OTHERS: Five elements

CHAPTER 1.1: NEW MISSION

21 March 2033, 6:30 AM

Have you ever asked yourself this question: do we encounter people for a purpose? Or have you asked yourself other existential questions about life. Is fate real? Are our lives being directed by some force, or is everything merely a series of random events? Are we truly free in this world? What does freedom truly entail? Where do the boundaries of freedom lie? How can we discern what is moral? What is the purpose of human existence? What does it mean to be human? At some point, every individual has likely asked himself at least one of these questions. Though the questions may be universal, the answers are inevitably unique. Each person is distinct, an individual with their own way of thinking. This is what defines our humans. To be different is not inherently negative. So why do we so often reject those who are different? Why do we avoid them? Why do we see them as adversaries? If we were all the same, life would lose its intrigue. There is beauty in diversity.

Early in the morning, as I lay in bed, my mind was already consumed with thoughts like these. For as long as I've known myself, I've been an overthinker. A flood of random thoughts would constantly occupy my mind. I glanced at the clock-it wasn't even seven yet. Once again, I had woken up before the alarm. And of course I hadn't slept well. I went to bed after midnight. I really shouldn't have gone out last night. Going out on Saturday night was enough. Thankfully, I didn't drink much. I only had a glass of whiskey. I didn't want to drink too much because I knew I had to report for duty Monday morning. Duty never tolerates excuse. Once more, my thoughts started to occupy my mind. I'll turn on the TV and catch up on what's happening in the world.

The floor was cold as I swung my feet over the edge of the bed. I switched on the TV, turned up the volume, and headed to the bathroom. I flipped on the light and squinted against the sudden brightness. After using the bathroom I grabbed my toothbrush. While brushing my teeth I was looking at the reflection of myself in the mirror. My eyes looked hollow, somehow empty and filled all at once. Then the ring caught my attention. That's where I must have left it. It was a silver ring, engraved with two "M"s. My wife and I had bought matching rings, and because they were so alike, we would sometimes mistakenly switch them. She would accidentally take mine, and I would take hers. Ever since she's been gone, I've worn my ring less often. I wanted to throw it away, but I couldn't. It still reminded me of Mary.

Lost in thoughts I heard a reporter's voice in the background talking about the Others. I left my bathroom to see what she was talking about.

- "In the early morning hours, soldiers from the World Safety Organization were active. Two young men were attacked by the Other. One lost his life, while doctors are fighting to save the life of the other. The soldiers were unable to capture the Other, and the search is ongoing."

It appears that my colleagues have had a busy morning. And there will be chaos at work, because they failed to capture the Other. On top of that, I must endure how my boss is lecturing my colleagues, because they were unable to do the work.

I left my ring near my bed, put on my uniform, turned off the TV, and departed for work. Before leaving my apartment I took a final breath and pushed the memory of Mary to the back of my mind. I hope that today will be a good day.