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#lifeline program
ashersskye · 16 days
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How to get free cell phone service if you're in the States
Edit: as of April 2024 the FCC has passed a bill that will terminate the Affordable Connectivity Program. This program is different from Lifeline, which is what this post is referencing. But it is still connected to the same issues of affordable and accessible Internet and communication for low income and disabled families. Here is a petition you can sign to help stop this from happening.
This is not a scam. This is a government program called Lifeline. You do have to qualify based on income, and there are some limitations to how you can qualify. I'll get into it below. But if you get Medicaid, food stamps, or SSI then you automatically qualify.
Who can apply:
- low income households
- if you receive Section 8, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI
- if you receive Veterans & Survivors Pension benefits
- if you live on Tribal lands
Documents needed:
- photo ID/proof of ID (SSN, birth certificate, etc)
- proof of citizenship
- proof of address
- proof of income
- proof of assistant programs
- a physical address on file
- an email address
How to apply:
- the process is done online via the National Verifier Website
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- okay so look, this website looks sketchy as hell, alright? I don't know why but it seems like all official govt websites have this 90's Dial Up "Win A Free iPod" aesthetic and it drives me nuts. I swear to God they're not phishing for your info. You can read the FCC guidelines for how this program works here.
- you'll need to make an account
- you can take photos of your documents and upload them directly to the website, or you can make copies and mail them to the address listed on the website
- they will email you when they've processed the info
- if approved then you can sign up for your phone provider
- providers vary from state to state. You'll get options like Q-Link Wireless, Safe Link, etc. You can pick whichever one is available in your area.
Extra info:
- Only 1 Lifeline benefit per household
- You can also apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program which gives you a very nifty discount on your Internet bill.
- you do need to reapply every year to keep your service going. They will send you an email when its time to do so.
- the phones you can choose from are cheap smartphones, but they do come preset for Internet, wifi, streaming, video calls, apps, etc.
- you can buy other phones than the one they give you for free. You can even bring your own phone & just change service providers, which will give u a new SIM & number.
- if you go with the standard free smart phone, just know they're kinda ditzy on durability. Usually I need to replace my battery once a year, which you can do easily on the website. You can get replacement SIM cards sent for free, but if you need a replacement phone or battery then they will charge you for it.
- replacement phones start at $30 for the standard. Which is currently the Samsung Hot Pepper Serrano. This is the one I'm using, it's nice tbh. I can never set the wallpaper though, it resets to factory default whenever I turn my phone off 😭
- the service can be kinda shitty in terms of roaming & out of area service. Sometimes when I go like two cities over I lose service. I think the provider depends on your area (mine goes through Sprint). So keep that in mind.
- but if you're in need of a phone? Bingo. Bada bing bada boom. It's not the iPhone X, but hey, it works.
Getting around the physical address limitations:
So obviously this program would be amazing for homeless & unsheltered people to utilize. The problem is that you need a physical address on file. This is for many reasons, one- to ship your phone to you, two- so they can keep track of your household benefits, etc.
There is no sure fire way to get around this, but there are instances where some work arounds might be able to work for you.
Up first, obviously, if you have contact with anyone who can loan you their physical address for the sole purpose of applying & getting your phone shipped, that would be ideal. You can change your address once you get the phone delivered.
But that's a bit tricky when you don't have anyone to help out with this.
Instead what I've seen people do is to contact your local Post Office, your local Food Banks, and your local Public Service stations, and ask to use their physical address. The phone can be shipped there and you can present your ID to pick it up.
But, this is solely dependent on if any of these places agree to help and also if Lifeline hasn't fixed or addressed this issue yet, because sometimes they will pick up on addresses that are recognized as places of business.
So please be cautious of this.
Unfortunately I haven't seen any other work arounds that have been successful as of yet.
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Anyway. I really hope this can help someone out. I've noticed this is one of those things that a lot of people dont know about, and it's helped me out a LOT actually. I've had my cheap lil Q-Link phone for like 5 years now.
