The Trials and Tribulations of a so-called Trouble Teen

Chapter 55 - Wellington Skid Marks

It's Monday. I've still got a fever which the doctor has diagnosed with one caused by stress, most likely relating to the events of the last few weeks. I'm on another day of bed rest with regular paracetamol, plenty of water and temperature checks. My temperature is getting lower thankfully, only once it reaches normal temperatures am I allowed to go back into the world. The good news is that my dad's at work today because of a last minute meeting meaning that I won't be checked every 3 minutes, though my aunty and grandparents are here today as their new build project was finished last week. Their focus is now on getting those needing housing into the houses and that the council isn't making things difficult for the people needing the most help right now. They've shared some of the process with me and have explained why the changes in the benefits system is making things awful difficult. The council used to directly pay landlords whereas nowadays the money is paid to the claimant and then they have to pay their rent themselves and that has led to some classism because some wealthy landlords don't trust anyone on benefits to pay. Classic way the world goes round.

It's a rainy day and Maya's continuing her art video from yesterday. I feel gloomy because I can't do anything or get anything done due to bed rest. I want to get up and work on new music, but that's a big no no from everyone. I'm creatively trapped at the moment because of this bastard fever. The only reach to creativity right now is this video and whatever conversation we have.

E: [thinking] Another rainy day, another rainy penny in the jar. Everyone talks about "saving for a rainy day" but when every day has a high chance of being one, it just becomes an untouchable fund you're afraid to touch in case there's an even rainier day that is even more incredibly boring without anything to do.

M: [puts pen down] Evin, it's a metaphor, not a literal thing.

E: [confused] What?!

M: A "rainy day fund" is when you save money for an emergency, such as needing a complete car overhaul or a repair to your house. The "rainy day" part means when your normal income is disrupted or otherwise you wouldn't have that type of cash spare so you save it up to try and relieve yourself of some of the financial stress that might come upon you. Though, some people may save some money for when it is a rainy day to take their children out to somewhere like the cinema or indoors soft play centre.

E: Then why is it when costs come up, I'm leaning more towards medical such as dental here, do they cost that much that they need to have a separate fund "just in case"?

M: [continues drawing and painting] That would be because our NHS isn't funded enough to give everyone free dental care or free eye care these days. You should've seen the cost of a check up when I was in New York. If my family weren't wealthy, or at least financially stable in such a way, I don't think I would've been able to go to as often as you're meant to. There are plenty of Americans who didn't go to dentists for years because of the costs, the same can be said for doctors and surgeries. That's why I'm so grateful to be here rather than out there. The UK has so much to offer in healthcare and protecting its citizens, people never have to worry about medical costs because of what's available here. Waiting lists is another discussion, though.

E: Some places you're waiting up to 6 years for what should be considered vital surgery. The NHS is continuously under the threat of privatisation and I don't like the idea of medical care having a price on it. No one should be having to go into debt to get vital surgery, no one should be having to go into debt for braces. Ireland doesn't have a national health service the way the UK does, and even then the free services are met with waiting lists and all sorts of other complications driving people to go private. Something needs to be done about this before it becomes too late, but the profits the government can make are more important than those who are struggling to afford basic things before considering medical bills. What an unfair world we live in. But are we going to just sit around and do nothing?