Rebirth: Cheerleading the Collapse

"I've been thinking," I continued, "for his health, we'll move out during the construction period. Since we won't be living here, a parking space isn't of much use to us. We'll pass on the $50,000 fee. Once the garage is built, we'll move back. It won't affect anyone, and we're just trying to avoid causing trouble."

Ansel coughed softly, playing along. "Mom, I don't want to breathe all that dust."

My words left Neville and the residents speechless. Murmurs then spread through the room.

"Asthma is no joke, especially for kids."

"She's moving out for her son. Can't really fault them."

"Now that she mentions it, construction could be rough on kids and the elderly."

Some wavering residents grew hesitant, but Hannah's face twisted with frustration. "Asthma? That's just an excuse to dodge paying! Is your kid the only delicate one? Can't he tough it out? Stop undermining everyone!"

Her outburst had little effect. An older woman spoke up hesitantly. "Mr. Grady, my grandson has weak lungs, too. Maybe we shouldn't join either?"

"Exactly," another chimed in. "$50,000 isn't pocket change. If our kids get sick, medical bills could cost more."

The room teetered on the edge of disorder. Neville's face darkened, his composure cracking.

In the end, he slammed a folder down onto the table. "Everyone must participate!"

...

"We're a community!" he barked, glaring at me. "We're a community. The neighborhood's prosperity benefits us all. If you back out now, what will those who've paid think? You're fracturing our unity and demanding special treatment."

He took a deep breath, leaning into moral coercion. "There's no negotiation. You will sign the agreement and pay. Think of the greater good."

The residents exchanged uneasy glances, but many began to sway again.

"Neville's right. You can't just opt out of a group effort."

"That's selfish! You'd ruin our community for over $50,000?"

"Oh, and I forgot to mention some good news," Neville said, raising his chin. "Our renovation project has caught the authorities' attention. They say it'll be a model for revitalizing old neighborhoods. Once it's done, we'll be named a city-level exemplary community. And that's not all. The elementary school our kids attend will be upgraded to a key experimental school."

The residents were shocked by the news.

"What? The school is getting upgraded?"

"That's huge!"

"No wonder Neville is so set on this. It's for our kids' future."

Parents who had been on the fence now sparkled with excitement, pushing forward to sign.

"We're signing!"

"This is for our kids. We'll back you, no matter what!"

Neville grinned, managing the crowd. "Line up, one at a time. No rush."

Hannah glowed with zeal. "Sherry, still not joining? You're about to ruin your son's future. I tried everything to get my son into an experimental school. Now the chance is right here, and you're throwing it away?"