Hope this helps
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crengarrion · 2 months
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the united states' and biden's funding of genocide is going to leave countless impovershed, disabled, elderly, marginalised, and homeless people without a working telephone, mobile phone access, or affordable internet connection. people will die.
people will lose access to federal benefits, bank accounts, transit and accessible vehicles, food delivery, medication, doctors, family, friends, leisure activities, and (in some areas with limited or poor connection) the ability to contact emergency services. keep in mind that there are life-saving medical devices that require internet connectivity, or are controlled via application. this ranges from implanted insulin monitors to AAC and text-to-speech devices to BeMyEyes and other blind accessibility apps to CPAP event monitors to Smartdrives/adapters to motorise manual wheelchairs for people who cannot self propel.
without phone service, i cannot order my necessary immunosuppressant drugs. i will die without them - a slow, painful, expensive death. for the time being, i'm lucky enough to have a backup for service, but it is tenuous and unsustainable. most americans using the affordable connectivity program do not share this privilege.
the money being used to slaughter thousands is either being taken from or being withheld from americans in dire need.
call your representatives. boycott. strike. protest.
tell congress to extend the affordable connectivity program.
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nonprophet · 4 months
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theres a petition going around for ssi that can allow disabled people to have more than 1000 dollars to their name. please consider signing!
(this helps disabled people outside of those with sma, but this is personalized for sma.)
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psychoticallytrans · 1 month
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Well, according to the email I got today, the Affordable Connectivity Program has not had its funding renewed. For everyone on it, I advise talking to your provider as soon as you can, especially if they talked you into an upgrade because it was still free with what the program covers. In addition, they recommend applying for the Lifeline program to cover part of the remaining cost. If you didn't get the email, you can apply for the Lifeline program here. You will be allowed to keep any devices that you got as a result of the ACP, such as a free router. Your connectivity services will not be interrupted, but they will be charged for soon. They estimate that the benefits will end in April 2024, so don't plan for that bill to be covered.
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safetynetwireless · 1 year
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The Benefits of Combining Lifeline and ACP Programs
https://safetynetwireless.com/affordable-connectivity-program-acp/ - Lifeline phones are familiar to many people. A FCC program aims to make communication services more affordable and accessible to low-income consumers. Combined with Lifeline, ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) is the most recent program to be announced. These programs provide many benefits, including no monthly bills, no contracts, extra minutes, easy qualification, easy use, and the ability to connect with family and friends. Keep in touch with your friends, family, and colleagues with affordable mobile phone options! Visit our website to learn how to qualify and to see our available plans. Join us now!
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justslowdown · 4 months
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I've posted about how more people qualify for federal aid than know it, and how many programs there are. I want to specifically talk about free internet and cell service!
For free cell service and a phone if you need one (most let you keep using yours too), you need to make about $20,000 a year or less for a single person household.
For the Affordable Connectivity Program, which is internet specific and also will help discount phones, laptops, and tablets, the number is about $30,000.
For the ACP, if you're a student, receiving a Pell Grant qualifies you as well! I know some people were wondering if they could apply for SNAP/food stamps if they're in college. As long as you're over 18 and your legal residence isn't your family home (otherwise you'll need to include their income), absolutely.
Look up "[Your state] Lifeline providers" for cell, or "[Your state] Affordable Connectivity Program" for internet and help buying a tablet or computer. Do a little digging before picking a provider. In both states I've done this, some companies offered unlimited data, others didn't. You CAN receive both program assistance at the same time.
This might be an exception, but if you don't have all the documentation you need and it isn't feasible to get it together, it's still worth applying. I was approved and got a phone a couple weeks after doing a half-finished application, without utility bills or proof of address.
