The cycle shop that repairs punctures on the next street. The shutters were down past few days. Today I rang the bell on the narrow stairs that go up to a small room above the shop. Where the family stays.
The wife came down, and apologized. She said that he had a bypass after a sudden attack 2 weeks ago. That he has been advised complete rest for 4 months. And so the shop was shut.
Two boys, one school going and one in college. How will they meet the expenses. Education expenses add up these days. Wherever the child is enrolled. How essential a Minimum Basic Income is. For all. Especially those on the edge. Also health insurance. A robust public health system. And sustenence in the recuperation time.
Who listens ?
Other losses. The ending of skills. The sons don have the fathers talents. And do not want to be cycle repair mechanics. I have spoken to them at earlier times.
In the hands of the present owner. A simple puncture , simply repaired. The cycle overhauled yearly and as good as new. Running strong since I bought it ten years ago. Second hand. At a similar cycle shop.
The age of maintainance, Of sustainaing. A cycle, a relationship. For a lifetime.
... passing by of an age ...
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