The Life of Sasha

Here is my documentary report about a woman named Sasha. It was inspired by the “Up” film series, which follows the lives of several individuals at 7-year increments.

Sasha at 00 years old

A girl is born. She weighs five pounds, eleven ounces. Her parents give her the name Sasha. (I would tell you what her parents’ names are, but I don’t want this report to become too confusing.) Sasha is a happy baby. She drinks bottles of milk and eats curds and whey. Her parents take good care of her: they remain constantly by her side, until 7 o’clock in the morning, when it’s time for them to go to work — at that point, Sasha must be transported to daycare. Then, at 5 o’clock in the evening, Sasha’s mother returns to the daycare to pick up her daughter. She brings her home, where she plays baby games with Sasha and nurtures her. Dad eventually comes home too.

Sasha at 07 years old

Sasha is now in kindergarten, learning her ABCs. Among her classmates, she has made three good friends: their names are Angel, Nikki, and Jennifer. These young girls all live in Sasha’s neighborhood. After school, they like to ride bikes together and sing. Sasha’s parents buy her pretty shoes and hair bows. Her favorite city in the world is Madrid, and her favorite song is “Cool It Now” by New Edition. We’ll check back with her when she turns 14.

Sasha at 14 years old

Sasha is now a teenager. She uses hairspray and flirts with boys. She has developed a crush on a student named Dave, who sits next to her in Science Class. Sasha gets ‘A’s and ‘B’s for grades. Her parents are pleased with her. She takes dance class. Janet Jackson is her idol: Sasha’s favorite video is “Escapade”. Sasha still likes to sing and play with her friends. The next time we see her, she will be 21.

Sasha at 21 years old

U.S. Congress passed legislation that allows all per­sons who are 21 years of age or older to purchase tobacco products. Sasha now has a boyfriend named Jack. He treats her well. Sasha graduated from High School with a GPA of three point five. She wants to go to an out-of-state college. We’ll check back with her when seven more years have passed.

Sasha at 28 years old

Sasha attended New York State University and gradu­ated with a GPA of three point seven. She found a well-paying job and has been dating a man named Robert for the last five years — the two happen to be the same age; they even share the same birthdate — and they are engaged to be married this autumn. Robert has a successful career in real estate. Sasha enjoys leafing through Exemplary Homes Magazine. We’ll check back with her in seven years.

Sasha at 35 years old

Sasha, now in her mid-thirties, is happily married. She and her husband Robert live in the suburbs of New York, in a decent house that is near a golf course. They now have a baby girl who is two years of age. Every other week, the family takes a trip to the zoo. Sasha remains at the same job that she started after college, and she finds this work satisfying. She recently re­ceived a generous promotion. Sasha and Robert have been saving as much money as possible, over the last few years, in hopes of someday moving to Spain. We’ll check back and see how they’re doing when they turn 42.

Sasha at 42 years old

Sasha and her husband Robert live with their nine-year-old daughter in Madrid. Their child is in school now, and she loves it. Robert is attempting to write a novel. Sasha spends her free time gardening. They both also frequently travel together. They are a very happy family.

Sasha at 49 years old

Sasha, now approaching the age of fifty, still lives in Spain with her husband Robert, who recently finished writing his novel. Their daughter is a healthy, well-adjusted teenager who gets excellent grades in school and enjoys helping out in the community. Sasha and Robert are still very much in love: their marriage is strong. They thank their stars for blessing them with such a wonderful life.

Sasha at 56 years old

Sasha and her husband Robert are now 56. They are both serene and energetic. They like to take long walks at beautiful parks, where they hold hands and watch the sunset. Their daughter now attends Princeton University; and, like her father, she discovered that she has a knack for creative writing. To spend more time with this ambitious daughter of theirs, Sasha and Robert have purchased a summer home in the States. We’ll check back one final time, when they turn 70.

Sasha at 70 years old

Despite having just entered the seventh decade of their earthly existence, Sasha & Robert are active and lucid. Robert reads many books, and Sasha loves preparing high cuisine. Their daughter is also a success: she found a well-paying job as the editor of a fine-arts periodical. She’s also engaged to be married to a man who is a respected literary critic. Sasha and Robert still walk together daily. They are in the best health; and they now have a dog: a cute little puppy who keeps them company. (The pup wandered into the courtyard of their residence in Madrid one afternoon, so they fed this visitor; and, ever since, he keeps returning at regu­lar intervals, wagging his tail. They named him Dean.) And the garden that Sasha planted was so beautiful that a crew from Exemplary Homes Magazine came and did a story about her for their April issue. They took photos and conducted a friendly interview.

Then, one night, many years later, Sasha and Robert both died in each other’s arms, at the same moment, while peacefully sleeping.