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slyandthefamilybook · 4 months
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since we now know that all those "my blog is safe for Jewish people" posts are bullshit, here are some Jewish organizations you can donate to if you actually want to prove you support Jews. put up or shut up
FIGHTING HUNGER
Masbia - Kosher soup kitchens in New York
MAZON - Practices and promotes a multifaceted approach to hunger relief, recognizing the importance of responding to hungry peoples' immediate need for nutrition and sustenance while also working to advance long-term solutions
Tomchei Shabbos - Provides food and other supplies so that poor Jews can celebrate the Sabbath and the Jewish holidays
FINANCIAL AID
Ahavas Yisrael - Providing aid for low-income Jews in Baltimore
Hebrew Free Loan Society - Provides interest-free loans to low-income Jews in New York and more
GLOBAL AID
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee - Offers aid to Jewish populations in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in the Middle East through a network of social and community assistance programs. In addition, the JDC contributes millions of dollars in disaster relief and development assistance to non-Jewish communities
American Jewish World Service - Fighting poverty and advancing human rights around the world
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society - Providing aid to immigrants and refugees around the world
Jewish World Watch - Dedicated to fighting genocides around the world
MEDICAL AID
Sharsheret - Support for cancer patients, especially breast cancer
SOCIAL SERVICES
The Aleph Institute - Provides support and supplies for Jews in prison and their families, and helps Jewish convicts reintegrate into society
Bet Tzedek - Free legal services in LA
Bikur Cholim - Providing support including kosher food for Jews who have been hospitalized in the US, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Israel
Blue Card Fund - Critical aid for holocaust survivors
Chai Lifeline - An org that's very close to my heart. They help families with members with disabilities in Baltimore
Chana - Support network for Jews in Baltimore facing domestic violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse
Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemetaries - Care of abandoned and at-risk Jewish cemetaries
Crown Heights Central Jewish Community Council - Provides services to community residents including assistance to the elderly, housing, employment and job training, youth services, and a food bank
Hands On Tzedakah - Supports essential safety-net programs addressing hunger, poverty, health care and disaster relief, as well as scholarship support to students in need
Hebrew Free Burial Association
Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services - Programs include early childhood and learning, children and adolescent services, mental health outpatient clinics for teenagers, people living with developmental disabilities, adults living with mental illness, domestic violence and preventive services, housing, Jewish community services, counseling, volunteering, and professional and leadership development
Jewish Caring Network - Providing aid for families facing serious illnesses
Jewish Family Service - Food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, refugee resettlement, chaplaincy, and disability services
Jewish Relief Agency - Serving low-income families in Philadelphia
Jewish Social Services Agency - Supporting people’s mental health, helping people with disabilities find meaningful jobs, caring for older adults so they can safely age at home, and offering dignity and comfort to hospice patients
Jewish Women's Foundation Metropolitan Chicago - Aiding Jewish women in Chicago
Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty - Crisis intervention and family violence services, housing development funds, food programs, career services, and home services
Misaskim - Jewish death and burial services
Our Place - Mentoring troubled Jewish adolescents and to bring awareness of substance abuse to teens and children
Tiferes Golda - Special education for Jewish girls in Baltimore
Yachad - Support for Jews with disabilities
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neil-gaiman · 9 months
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Hi Neil! I also volunteer with a prison book program. Prison Book Program in Quincy, MA is one of the oldest in the country, and sends books to all 50 states as well as prisons in Puerto Rico and Guam. They have a list of other programs here as well: https://prisonbookprogram.org/prisonbooknetwork/
Prison book programs are so, so necessary because US prison libraries aren't required to provide anything but legal texts, but books are a lifeline for incarcerated people. It's some of the most fulfilling work I've ever done!
Thank you so much! Here's the link for people who want to get involved...
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cozycoffeereads · 8 months
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Today’s disability topic is how America forces disabled people into poverty.
Today’s particular topic is how SSI keeps disabled people poor.
Let’s first go over what SSI is. Supplemental Security Income is a program that provides monthly payments to disabled people and elderly people who meet the financial qualifications.
SSDI stands for Social Security Disability and eligibility is based on work credits. This is for people who used to work before becoming disabled. We will not be discussing this today.
Here are the facts:
The average SSI payment in January of 2023 is $553 per month.
Disabled people on SSI also cannot have more than $2000 in savings and assets. This is severely limiting.
This is not enough to even cover basic needs. How can someone live based off those payments? Disabled people who live with someone such as a caregiver, family member, or partner receive reduced payments and risk losing their benefits.
Disabled people cannot marry without losing their SSI or losing financial assets.
Here is an eye opening article about forced poverty:
https://brownpoliticalreview.org/2022/01/government-mandated-poverty/
Also check this article by The Hill called “Lifeline for people with disabilities forces them to live in poverty”
https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/3702528-lifeline-for-people-with-disabilities-forces-them-to-live-in-poverty/
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moominhands · 5 months
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Hi, this is embarrassing but I have been feeling like I'm drowning in my debts recently. The accounts I am paying on were driven up when I was nearly homeless a couple of years ago. Between rent, utilities, and paying on these debts, I am usually left with little money for food, gas, or emergencies. My bank account is constantly in overdraft. I feel extremely overwhelmed. I reached out to the NFCC to get started on a debt management program. They were able to negotiate a lower interest rate than I could, and reduced payments for me so long as the accounts are closed, which is fine, because I do not use them anymore.
