Tiny Heaven

by Patrick Wood

The scoreboard would have shown two to zero if the league could afford one. Hakan had just scored a magnificent goal, which was applauded with a meek ripple of clapping from tiny home support which did not cover one man's "Yeah!"

It was pathetic. Here Hakan was, a professional soccer player, putting the game beyond doubt with the Armenian goal of the season, and it was as if no one had seen it. "That's Armenia for you," thought Hakan after his celebration, which was simply one pump of his fist. "They only care about international matches."

Hakan was a real talent, probably the best Armenian not to make the national team. Although Hakan knew making the squad was his only way to become famous, he had no desire to play for Armenia. He had seen the team come back from games. The players were always tired, usually humiliated and occasionally injured.

No, that was no life for Hakan. He loved staying in his area with the locals knowing everything about everyone in the small town, ordering "The usual", and talking to bakers for hours. To him it was like living in his own tiny heaven, and he would not trade it for fame or money.

Being that way, Hakan changed quickly then headed off to the bakery with a smile, remembering everything the baker had told him. Hakan knew the baker's favorite clothes, he knew of the baker's abnormally large toe, and could recite all of the medicines the baker had taken for the last three years.

"Today Murat is 41 years and 16 days old," thought Hakan as he opened the door.

Murat the baker whirled around. "Hakan!" he said, very excited. "I made a few too many Turkish biscuits, would you like a free one?"

Hakan's eyes lit up. He had always loved Turkish biscuits, and easily could have eaten two, but being who he was, he asked, "Would you like to share it with me?"

"Of course!" said Murat as he leapt over the counter and flipped the sign to "closed" in the middle of the day.

Hakan chuckled. That was so like Murat. Murat rushed back to grab a biscuit that could have served as a day's worth of food, and Hakan was almost glad he was sharing when he saw it.

"How did your game go?" asked Murat after delicately placing the biscuit in front of him and then plopping into a chair.

"Great," replied Hakan. "I scored a beauty!"

"Good for you," said Murat, not at all surprised. "You should have made the national squad."

"Yeah, but I'm not complaining."

"Why not? I would."

"Because I like staying with people like you."

"I'd hug you if I didn't have biscuits in my hands."

And so the conversation went on and on until Hakan decided he should leave in order to be in bed on time, or in his case, in futon.

Hakan woke up late the next day, as he had the day off. He loved the game of soccer but also loved having the whole day to himself. He bathed, changed, put on a smile and headed outside and laid on the ground in a quiet spot and thought about how well he was living.

True, Hakan was very happy and surviving. But in truth he was not living entirely well. His meager salary could not earn the best of conditions. Hakan did not need luxury to enjoy himself as he proved by sitting alone with nothing and having a great time in complete peace.

He breathed deep and soon fell into a state similar to meditation. He was awake but amply relaxed. How long he stayed he did not know. Three hours sounded about right. What next? He was single and had no arrangements. He was nice and handsome enough, and enjoyed the company of all, regardless of gender. He just didn't want to get serious. Of all the things Hakan was, cautious was at the top of the list.

He took his time, which is evident considering he's all ready a grown man who hasn't decided what he going to do with himself. Soccer was not enough. His friends and family had happily helped him out but after his soccer career he would have nothing. Unless he found another job he would be totally reliant on others. This would make him a moocher and regardless of how great a guy he his, being a moocher would never be a good thing.

Hakan knew this. As important as it is, Hakan kept this in way back of his mind. He didn't want anything affecting mood for the worse.

While still sitting on the ground Hakan thought about assisting Murat at the bakery, but remembered that unfortunately Murat could not afford another employee even at low wages. Hakan lifted off the ground with a sigh. "I suppose I'll go check on Murat anyway" thought Hakan "He always has something to talk about".

With that Hakan took off. The long walk did nothing to tire the strong legs of Hakan's highly athletic body.

He arrived at Murat's door and with one knock managed to summon the baker. Murat opened the door, his face looked ill, but his expression did not take more than a moment to brighten. "Hakan, come in. I was just about to head out to find you."

"Oh, really?" asked Hakan "Why?"

"You'd best sit down, friend. I have a big offer for you."

Hakan took the advice. "You've no doubt heard of the terrible killings and wars that are occurring in the world," said Murat.

Hakan nodded. "Well, I think we should escape. Just live in the middle of nowhere and live in peace and simplicity. Heck, we could play keep ups for hours on end. Whatever you desire can become reality." continued Murat.

"I like the people here." Hakan pointed out.

"The people here are fools. They will all be victims or causes of senseless brutality."

There was a pause "What about money?" asked Hakan

"You don't need money to survive, Hakan. You need nuts and berries." said Murat, pleased with his answer.

"Are you crazy? What about winter? We'd starve!"

"We'll have our own little stand and sell things" said Murat, with a questioning tone.

"Brilliant. What things?"

"Ummm...snow pancakes."

"Food? Why not open up a bakery?" joked Hakan.

"Look Hakan, I just want to cheat death, don't you?"

"I suppose having our own little world would be fun, although financially we might run into problems that would force us to return." said Hakan with minimal enthusiasm.

"That's the spirit!"

Hakan and Murat soon pursued a tinier heaven because with surrounding comes danger. To avoid danger one must avoid surrounding, regardless of who they are.

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