I came for college at SMSU back in the 90s and just stuck around after. Was really cheap to live here compared to other options and found a good place to work. It has the good and bad like anyplace would.

I literally threw a dart at a map. Now that I'm getting close to retirement and Missouri taxes Social Security I'd like to move but as my mortgage is lower than rent anywhere I'm stuck.

I was raised in Republic, some shit happened and I was forced to move to Springfield. I'd leave if I could, but I'm autistic, living on disability, and I live alone with a cat and dog so my capability of getting out is limited.

I’ve always been here. I grew up here. So the question for me would be why did I stay here. Family and friends is of course a big draw. My family. My wife’s family. It’s not a bad place to raise kids. Ample activities. The lake nearby. The wife and I have talked though that if our kids scatter when they grow up that we might move to Colorado because we love it so much out there. We love to ski in the winter and hike in the summer.

I came here to flee my abuser from a rural County and stay at the domestic violence shelter. Now I'm just kind of Trapped here.

Originally, I decided to stay in Springfield because I have family here.

Now the situation has developed into a trap king scenario, where my legs have been cut out from under me and my rank is exploited to benefit the poor.

I literally can't leave.