Days of Future Past

The world had become so different from the beautiful Garden of Eden that was once called Earth. Unbounded carbon emissions destroyed the ozone, and polluted our world. Some demanded we stop the contamination before irreparable damage was done, but all the greedy, self-interested naysayers in power denied what was happening. And then it became too late. The ice caps melted and flooded the coasts, the surface temperature rose, and drought took over where there was once green fertile land. It had been almost 20 years since the the Great Rising, and much of what was once lush and abundant now only survived on preserves, farm lands, and at the homes of the Rich.

Even our democratic society fell victim to the chaos created by climate change, and the country had slipped into a class system. Most people had to move into protective domes since the heat had become so excessive, especially in the Southwestern States. Drought had taken over the unprotected areas, where the temperatures were unbearable. Water was a scarce commodity to be rationed and distributed by cities and states. The Dome zones were broken into 2 social groups: The Haves, and the Have Nots. The Haves, or the wealthy people, had luxurious domes and homes with all the finest things. Plentiful food and drink, elegant mansions, and wild parties were their lifestyle- all the best money could buy. These people didn’t have to work because most were from long-time wealthy or corporate families that controlled everything.

Then there were the Have Nots. Most of these people worked for the rich, or worked in farm domes. Their Dome cities were nothing like the Haves- they were dirty, run down, filled with disease and crime- a harsh existence. There was little food or water to be had, no extravagances, and very few festive diversions since life here was about just making it through each day alive. What used to be a first world city was now like a third world country. Los Angeles and its surroundings had become the city of fallen angels indeed.

Hope had lived in the Slum Dome (as it was called) her entire life. It was all about surviving here, not thriving. And today Hope was barely surviving as she ran to catch the Intra Dome Express train to the Posh Dome. Barely making the train, she was finally off to her job working for the honorable Hilton family as a maid. It wasn’t a bad position, they were a fine family and it beat physical labor, or farm dome work. She got perks by working for the rich as well- workers could have the abundant leftovers from events, drink pure, clean water, and spend their day toiling in a beautiful, elaborate, air conditioned home. Her employers treated her well and Hope had learned early on how to stay in their good graces: Be calm and quiet when they spoke to you, be supportive, listen, stroke their egos, and don’t talk back! These rules can get you far with the wealthy. After 3 years of working for the Hiltons, she had become an indispensable commodity to the family. This was the best life she could hope for in the current society, as it was unheard of to move up from the lower to higher class. Democracy and the American Dream as we knew it died after the micro civil war. That struggle was ended by the great drought of 2035, where life became more about just existing than any struggle for political ideals. Hope watched as the dry, barren land outside the transport tube flew by- nothing much was left but dirt and the scorching sun. What a strange new world it had become. But that was enough deep thought for one day, Hope told herself. All that happened before she was born, and this was the only world she had ever known.

Arriving at the terminal, she prepared to go through security. Everyone who entered New Angeles had to have a work or living permit since the Revolutionaries kept trying to attack this sector. These threats made such heavy protection necessary. As usual, Hope took her place in the line, trying to look uninteresting to the Transit Authority. She wanted to get through quickly, or else she would be late. Please let no one make trouble in front of me was all she could think. At last, she was through the inspection and scurried over to ground transport, and a tram to the West Side. There she could make her way to Malibu, and the Hilton Estate. After the last bus dropped her off, Hope stopped for a moment to admire this breathtaking ocean view. All those pristine beaches and that glimmering blue sea was usually inaccessible to someone like her. A deep breath, an even deeper sigh, and she hurried off to the gate, and the start of her long day.

Once inside, Hope could see that the Hiltons had given another of their late night soirees since the house was littered with plates, glasses, pieces of clothing, and other lost items. At least there were no random people passed out in the halls or poolside this time. Definitely one of the greatest advantages of her position was getting all the food left after such parties that she could eat. This was the best meal she would have for days, and things she could never get in the slums: fresh fruits and vegetables, steak, lobster, caviar, and deliciously delectable sweet treats. Hope loved days like these- the work was hard, but her belly was full. She would even sneak some leftovers into her backpack to take home so she could eat well for days. There was so much to clean this morning, but that meant more extra payoffs to be found. You see, while cleaning she would search through the trash and other places for lost items. Usually she only found small things like buttons, ribbon, scarves, or small change. Whatever people left and/ or lost that she could find, she could keep- as long as the owner never asked about it. And it looked like there was some mighty fine pickings after this wild revelry.

