Chapter 78 - These Days, Life is Good

These days, I find myself in a place I never thought I’d reach—not just physically, but emotionally. After the chaos and hardships that defined much of my journey, life has finally offered me a reprieve. Thanks to a disability payment I receive each month, I can live comfortably in the heart of London—a privilege I never take for granted. Without it, I’d be staring down bankruptcy, but instead, I’ve got a stable life for myself.
Almost against my own instincts, the system provided me with something I never imagined having: a weekly cleaner. At first, I balked at the idea. Having grown up justifying every little expense, the notion of someone else folding my laundry and scrubbing my floors felt… indulgent. But let me tell you—living in a spotless home is a game-changer. It’s amazing how much clarity and energy a clean environment brings. I’ve come to realise that sometimes, the help you don’t think you need can transform your daily life.
And then there’s the flat. If life gives you one shot at something, you’ve got to make it count. That’s what they say about council flats, and I chose wisely. Somehow—through sheer luck, determination, or maybe the universe’s way of saying “You’ve earned this”—I ended up with a flat that outshines every place I’ve ever lived. And I’ve lived in some nice places—believe me. But this? This is my dream home. Light, airy, perfectly situated—a foundation as solid as the walls around me.
It’s funny how much your environment can influence your state of mind. Having a stable, beautiful home has given me the courage to pick up Holodex again. With a roof over my head that feels like it’s meant to be mine, I feel bold. I feel capable. For the first time in years, I’m not driven by survival. I’ve already “made it” in one of the most basic, profound ways—housing is a cornerstone of life, and I’ve laid mine.
Now it’s time to build. To dream louder. To make something that feels as real as these walls around me. For once, my dreams don’t have to outrun the storm—they can grow in the sunlight.