We shall survive

The Life Pass, a short story by @fatijaoui //

We shall survive

The Life Pass was created to ensure that no one would have to skip a meal due to lack of funds. Upon birth, every citizen in the country receives a monthly grocery allowance of $500. This allows families to shop without fear or anxiety and eliminates the stress and dilemma of providing food for themselves.

Alexa never thought she'd live to see the day when she could buy without breaking a sweat. Her dream of becoming an artist was shattered when she became pregnant at 22. She was taken aback and didn't know what to do. Her boyfriend, Beau, reassured her that if she kept the baby and left college, he would take care of her and make her the happiest woman on earth.

Over time, Alexa noticed the resentment in Beau's eyes. Every bill was met with criticism from him about how she could have prevented their daughter from getting sick or how she could do better with basic care. One day, she woke up particularly angry and decided to leave. She vowed never to rely on anyone for her survival again.

Alexa took her daughter Lila and sought refuge at a women's shelter in Newark. She had to leave behind most of her belongings, bringing only three bags with her. She moved into a small studio with Lila and her bags on a Thursday afternoon. The assistance she received was barely enough to support Lila, so she had to rely on food stamps and weekly visits to local churches, mosques, and soup kitchens to make ends meet.

Alexa worked hard to turn her life around, even though it was a constant struggle. She started going by the name Lexie as a symbol of a new beginning and fresh start. Despite his success as a news anchor, Beau never reached out to her after she abruptly left him. Lexie was not only heartbroken but also broke, making her daily life more difficult. In an attempt to escape poverty, she updated her resume and applied for any job she was qualified for with determination. Lexie focused on improving her financial situation and she tried her best to lead a life free from screens and technology, in an effort to avoid any reminders of Beau.

The university she dropped out of offered her a spot in a single mother program to complete her degree. After seeking funding from banks and educational foundations, she accumulated more debt. Lexie believed that working hard would bring her a sense of self-worth, but instead she felt drained and unable to even play with Lila after picking her up from day care. The emptiness within her was taking its toll, and she confided in her community from time to time. However, what weighed on her the most was her status as a single mother. She often wondered how she became such a cliché.

One cold winter day, Lexie walked past a community café on her way to the store. New drawings in the window caught her attention. She was carrying Lila on her hip and was mesmerized by the art. Suddenly, Lila broke free and ran towards a small gathering of people. Someone tapped on Lexie's shoulder and when she turned around, she was submerged in panic as she could not see Lila.

Peter Royo tapped her shoulder again, holding Lila in his arms. "Is she yours?" he asked. "Oh my god, yes," Lexie replied, relieved. "Lila, come to Mama." Peter introduced himself and told her that he was running for Congress and came to the café to listen to the community. As he asked questions, Lexie opened up and shared her life story without realizing it. Usually she feels terrible about oversharing, but this time, Peter seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say.

Years later, after using the Life Pass for a few months, Lexie is still amazed at how the monthly grocery allowance changed her life and made everything easier for herself and Lila. The pass allowed her to stop working so many shifts in the service industry and she eventually landed a job in her field as a creative at an independent media company. For the first time, life feels stable and safe for the duo. Lila is making new close friends as well as Lexie. The mongering fear of survival finally starts to wear off which gives her space and energy to pursue her happiness.

Lexie started teaching drawing lessons at a community center where she used to go for necessities. When she saw a group of journalists outside the center, she assumed it was due to media attention the center often received. She hears a familiar voice but couldn't place it, so she shrugged it off and continued on her way.

Peter Royo, Vice President of the United States of America, spoke to a crowd of microphones: "Beau, let me first emphasize the significance of the Life Pass in our history. This program was born from a conversation I had, right here, in this community, with a single mother several years ago when I was running for Congress. She had a dream but her life was derailed and hindered by men, poverty, debt, our unrealistic and quite delusional American dream. She wished for a life of dignity and safety for herself and her daughter. She said, "Why is life so sacred yet so disposable? I wish we could all be born with the safety to survive, thrive and the permission to be human." I hope this woman knows how she changed the lives of so many. In the upcoming year, the Life Pass will expand to encompass culture as a fundamental right. Beau, have no fear, nothing will be taken from you. Our policy is inclusive and no one will be left behind or forgotten."

AUTHOR : FATIMA MOUDJAOUI

JANUARY 2023

CORRECTED: 01/30/2023