Themes: workaholism, start-up mentality, desperate measures, proving yourself, power and irresponsibility
In the past, all three Verhoog children (Kit, Ira, and Billie) used their inheritance to get out of Revanchol. And let's just be honest here - Billie failed. However, Billie failed in so many positions and in so many creative ways that nobody can say they didn't try. And often, it was not some failure in skillset; it was a question of bad luck, bad coworkers and, in one peculiar case, a very badly timed release of a competing perfume. Still, all those failures obviously had some benefits because people outside of La Cage still keep investing in Billie's ideas, their new schemes, and failures. At this point, do people even expect them to succeed? What is behind their *success*?
Everybody who lives in La Cage is mostly poor and desperate. The families and professionals living in Apartment Blocks are the ones who really try to keep some semblance of normality in their lives. The Block A is the wealthier one - it consists of people that are sure to have food even next week but are not entirely sure if they can get medical care in times of need. All while enjoying the luxury of reliable electricity and mostly repaired windows. The people living here have at least some "power" due to their jobs, but almost everybody is afraid that their little slice of paradise will be taken from them by relocation to a different flat.
“You matter. Shit happens and it can be hard to get back on your feet. This is when addiction catches you. Now remember sister, brother: you are not alone. You will never be any more. In our Addicts Anonymous meetings, we always listen with care, love, and respect. What is told and done within the circle stays within the circle, no matter what.
We care. You are safe. You matter.”
The La Cage day to day big decisions are - at least in theory - governed by the Block Council. A “government body” of some sorts, given legitimacy (and funding) by the Coalition through the Reconstruction office. The current members supposedly do their best to improve living in the tenement. But is it really the truth or only the fear of incoming elections speaking? They have little to no actual power. People still do blame them for everything, though. Some believe the Block Council to be the way to a better tomorrow, some take it as an opportunity to make their own political ideology visible, some just love to hate the establishment.