I can manage the reduced payment by splitting it in half each month, but I need help with the first payment ($350) and originating fee ($50). This would really help make living a bit more manageable for me. I earn a bit too much to qualify for SNAP, I visit local food pantries whenever I can, and I am working as much overtime as my job will allow. But I am still not eating well and I am constantly worried I won't have enough money to cover my phone bill, car insurance, my energy bill, copays for the doctor, my prescriptions, gas for my daily commute to and from work, etc... Being able to reduce these payments would be a lifeline for me right now. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you I'm moominhands on cshapp/vnmo. More info on the management program below the cut
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hewasanamericangirl · 4 months
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THIS IS IMPORTANT
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feckcops · 1 year
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Joe Biden Is Shrinking the Welfare State
“By the estimates of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 15 million people are going to lose their health insurance over the next few months, including 5.3 million kids. Worse, based on historical trends, 6.8 million of those people will lose their Medicaid coverage in spite of still being eligible for it simply because of bureaucratic trifles ...
“The effects of the declaration’s end will go well beyond this, affecting working people’s ability to get free tests, vaccines, and affordable treatment for the virus. It also means the end of extra food stamps, another generous program set to continue as long as the emergency exists and a vital lifeline for working people struggling to keep up with grocery bills in the face of inflation ...
“From a practical and moral standpoint, this is obviously a travesty. But it’s also a needless own goal for the president, putting an already deeply unpopular Biden in the position of running for reelection in a year’s time with millions of people losing their health insurance — and his potential Republican opponent being able to boast he’d been the one to extend it to them in the first place. More than that, it makes a mockery of his frequent public statements insisting that his administration will ‘continue to fight for racial justice,’ since, as the HHS, acknowledges, 15 percent of those who are about to lose their coverage as a result of his decision are black and one-third are Latino ...
“If the idea is that Americans are now tired of thinking and caring about the pandemic, making supporting any COVID-related policies politically toxic, then this is the wrong way to go about unwinding those. Americans didn’t hate that the pandemic response included protecting them from being kicked out of their homes by greedy landlords, getting financial support for the government while they were unemployed, or having health insurance and a variety of other health care needs guaranteed.”
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radiance1 · 6 months
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dc x dp (trans Danny btw)
saw this one where Danny is in a big brother program where he converses with Dick who is helping Fanny until the incident then he goes radio silent and then like gets an emergency text with his location and Dick takes the fucking bat jet and gets there to see Danny limping with a bear trap on his leg, baby Ellie in his arms, clothes fucked to hell, and tears in his eyes. Dick immediately takes them gets him some medical attention before he gets the gist of it from Danny who just says he was trapped my the mayor/god father/guardian since the Nasty Burger explosion and he got custody and while he was trapped with him he tried to “make” a perfect son since Danny would be and after a few failed attempts got Ellie but he was able to get out and sent “hunting dogs” to try and get him back and now their there which makes Dick think of the worst because Danny is trans and “making” a baby means you know and so Dick is planning murder and is heading to the mansion (I can’t fucking find it so if someone does than please link it o just couldn’t fucking find it)
anyway I’m adding to that, Danny is obviously traumatized since the whole electrocution and clone thing so he doesn’t want to tell anybody but he has to take care of Danny since she was forced to her core but was able to reform quickly which led her to this state and hes trying to comfort her, they end up at the manor and he’s clinging to Dick since he remembers how nice it was to have someone to talk to and he saved him to Dick is practically his lifeline at the moment and only trusts him right now, Dick gets Danny and Ellie a room first before answering any questions and Danny before letting Dick go says, “Thank you for answering even when I was being a bad little brother and getting you into this mess” he tries to say it light heartedly and jokes about being brother because of the program and Danny sees this as dragging more into the whole ghost secret which he is going to reveal soon but not right now he’s tired and injured but Dick sees this as Danny blaming himself for getting in the situation and Dick says, “You didn’t ask for this. You are not in the wrong. That… man. He didn’t have the right to do what he did to you and he never will. You were brave and strong, and you’re not half bad for a little brother” Dick smiles and Danny relaxed as he gives a hug to Dick who is surprised but so glad that Danny is willing to even get close to him and takes it gracefully while being giddy on the inside, “Okay time to get some rest, I’ll see you tomorrow” he waved as Danny waved back with a weak but soft smile. Dick didn’t close it completely but watched for a moment to see Danny holding Ellie and whispering sweet assurances and a small lullaby which made his gear ache that a boy could love his daughter so much no matter what happened, as he took a rest for the night
I don't uh, believe myself well equipped to handle this so I won't be able to add anything here so uh.
