It had been a hard life. He remembered coming to the city in his late 20s, full of hope and ambition. The city represented a place of promise; somewhere he could get a job and home, and perhaps start a family. So much had happened since then. He now spent his time aimlessly wandering the streets, collecting cans and scrounging for change which he would save up and spend on liquor; an outlet that allowed him temporary relief from his present condition.  Every time that he would venture into the territory, he would observe the families and couples and look at what might have been.