidden bone. Outgrowing his environment in more ways than one; at 18 years of age Reno bid Agatha farewell. Grabbing a few necessities, and a little black notebook from his father. Reno left the burdens of his mundane reality behind hoping to find a place to fit in.

Finding housing for a modern day giant was not an easy task, as the overall process did accompany frustrations of all kinds. When entering hallways or doorways being careful did not suffice. Overtime, Reno found himself desensitized to the pain as he no longer kept track of random bumps and bruises found on his body. The doorways were never tall enough nor the shower heads. A full shower was a dream and he often felt envious of this simple act many people took for granted. Reno felt like every task was challenged in some way by his height. For example, getting a job proved to be an obstacle whether it was construction, retail, even customer service. Fear and awe radiating from the eyes of recruiters solidified callbacks that never came. Taking residence at an abandoned train lot, and learning the art of dumpster diving by observing a homeless man, Reno did find a bit of stability. Despite the discomfort brought on by his new life, he had no desire to go back to his mother’s house. Agatha did offer to assist him financially. However, Reno knew her constant interference and disapproval was a cord of influence he was determined to break. Finding the train lot was a blessing and did seem ideal for a modern day giant. Choosing the train at the end of the lot, made sense as it was well hidden by an overpass. After a few modifications especially to the entrance; Reno wanted to minimize any chance for future bumps on his head. Finding all sorts of tools, parts, furniture, art, jewelry during his escapades around the city; Reno was able to create a temporary environment of comfort. Still preferring motels for his cleansing needs, the train lot provided a place for him to call his own. Using the time there to reflect and plan his next move; the black notebook from his father served him well. A sort of gateway to his past, the first page contained indecipherable writings, which Reno struggled to read. Time caused the ink to fade hence, one line remained legible. It appeared to be an address, and after using a magnifying glass Reno wrote down 148 Hicks St, Brooklyn, NY 11201. This was strange as Reno was not aware of any known relatives from Brooklyn. He mentioned the location to his mother, who became quite agitated. Agatha stated she had no idea, and did not care to take a trip to Brooklyn to find out. Going on a brief rampage about Reno’s father's constant travels, not to mention mysterious whereabouts. Agatha exclaimed; leave it alone! ending Reno’s persistent enquiries. The mystery surrounding this address would fuel Reno’s imagination, creating an ethereal connection to his father. Within the comfort of the train, possible scenarios created were endless. Like a never ending movie, Reno’s mind wandered continuously. Deciding to take a trip to Brooklyn, Reno wanted to appease this insatiable curiosity threatening to consume him.

Reno approached a tall ominous building on the corner of Hicks St in Brooklyn. Searching to locate the number, his suspicions were confirmed by three small blocks stained 148. Deciding to remain within shadows, Reno observed a dimmed light coming from the first floor. No other sign of life could be confirmed as it was dark. Whether it was fear or anxiety, it made perfect sense to wait awhile before approaching. This allowed Reno time to notice the magnificent entrance door which was quite unique in appearance. Extremely tall when compared to neighboring buildings, Reno was quite sure it was suitable for a giant. Strange octagonal steps led up to the door matching perfectly with all the windows. Reluctant to approach, yet finding the strength to push forward; Reno pressed the red button which released a loud buzzing sound. Heavy footsteps slowly made their way towards the door. Reno felt the presence of an unseen eye observing him through the peephole; it appeared he was under a telepathic scanner of some sort. Hearing the unlocking of two bolts, an older man in his sixties emerged from the hallway. Having bright red hair streaked with strands of gray, his height caught Reno by surprise. Reno estimated about three inches stood between them. Despite this subtle difference; coming across another human being close to his height never happened. I knew you would show up one day uttered the man, not at all surprised or intimated. Come in! Get out of the cold. Reno came into a tall hallway which led into a large decorative living room. Have a seat! My name is Rob and let me guess. Your little Reno right? Reno nodded and responded; how do you know my name? As Reno sat down on the copper tone sturdy couch, Rob provided a quick and to the point update. Reno’s father was Rob’s older brother. As it turns out, Rob was left to watch and take care of this building until Reno was of age. Attempting to reach out to Agatha over the years, her disinterest was quite apparent, illustrated clearly by the lack of calls returned. Agatha felt no good would come from anyone connected to Reno’s father. Rob held on to the deed, knowing it was only a matter of time. In addition, Rob brought out a cane belonging to Reno’s father. It was a wondrous creation, as an impressive dragon braced the handle. Two giant rubies made up piercing eyes of this winged serpent denoting wisdom and foresight. It's worth about $ 20 grand if you want to sell it, Rob explained. Apparently Reno’s father has bone issues and utilized the cane quite often. Rob brought the deed to Reno, as he chattered about future travel plans to Russia. Do you need my id, Reno asked? Rob laughed profusely and exclaimed. You look just like your father! But I will take a copy of it for safekeeping! Ok I got to run little nephew, take a look around. There is an extra key under the mat.

Left alone to explore, Reno headed towards the bathroom as he maneuvered around effortlessly. The ceiling did not brush his head, a rare occurrence to say the least. All the doors within Rob's unit exceeded his height including the bathroom. The bathroom was quite spacious providing the perfect distance between the sink, toilet and tub. The aquamarine blue paint was quite soothing to Reno, who felt a strange sense of comfort. Pulling aside the gold toned shower curtain, Reno’s eyes went straight for the shower head. Lo and behold! The shower head surpassed his height by at least six inches. A slow smile emerged from Reno’s face, followed by an unidentified feeling of peace. This giant will finally take a full body shower!