15. Freebies

So many things on Earth are free. Vacations are not free but many vaccinations are. You can go to a library and read books for free. Cookie says his taxes fund libraries, so those books are not free. But he pays taxes whether he reads or not. I am not including free lunches that come with hidden strings. I am talking about waking up early to see the sunrise. Or sleeping in, taking a nap, or just breathing. Singing in the shower, listening to music, dancing. Going for a walk, smelling flowers, people watching. Listening to birds, looking for wildlife. Going to a public beach, wiggling feet in sand or water, swimming with friends. Stepping on crunchy leaves or popping bubblewrap. Attending a free concert or visiting a museum on free day. Doodling, writing in a journal, or blogging on a free platform. Building a snowman in the winter or fanning yourself on a hot day. Snuggling with your pet. Meditating, stretching, stargazing. Scratching an itch, hugging, making an apology. Laughing, looking at old photos. Putting on your favorite shirt straight from the dryer. Eating vegetables and fruit from your garden.

On Lemmingo we have no birds and we pay for air in Bubbledomes owned by the Hogg Cartel. Lemmingo air is thin and when the sandstorms swirl, you can barely breathe. The rich can move loved ones into a Domehome if they have trouble breathing. Some families save all year for a good airday inside one of the Amusodomes. On the plus side, only the Hogg Cartel can afford vehicles or health care, so Lemmingolians cannot complain about the high cost of gas or medical treatments. How odd that Earthlings sacrifice so much of their free stuff while engaging in complaint and fight competitions.

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