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Currently if you're disabled in the United States you cannot save over $2000. Having $2001 would put your disability benefits at risk. Also many disabled people have been unable to get married because if they get married their spouse's income will count against them. There is currently a bill in the senate that will increase that facing limit to $10,000 as well as grant marriage equality to disabled people.
A lot of my favorite disability advocates have been sharing this, but she's the only one that's explained both of the benefits of this bill. Petition to support the bill linked underneath the video.
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safetynetwireless · 1 year
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What You Need to Know About The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
https://safetynetwireless.com/affordable-connectivity-program-acp/ - The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program designed to bridge the digital divide by making technology and Internet services more accessible to low-income households. By providing reduced-cost access, ACP works to ensure that everyone can benefit from the various resources available online. To be eligible for the program, you must meet certain requirements. Additionally, by contacting SafetyNet Wireless—your local service provider—at 1-888-224-3213, you can learn more about the program and find out if you qualify. Start taking advantage of the benefits the ACP offers today!
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oncomingnight · 8 months
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Yandere! Film Director
"i couldn't have made this movie without you."
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Hassan is an award winning film director, you'll see his movies in several pieces of media titled something along the lines of ; "The best Cinematography in Film" "Praise Worthy Film" "Critics' Favorite" "Standing Ovation for Hassan Samir" "Bustling Box Office".
He specializes in psychological horror movies, the genre has always been a remaining favorite of his since a child. He's always favored media that grabs you by the throat and asks you one important question by the end of the film. Seeing his major interest in such movies, he decided to take it upon himself and make his own. In screenwriting programs, the first task the students will have is to watch one of his movies and study it. He has come a long way with his work, some google him to see more of his work and are shocked by how young he js.
But, you cannot google Hassan Samir without seeing his beloved y/n l/n alongside him in the image section, it's bound to happen and he wouldn't have it any other way. The two of you are high school sweethearts and everyone finds that fact oh so endearing. You've supported him and his craft for so long, staying up with him writing up ideas, giving him advice on how to shoot a certain scene, assisting him in casting actors, deciding which songs to put into the soundtrack, emailing certain people. Your input is as valued to him as gold was to the workers in the California Gold rush.
Many people appreciate how he treats you when the two of you are behind the camera. He'll listen to every little thing you pitch and will actually put your ideas into action. This causes the scenes to turn out even better than they already were.
When he inevitably wins an absurd amount of awards, he will always take you with him on stage and insert you multiple times into his speech.
" I am incredibly fortunate to have this incredibly talented woman by my side. All of those films that you love so much, she has assured, assisted and advised me whilst they were in the making, I wouldn't be standing in front of all you if it wasn't for her. We're a two deal package. Y/n, you are the lifeline of these films, I will never quit thanking you for as long as I live. At times, I'll admit, I cry from the amount of love and affection I receive from her, it's overwhelming in the most blissful way possible. Obviously, I am thankful for everyone on my team but y/n will forever be my first priority. Thank you to everybody for coming out tonight."
His beautiful words made you rejoice and take pride within your work and who you chose to marry. You can only imagine the amount of envy yet adoration people all over the world had for your relationship.
While the two of you are at a public event with paparazzi present, he'll stand back and let you have your moment with the eager photographers. Don't mind him admiring the love of his wife. Oh, and don't mind his wandering eyes.
Hassan never fails in reminding you of the intense love he harbors for you. You're a haven for him after a long stressful day dealing with stubborn people, you're a place of warmth for him no matter the circumstance. If people knew how clingy and affectionate he was with you in private, well, I'm not gonna lie to you, they wouldn't be surprised. He nuzzles his head into your thighs and tummy, whispering and blabbering on about how much he missed you, how you should've seen the work day he had, how he's so glad he has someone like you waiting for him at home.
He's the type of romantic to kiss your hand after doing anything, focusing on the area where your wedding ring lies. Having cozy nights where the two of you are in cozy, fluffy robes after a warm bath together, he caresses your cheek before leaning in to kiss your forehead. It doesn't have to be a necessarily specific situation for him to spill his guts about the sinful things he'd do for you. About what he's done for you.
"You're too special to be tainted with the memory of that ابن الشرموطة, focus on me, on us. If only they knew what I've done for you, يا حياتي. But, don't worry, okay? They'll know soon. Very soon."
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