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The World Outside

Been walking outside for 5 minutes. Just half a minute there till she makes it to the shop. Walking around, everything is empty. Military vehicles driving around many places. Pub buildings, emptied out. The people are mostly in their homes. The only ones who are out, can only be in the neighbourhood. Interaction is allowed but strict. Face masks must remain on at all times. Distance between individuals must be far apart, even if the person is covid negative.

Her head focuses in front of her and on the ground. Refusing to even give any of the soldiers outside a good look. She never liked them, including the rules they set up to keep this world 'safe'. The best thing she has done was to keep her mind empty. Never a single thought in her mind. Just walk to the shop. Hoping none of them look at her, talk to her, ask her questions.

"The fuck you doing man!! I just want to see my girlfriend." A man holding flowers in his right hand in front of a house door. Two soldiers, stopping him from going inside.

"According to the guidelines, you didn't sign any of the documents to give you permission to visit your girlfriend." Says one of the guards.

"Who gives a fuck about permission!! I just want to see her." The soldiers try to keep their cool. Holding in their outburst.

"Last chance sir. Just walk back home. Or else you'll be detained to the quarantine zones." The man doesn't give in. His attention is only at the door. This guy has been dating the person inside the house for 2 years. They never wanted to let go of each other. Even had plans to move in together. Unfortunately, none of those plans come to fruition.

"Fuck you!! And fuck your stupid government." The soldiers give up. There's nothing that could convince the man to return home. With the guilt and disappointment in their eyes, they know what they have to do.

"Alright come with us." He punches one of the guards. A punch unexpected. Rushing to the door, knocking on it loudly in desperation.

The guard who remains standing, holds him from behind. "Get off me!!" Elbows him behind.

"KELLY!!" He screams.

The guards are back on their feet. Grabbing him. Holding him. All the man could do was scream. Tired of hearing his voice, the soldier, with his rifle on both hands, raises it before pushing it into the man's face. Knocking him into a blurred state. Seeing this, the soldier hits his rifle forward at him again. Twice, three times, more than three. His face, turned into a bloody pulp. His nose broken. More soldiers approach them, carrying him.

Mary, along with other people have been watching the event happen. Feeling sorry for that man and his girlfriend as she comes out of the front door. Running to where her boyfriend is, his body loaded into the vehicle. Screaming 'where are you taking him'. The soldiers try to provide proper explanation before warning her to go back inside the house.

Not wanting to look at this further, Mary continues her way. The shop is near. Along the way, seeing a homeless woman. Having seen that homeless woman sleep and settle outside a restaurant that hasn't been opened for years, no wonder why none of the soldiers tried to take her in. She's currently asleep, along with her dog.

Walking to the shops in certain days gives her the opportunity to see Mary and her German Shepherd dog. The German Shephard is friendly to her. He never likes the soldiers. Always barking at them angrily and violently. Happy to see him again, she walks to him. The dog responds happily. Excited to see her. Happily cuddling the dog. The dog licks at her back. Seeing the owner asleep with no food and drink.

"Hey, do you want something?" He barks at her before giving a sad, innocent growl.

"Oh I get you boy. Don't worry. I'll just go to the shops, buy something from there and I'll be right back." Rubbing the dog's head in a cute, comfy manner before standing up on her feet.