Tucking her hair up in a bun and grabbing coffee, Hope got to work before the other employees showed up. Hope always tried to get to the Mansion early post party days so she could get first choice. Hunting for hidden treasures while she did her job almost made it fun. First, she looked in the trash bins of the Great Hall for any valuables that might have been tossed away. And today was a good day indeed- a lace glove, a scarf, broken high-heels (she could fix), a fancy hair comb, and a jeweled earring were the first rewards. The other workers began arriving, so Hope had to quickly get as much as she could. As morning slid into afternoon, the home was looking clean, and the treasures became few and far between. She did have one advantage over the others- there were some rooms wherein she was the only maid allowed: the ladies boudoirs, the library, and Bradford Hilton’s den. The Hilton’s didn’t trust just anybody to be near their most precious and private spaces. Some of her most excellent discoveries had been hidden in these hallowed halls. As she moved to the den, Hope found little to clean let alone reclaim. While idly dusting the shelves, a gleam of something shiny in the planter caught her eye. She reached down into the fern, and found a necklace hanging on one of the fronds. It was a heart shaped gold locket, engraved with leaves and flowers. How beautiful! Hope thought to herself. Just then she heard the handle of the door turn. Hope quickly shoved the locket in her apron pocket, and returned to dusting as Bradford Hilton stumbled into the room. He was startled for a moment, not expecting anyone to be in here. But he brushed back his hair and walked more upright when he saw her. Bradford had always been so kind to Hope. He smiled at her and muttered “g’morning”.

"Can I get you something, perhaps a coffee?”Hope inquired. “ Or toast? Or maybe an aspirin?”

“Why yes, I will take all of those” he replied as he rubbed his temples.

Hope rushed off to the kitchen, where she filled a tray with what he needed. Returning to the den, she poured his coffee, grabbed the aspirin bottle, and handed them both to him. Bradford thanked her sweetly, and she went on about her business in the another room. Other family members arose from their sleepy stupors throughout the day, and Hope stayed out of their way. No one else living there was as nice to her as Bradford. With time, the house was returned to its spotless appearance. Since no party was planned for that night, Hope was able to leave early. She couldn’t wait to get home and dig through the bounty she had found today.

All the timing was right, and Hope got home faster than planned. She walked the last mile to her home through the shabby streets and dilapidated houses. Finally she came to her place, a boarded up old office building that had long been empty. A few people had managed to sneak in, and now lived here for free. With the furniture left behind, she made a couple of offices into her own home sweet home. It had electricity thanks to the solar panels left on the roof, and access to running water. There was even a hot plate for meals, all the essentials to scrape by in her meager existence. Others here kept to themselves, so she was mostly alone- much safer that way. Besides, she had befriended a stray tabby she called Tom-Tom for needed companionship. Hope had been on her own since she was 14, when her mother died. That was almost 5 years ago. At least she had a couple of pictures of her mother, but little else, to remember her by. Sadly, she never really knew her father. There was little time to cry over spilt milk now, and Hope had learned to persevere by herself.

After a wonderful meal for her and Tom-Tom, Hope decided to look over her days rewards. She dumped the contents of her backpack on the table- what goodies she had found! Fabrics and cloth items could be sewn into blankets and new clothes. Broken shoes could be fixed. The few credits and jewels she found could be put away in her secret stash box for future barter exchange. Finally she came to that golden locket. It was so beautiful, she had never had something so fine or expensive. She had to slip it on. Looking in the mirror, the locket was perfect on her- she wished she could keep it. Hope noticed there was a hinge on it- the locket had something inside. After prying it open, she discovered within the pictures of 2 very attractive wealthy people. I wonder who they are she thought. As she looked closer at them, the picture of the woman looked familiar. Hope thought and thought- where had she seen that face before? Then it dawned on her with a start. She ran to her hiding place in the floorboards, and got out her treasure chest. Shuffling through the loot, she found what she was looking for- the picture of her mother. She held it next to the picture of the woman in the locket. Hope gasped, and she couldn’t believe her eyes. The lady of the locket and her mother appeared to be the same person. How could that be, what does this all mean? Hope was in shock, and confused, but she needed to get some answers. Tomorrow, she would confront Bradford Hilton and try to find out the truth. Was this woman in the locket really her mother?