They called it the curse. The strange phenomenon that affected the
houses in Detroit that had been vacated by their original owners. No
matter how well they were renovated, repaired, or restored, they would
soon start to fall apart. Roofs would leak, pipes would burst, walls
would crack, floors would creak. Appliances would malfunction, doors
would jam, windows would shatter. Fires would break out, floods would
occur, mold would grow. It was as if the houses were rejecting their new
occupants, trying to drive them away.
No one knew the cause of the curse. Some blamed it on faulty construction, poor maintenance, or environmental factors. Some blamed it on supernatural forces, angry spirits, or ancient curses. Some blamed it on sabotage, vandalism, or terrorism. Some blamed it on karma, fate, or divine intervention.
But everyone felt its effects. The newcomers who had moved into the houses hoping to start a new life in the city soon found themselves facing constant problems, expenses, and dangers. Some of them persevered, determined to overcome the challenges and make the houses their homes. Some of them gave up, frustrated by the difficulties and disappointed by the outcomes. ALL of them eventually leave, scared by the incidents and disillusioned by the city.
When your rent is free, and living expenses, and you have no respect for your neighborhood, the outcome is always the same. Quick decay and destruction. The stores close, the jobs close, more free rent and drugs. Soon, the whole country just vanishes, as its doing.
The curse.
 |
