Part 3/13:
The narrative underscores the struggle big cities face in bouncing back from economic downturns caused by the pandemic. Storefronts remain boarded up, and once-thriving shopping districts like Melrose are desolate, filled with “for lease” signs, projecting a long road to recovery. Meanwhile, the speaker appreciates the less crowded, more relaxed vibe of smaller cities, emphasizing how less density translates into lower infection rates and a more manageable—if not ideal—lifestyle during the pandemic. The ongoing chaos in Los Angeles and Orange County, especially the biting traffic and dense population, contrasts sharply with the openness experienced elsewhere.