Chapter 18: New reality
“ Guys, hurry up!” Asteria said as she ran into the coworking- room.
“ What happened?” they asked concurrently.
“ The elections of our new government are today. Yesterday the elections were held in Washington D.C., and the Democratic and Republican parties were restored. The Democrats won. Today at 6 pm are the elections for our state overall, and for the county is scheduled at 9 am tomorrow.” Asteria said excitedly.
“ That’s great.” Marcus said.
“ Yeah, we won’t be followed constantly anymore. Democracy is back!” Lucas rejoindered triumphantly.
The battle for freedom was finally over. The city is being reconstructed, the citizens are electing a good, thoughtful government for the state. Detroit is gradually getting back to normal life again.
***
Marcus was driving the car to the constituency of the governmental election for Michigan. Although it was already 6 pm, sun wasn’t setting down even a bit , the golden beams were shining as if at noon.
“ Guys. Let’s make a little disclaimer. Gwen and Gillean aren’t eligible to vote because they don’t have any documents at all, Asteria hasn’t come of age yet, cuz she’s only 17. Only Lucas and me are eligible for it. But we should discuss the candidates for the choice to be common, not subjective, either Lucas’s or mine.” Marcus offered.
“ Yes. It’s a reasonable decision. Who knows something about the candidates?” Gillean said.
“ The first candidate is a woman Linda Parker. Her policy lies in environmental sustainability, e.g. implementing aggressive policies to combat the environmental troubles, especially after the riots all over the US and explosions everywhere. She claims to push for statewide universal healthcare coverage, ensuring that every Michigan resident has access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Her plans are also to foster economic innovation and to restore the desolate state that we currently have , and there was something about education too. The second candidate is Dr. Hassan Ali . His policy is pretty similar, with the economic equity to create policies to address economic inequality and provide economic opportunities for marginalized communities through targeted investments and small business grants. He proclaimed to introduce reforms to reduce healthcare costs . He is planning to modernize the infrastructure , and again, higher education access. And the last candidate is Jessica Thompson. Her policy is to implement comprehensive criminal justice reform, including ending mass incarceration, promoting rehabilitation , and adding systematic racism within the legal system. She introduces universal pre-K programs across the state to ensure all children have access to early childhood education . She promises to expand affordable housing initiatives, increase funding for public housing, and provide incentives for the development of low-income housing projects. She offers to strengthen labor laws to protect workers’ rights , increase the minimum age, and ensure fair working conditions for all Michigan residents. In addition, all of them claim to abolish the previous security system with the CCTVs on every registered property and they will change the document registration requirements. “ Lucas explained to his fellows.
“ Oh, all right. It’s pretty extensive.” Gwen said pensively.
“ Yeah. How long is it to the constituency?” Asteria asked.
“ 30 minutes, give or take.” Marcus responded.
“ Their policies are pretty similar, but quite like the last woman’s policy. What’s her name again?” Gillean said.
“ Jessica Thompson. Yeah. Totally agree with you.” Marcus said.
“ I liked her too.” Lucas , Gwen and Asteria said.
“ It was way easier to agree on this subject than I’d thought.” Marcus said with solace in his voice.
Gwen laid her head on Gillean’s shoulder and closed her eyes. The ambience around was a total consolation. “ Wake up, we’re already at the destination .” Gillean said gently as he patted her head.
***
“ Dear Detroit citizens! Today is a fateful day for our state, Michigan , as we haven’t had elections for many years. Choose the candidate wisely for our own sake. Nobody wants to repeat our past mistakes and come back to the old, totalitarian reality.” the election’s official announced. The voters and other people present at the procedure gave loud applauses and the election had begun. Asteria , Gwen and Gillean were just watching how Marcus and Lucas cast their vote.
“ We’re finished. Now we can go home.” Marcus and Lucas said.
“ How long is it till we know who is the state governor? “ Asteria asked.
“ We’ll know the day after tomorrow.” Marcus answered.
