Salvation 2035

Chapter 56- Reconnection

『Lindy』

     Lately, things have been a little... different for me. Recently, my face was broadcast across the entire country— maybe even the world. Nah, that's a bit of a stretch. I've purposely been avoiding any kind of media reactions to what I said as if experience has taught me anything; the fact that I'm a woman who's pretty cool with her sexuality is going to awaken all sorts of wonderful opinions about the kind of person I am. I don't need that kind of headache in my life. But to those who found my story to be moving— I hope for all the best for them.

     I just told the people my story. Y'know, the circumstances around my birth, my stepfamily, my arrest, Tsuki, and where I am today— all the greatest hits. I just tried to hit on how the system has failed me and many other kids, and that it perpetuates poverty and crime. And you bet I made sure to mention Cromwell by name too. She can't hurt me anymore, and I want to make sure she can't hurt anyone else either. Of course, actually prosecuting her will be a difficult task, but I'll find a way to make it happen. I don't think I'm the type to run a country, but a non-profit organization... Maybe that's where I can shine. I want to make a shelter for runaway kids, victims of abuse, and any others who feel unsafe to have a place where they can be free from that violence. I was lucky in that not many people around me gave a crap that I was a sex worker, nor did I experience too much abuse because of it. But the fact remains that I was a sixteen-year-old kid when I was shoved into that world, and that's unacceptable. When people think 'violence' they usually think of immediate pain that can easily be seen. They don't think of parents sending their kids out into the streets, necessarily, but that sort of thing opens up the door to all sorts of pain that could easily be avoided. I guess that's where I'd like to step in. Having a roof over your head, an accepting environment, and a pathway to education can make such a huge difference in people's lives. The place that we're failing the most is for kids like Tsuki— people that don't present themselves like the way the public thinks they should. Of course, his situation put him directly in the line of danger, but I didn't expect so much vitriol from those who just happened to see him. Was it such a big deal that he was a boy that looked like a girl that it warranted violence? What kind of reprehensible people derive joy from beating up a kid? Every time I think about it, I get so angry. They don't know what it's like to see someone they love slowly forget their dreams because they feel as if they don't matter. They don't know how scared I was to leave him home alone. They don't know what it's like to take out hoodie strings, hide medication, and lock away kitchen knives because of how afraid you are for this child— this child who should be hanging out with his friends, going to school, and following his passions instead of being sold to the highest bidder and beat up by people more than twice his age.

     I suppose it's rather naive of me to think that one shelter can fix a systemic issue. Charity and philanthropy are just band-aid solutions to things like poverty and the lack of education. Well, I guess that's why I've allied myself with Richard. He's really trying to make a difference, and I admire him for that. Speaking of which, he's talking with the Moderators again today. I imagine this will be a recurring thing for him for the next little while. I spoke to them directly earlier— Richard has a knack for sticking around after the formal processes are finished to mingle. I suppose that's the celebrity in him. I'm just waiting outside of the meeting room for him to finish up.

     "I thought I might find you here," a familiar voice that I'm initially unable to place sounds from behind me. I turn around.

     It's him.

     "You're..." I breathe.

     The older man standing before me is my father. Age has worn him down over the eighteen years we've been apart. His hair is mostly grey, and his tall stature is a bit hunched over.