I have -$2.19 in my Bank of America SafeBalance checking account. I just called Bank of America to reinstate the Overdraft Protection I thought I had previously deactivated so I could plunge myself deeper into debt to buy food for today.

The kind and realistic customer service person–let’s call them Steve–gave me my options. One of the options was a loan and the other was *not* reinstating Overdraft Protection as the Bank of America account I have does not allow for that feature.

After Steve gave me my options–which simply were not helpful–I took a big sigh and said, “Ah, no worries, we are all victims of capitalism.”

To my great surprise, Steve bounced back my anti-capitalist sentiments with an antidote about how they used to be where I am–and much worse off. Steve was so much worse off that they still have imposter syndrome to this day as they wear their suit and tie to work in the “belly of the beast”, as they put it.

Steve got out of the dire financial situation I’m in and reassured me that it can get worse and it can get better, so let’s look forward to it getting better. That comment was striking because I was thinking the same thing yesterday: things can always get worse and I’m glad they’re not there.

Steve also said they’d pray to the Universe for things to get better for me.

Steve had no Hail Marys for me other than that kind prayer, but they gave me hope that I can choose if things get worse and I can choose if things get better.

Needless to say, I’m not taking a predatory loan from Bank of America, so I’m choosing for things to get better.

I’m an experienced storyteller: a writer, copywriter, and illustrator. If you’d like to work together to help me dig myself out of debt, shoot me an email at chiugo@chiugo.art.

If you’d like to help me afford food today and forever, feel free to Cash App me at $chiugo. If Zelle works better, shoot me an email for my phone number.

Life and its absurdities, but mutual aid can help us lighten its burdens.