Until the Last Drop

June 25, 2030 was just a regular day for the people of Ashindor. As usual, the streets and highways were filled with vehicles accomodating commuters who were either going to school or work. On the sidewalk, various establishments are being opened serving lots of customers. People of all walks in life roamed in the metro, making a chorus of steps accompanied by the sound of engines. Among those who walk was a man who was neither going to school nor work. Though everyone on the sidewalk walked alone, when it is time to go home, everyone would expect their loved ones to greet them in their return. This man however won't expect a warm welcome by the end of the day. There is no one who will greet him, and there is simpy no home for him to sleep in. Many hours had passed, and morning quickly turned into dusk. He had no money, so he must find a space in the city for him to sleep in.However, the park benches were intentionally designed to be uncomfortable. It was too noisy under the overpasses, and the same goes for the alleys. He could've bought a tent, but he had to eat and drink. He tried to get a job all day, but he can't as he just got out of prison. He was free, but he contemplated if it was worth it. In prison, he can eat hot meals even though it tastes like s**t. In prison, he can lie in a nice bed even though the person next to him seems dangerous. In prison, he can have a nice shower as long as he won't drop the soap. In prison, he can a have a nice breathe of fresh air, and he won't have to wear his pesky air filter. To him, freedom was overrated. And so the man looked for an officer. It was easy, as they were all round the city. He finally decided that he wants to be free from the nightmarish outdoors. He found one, so he hastily drop his pants and pissed. He knows he will once again go to jail. It may be permanent, as it was his 5th offense, but at least he'll have a home to stay in for the rest of his life. The officer saw the man's criminal and as expected, the man was handcuffed and brought inside the police car. The man expected to be brought to the police station, but it seems that fate had other plans. "You know, freedom is overrated", said the man to the officer. The officer did not respond, so the man leaned forward. "Where is that thing they use? That scanner s**t? The one they use to scan filters? By the way speaking of filters, why are you wearing one Mr. Officer?", the man asked thinking something must be off. But it was too late. The smog got inside the vehicle, and anyone who breathes in the smog should expect a gruesome end. The man was awake. He looked around, and saw rows and columns of chairs around him. He felt like it was De Javu. But something tells him that that his surroundings was real, even though time felt too fast. Next thing he knew, he already took 45 periodical exams. He relived every day of his elementary, high school, senior high school He experienced his first betrayal for the 2nd time. He saw his first crush for the 2nd time. He got his 1st award for the second time. He took his first entrance test for the 2nd time. He experienced his first lab experiment for the 2nd time. He experienced his first promenade dance for the 2nd time. He missed out on having his first time for the 2nd time. Every new experience he once had was no longer new. Because of this, he knows that he is dying. His whole life had been replayed, from his earliest memories down to his last fatal breath. "Farewell, very sweet and forgiving word", he uttered as he was waiting for the eternal abyss to consume him.