https://youtu.be/KIXySk4GId0 - SNOWBOUND CITY
You're instantly hit with an intense gust of freezing wind once outside. You don't remember the last time it's been hotter than 50 degrees in this part of town. It helps wake you up at the very least.
Everything in sight, from your front porch to the streets to the roofs of buildings, is covered in an inch or two of white powdery snow. Remarkably light for this time of year.
You begin your walk over to the nearby bar. It's going to take a while, might as well enjoy the sights and sounds along the way. You let out a shaky breath as you look around, keeping your eyes peeled.
It's early in the morning, so a lot of people are out and about, ready to start their day. A few kids run past you in their cute little winter coats, on their way to school. A crowd of workers of all various types of Companies pass by you. You swear you even saw a few robots or faceless Drones pass you by. The crowd mutters about meaningless nonsense you tune out.
What you care about more is the City itself. The living, breathing ecosystem you find yourself living in. The hum of neon signs in front of businesses. The smell of freshly cooked food from nearby restaurants. Laughs and cries blending in with video game blips and boops from a nearby arcade. Punk music blaring from a 'counterculture' store.
You wish you could turn your brain off and enjoy the simple pleasures these Cityslickers have. But you have a job to do, you don't have time to wander around like you used to. You shake your head, no need to worry about that. You still have a few more minutes until you're at the bar.
You pass by two people on a bench. An old man and a young girl, chatting about old times and precious memories of his former career. Something about being a cowboy? The girl seems ecstatic at the idea of her grandpa being one.
A turn around a corner. A young man sits next to a burning barrel, strumming his guitar. Singing lyrics that are equal parts cringeworthy and heartfelt. He glances at you as you pass him by. You flash your best attempt at a smile at him. He does the same.
[PERSON OF INTEREST] A man in a silver coat and hat passes you by. Your body shivers seeing him. You recognize what that outfit was. They're already up this early?
[PERSON OF INTEREST] Hopefully he's only here to observe, nothing else. Keep an eye out.
A group of teenager friends pass you by, arguing over who would be a better Cleaner. You didn't have the heart to tell them what a bad idea it was. It would only inspire them to try harder.
But, the walk gave you a moment to focus on something besides yourself. Taking in all of the sights...help you, you know? <span class="mu-g">Even if only for a bit, you've gained a bit of control back.</span> It's nice feeling normal for once.
You eventually reach the bar. Even standing out here, you can smell cigarette smoke, piss, and beer. The neon sign simply reads "NICOLAS'". Well, at least it'll be warmer if you go inside.