“ Great.” Asteria said.
***
“ Let’s maybe celebrate our victory?” Gwen suggested.
“ It’s a cool idea, but how?” Gillean questioned.
“ We can go to a night club.” Asteria offered.
“ I’m to old for such entertainments.” Lucas replied sadly.
“ No, you aren’t. You can have fun at any age. When was the last time you danced?” Asteria asked.
“ Probably 5 years ago. “ Lucas said in a perplexed way.
“ Then it’s high time to dance!” Asteria exclaimed.
“ I’m sorry, kiddo, but will the guards let you in? You aren’t 18.” Gillean asked.
“ Fist of all, I’m not a kiddo, and secondly , yes. They will.” Asteria responded with an offended tone in her voice.
“ All right then. So what, guys? Do you want to let your hair down by dancing?” Gillean asked.
“ Yeah.” others said.
***
They were dancing as if it was the last dance in their life . The moves were energetic, yet still swift, the music blasted in their ears. The dancefloor was giving off iridescent lights, making everyone squint as a reaction to the blinding lights. Marcus and Lucas decided to sit down, and were catching their breath and drinking cocktails. Asteria ran up to them and whispered something to them ,they nodded and grinned in reaction. Gillean and Gwen were so engaged in the process that they didn’t notice other guys conspiring about something. Asteria hurried to the DJ and requested a song for a slow dance.
“ Would you like to dance with me?” Gillean kindly offered Gwen.
“ Of course.” Gwen gave her consent.
The glow of lights cast gentle shadows across the dance floor, where a couple sways gracefully to the melancholic melody. The music fills the room with a sense of intimacy as they move in synchronized steps. His hand rests lightly on her waist, guiding her with a steady touch , while her fingers intertwine delicately with his. Their eyes meet in quiet understanding , reflecting the unspoken emotions that the music evokes. Around them, the world fades into the background, leaving only the two figures , lost in the timeless embrace of the slow dance.
“ Their dance is so elegant…” Asteria said in a romantic way.
“ Absolutely. And the couple is beautiful. I hope they’ll be dating someday .” Marcus said.
“ I wish them happiness. “ Lucas said in a soft, friendly manner.
“ It’s like a happy ever after from the childhood cartoons and books that I used to read. I’ve never thought it feels this way.” Asteria said, her eyes filling with the tears of joy.
“ I’ve never thought of it either.” Marcus said skeptically, handing Asteria a handkerchief.
Asteria wiped off the tears from her face and took a sip of her cocktail, looking at the couple’s gracious moves.
“ Do you want to be my girlfriend? “ Gillean asked.
“ Of course, I can’t imagine my life without you anymore.” Gwen said.
“ My darling…” Gillean replied and the music faded away. The slow dance was over. Gillean took Gwen’s hand and they went to the table where their friends were drinking their cocktails and observing how their were enjoying themselves.
“ How are our lovebirds?” Asteria asked playfully.
“ Terrific. We’re a couple.” Gwen answered.
“ We wish you love and happiness, guys.” Marcus and Lucas said.
They were dancing, sipping their cocktails ,and listening to modern electronic dance music together, not letting each other go. “ What time is it?” Gwen asked, rubbing her eyes with sleepiness .
“ 5 am. We could go outside and wait for the dawn. “ Gillean suggested.
“ I’m already exhausted. Maybe we could watch the dusk instead?” Gwen asked, her voice low with exhaustion .
“ Yeah.” Gillean agreed.
***
The team went home, sluggish, but euphoric due to the feeling of eventually gained victory. Seeing the city being revived and people ruled by normal politicians caring about others was like a sight for sore eyes, ensuring them that every single effort pays off sooner or later. Gillean realized that wouldn’t have done it alone, without his friends. It’s arduous to do alone, with no one by your side and their sincere support. He was the luckiest person in the world to have met these people to ease the obstacles on his way. Life is merciful to him in this regard. Now he’s even got a significant other, a person it’s worth living for.
