Mathew 3

It had been two months since Mathew joined the Life program. He was content with his life, despite being jobless. He wasn't sure if his happiness was due to his new diet or because his body needed a break from work. He had spent six years as a cashier in a remote store, though his role was more like a shop operator. He not only worked the checkout but also unpacked and stocked items, occasionally reorganizing the store. The owner, who managed several stores, was often away, dealing with the behind-the-scenes aspects of the business.

For the last few months, Mathew had worked 12-hour shifts several days a week, which had taken a toll on his body. Now, he relished his free time. He had saved enough money to not worry about returning to work immediately.

Mathew spent his newfound leisure on various activities. He binge-watched shows he'd been meaning to catch up on, played video games that required a significant time investment, and took long walks around his suburb—an activity previously reserved for sunny weekends. His mood improved, and his body seemed healthier. His skin had a bit more color, possibly from the sun, restful sleep, or his new diet. He also noticed his nails were shinier and less brittle, and his facial hair grew thicker. Whether these changes were due to his diet or the specialized cosmetics, he wasn't sure, but he was pleased with the results. Initially skeptical about the program, he was now a firm believer.

With more free time, Mathew delved deeper into the Life program. He had mixed feelings about the company, which had become the main competitor to traditional stores. Years of steady growth had allowed Life to expand, with government support leading to the closure of some standard shops. Poor and dangerous suburbs lost customers who, once signed up with Life, were no longer keen on spending money on food they received for free. Mathew’s boss, owning several stores, had to reduce staff and close shops each year. Eventually, Mathew too faced redundancy.