Beyond the North

Inside the box

So it snowed, just like every other day. The weather was dark and cold, the air heavy. In a square, an execution was taking place. Five people stood blindfolded, facing a wall, while nearby, a man in uniform began to speak:

— "For the crime of attempting to escape the 'box,' these fools are condemned to death by firing squad!"

Everyone remained silent, and suddenly the soldiers opened fire. The people writhed in pain, but soon they were motionless. Among the crowd, no one showed any significant reaction, as if they were accustomed to it.

— "May they serve as an example!"

.

.

.

Opening his eyes, the young man realized he was facing a computer, with a programming program open. His room was cramped, clothes strewn everywhere, and there were several energy drink cans beside his desk. He knew what had happened.

— "Damn... why did I take overtime?" he complained.

The young man stretched, got up, and began to tidy his room.

— "How did the room end up like this?"

Finally, everything was in place. He decided to look at himself in the mirror and saw that he wasn't in great shape. Average height, short straight hair, black eyes with slight dark circles, he was like any other person, the only thing that set him apart were his Asian features.

— "Never taking overtime again," he stretched again. "Well, I guess it used to be worse."

The young man left his room, took a shower, and checked the fridge. It was shopping day. He grabbed the keys behind the TV, opened the door, and left his apartment. The walls were claustrophobic, and the stairs were dirty. He always took the elevator, which was also falling apart, probably about to collapse at any moment.

Arriving on the ground floor, before leaving the elevator, he straightened his posture and rubbed his dark circles a bit. The young man with black hair then stepped out, but as always, people just passed by. He gave up on keeping up appearances. After exiting the door, tall buildings obscured part of the sky, buildings that were like "Khrushchyovkas," but even larger. Few cars passed on the streets, resembling cars from the 1950s to the 1970s at most. Additionally, people being arrested or beaten by police was common. It was like a dystopian world. The young man simply ignored it and continued his way through the snow-covered streets with a slight mist.

Finally, he arrived at his destination, passed by the shop, also with an old look, but after grabbing the ingredients and heading to the checkout...

— "Attention," a voice echoed through the megaphone. "We request everyone nearby to come to Brussov Square, without fail."

— "Ready, another execution..." Voices were audible right behind him.

Without even having time to pay, everyone walked to a nearby square, some clearly showing signs of excitement, others avoiding looking. Four people stood with their eyes blindfolded and facing away, and right behind them, several paramilitaries were armed, making it clear what was about to happen.

— "For the crime of 'Disturbing the peace,' these four are being sentenced to death by shooting!"

Everyone just waches as the paramilitaries shot. Several people closed their eyes, but most remained still; it was already common.

— "May they serve as an example."

After all that, everyone went back to their normal activities, but the young man seemed disturbed. Everything had happened in the blink of an eye, but he just throw these thougs away and start walking back, he had also become accustomed to it. Everyone went back to what they should be doing; he returned, paid for his purchases, and left, only to hear someone call his name: "Rejto?" the young man with Asian features heard a male voice behind him.