Carlos, the tenant downstairs, lives a life that reflects the lives of many people in our neighborhood. He works at a fast food restaurant, making just over $7.25 an hour, the federal minimum wage, and just over $1,200 a month before taxes.
Last year, the landlord raised the rent from $1,100 to $1,400, swallowing up his entire income. Gas was almost $4 a gallon, and a carton of eggs at the supermarket was over $5. He had no choice but to squeeze into that one-bedroom apartment with two coworkers, taking turns sleeping on the sofa.
Last week, he took two days off due to a cold, leaving him 300 yuan short of rent for the month. When the landlord asked for the rent, he pulled out the crumpled food stamps from his wallet and said he had only eaten bread for three days.
Meanwhile, two streets away, luxury apartments are being rented for $8,000 a month. On one side, people struggle to find comfort in their living space, while on the other, people spend freely and effortlessly. Is this the American Dream? It’s just that some people are awake, while others never sleep.
