Themes: Scarred, solidarity, gratitude, family, religion
Sometimes, injuries to the soul cause more damage than malfunctioning tools. Years ago, Francis lost their wife in a workshop accident, and their life just fell apart after that. Their older kid with their partner, Ember, had managed somehow, but their younger, Marie, ended up in the foster care of Francis' old friend, Tony Eclissi. Francis has had a lot of problems, mostly caused by their attempts to drown their demons in alcohol. It took long, long years to fix up at least their physical side, and the Gessle family has supported them tirelessly.
Things might also be finally turning around. Francis has managed to get a part-time job as the janitor of Apartment Block B, and through rehab and support groups around the church, they are getting ready to start living once again. They may even be able to look Marie in the eyes again when they come back to La Cage. Francis deeply believes that they have been given a second chance at life, and they must use it.
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 B consists mostly of tradesmen and people of other desirable professions. People with no exceptional wealth or status, but the ones who are good and honest at their job and are beneficial to the La Cage. Educated, but not burgeois - teacher, nurse, students, social worker or people jilted from Block A. They mostly want to stay far from the troubles and extreme ideologies (to a small degree of success) but are willing to help each other as much as they can - like a big family.
The Den used to gather local elders to play card games - a good excuse to gamble, drink beer, and of course, gossip. A few years ago, card games became suddenly trendy, and many local youngsters joined the Den. But the way they played was totally different: they were loud, bold, aggressive, seeking for adrenaline, wagering way too big. Now, the elders have all left the Den to these gambling freaks. Stakes are high and are becoming even higher. And soon it will be too late to back off.
“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.”
In the darkest of places, people often seek solace in the Innocences. Order of Dolores Dei the Merciful offers a shelter or helping hand to those seeking it, trying their best to cater to the poorest with their charity work. They are apolitical and oppose violence, but their lot is hard and thorny. Most people visit the masses just for the sense of belonging and social aspect, some of the members are true believers, very few are of pure hearts and others just see it as a way to feel better about themselves. Can a real change be made for the people in need, or is it destined to be drowned out by idiots who want to give out pamphlets about Dolores Dei and chess tournaments?
