Normally filled with laughter, shopkeepers’ greetings, and the warmth of families, Pekini Street now carries a quiet heaviness. A recent tragedy involving a young child has left the neighborhood shaken, replacing ease with caution.
The 3-year-old boy remains under close medical care, with doctors and psychologists focusing not just on his recovery, but on the emotional impact for him and his family. Experts stress the importance of restoring a sense of safety—especially for his sibling, who witnessed the event.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about public safety and mental health in Tbilisi. Parents are demanding safer spaces for their children, while advocates push for stronger, more accessible emotional support systems.
Amid the grief, the community has shown remarkable compassion. Flowers, handwritten notes, and messages of solidarity line the street, including a simple sign left by a local shopkeeper: “For the little boy — You are not alone.”
What was once just another busy street is now a reminder of both vulnerability and resilience—how pain can awaken unity, and how healing is as much about compassion as it is about medicine.