Cracks in the Rules

The Lottery of Empathy – Post 5: Cracks in the Rules

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

Back Alley – Day 32

They shared a sandwich behind a recycling bin.

Juno held half in their hand like it was made of glass. Malika ate hers slowly, chewing longer than necessary, savoring every bite.

“You talk to anyone?” Juno asked.

Malika shook her head. “Just you.”

“Good. They watch everything.”

“You think it’s real? That someone’s really going to give us millions for this?”

“I think someone’s sick enough to watch us for fun.”

Malika laughed, but it wasn’t funny. “I hope they choke on their conscience.”

They sat in silence, the wind lifting Juno’s hoodie. A rat skittered past. Neither flinched.

“If you could leave right now,” Malika whispered, “but had to go back to how things were—would you?”

Juno didn’t answer.

Text Message – Day 34

Mira: I saw you. At the church steps. You looked right at me.

Shannon: We’re not supposed to talk.

Mira: I don’t care. I’m scared, Shan.

Shannon: Me too.

Mira: Do you think it’s her? That she’s behind this?

Shannon: Who else would know us all?

Mira: If it is... I don’t know whether to thank her or kill her.

Shannon: You’d have to find her first.

Surveillance Note – Donor Log

Day 35. They’ve started finding each other.

It’s earlier than expected, but not surprising.

People underestimate the human need to connect, even in silence. Especially in silence.

Mira broke the rules. Shannon responded. They’re afraid. Good.

Malika and Juno are bonding. That may be useful later—or dangerous. We’ll see.

Danny is cracking but still standing. Riley writes every night. Jay watches from a distance. Bruno, of course, suspects everyone.

One of them will walk. One always does.

The test isn’t about who’s strong. It’s about who’s changed.

They think they’re being watched.
They don’t realize—they’re being witnessed.

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