https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-14.mov This alley was different from the rest of the town: Bohemian tapestries were everywhere, accompanied by frankensteined together, provisional weapons. These metal objects littered the floor; They appeared rusted and displayed with no organization planned—Conduits welded to blades, crowbars attached to saws—and other metal objects that had no business being bound together. Hippie Girl …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-13__.mp4 In her pain, Jioni had no animosity toward this rat. She struggled to get up and found herself seated once more. Jioni couldn’t help but notice how it was able to defend itself against others while she couldn’t fight against Mac. The rodent’s weapon wasn’t shiny or new either, so Jioni’s eyebrows lowered, and …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-12__.mov To her side the mutant that was still there. Jioni didn’t know which eye to focus on—the two at the top or the one on its forehead—despite being a rat of some kind, she made the ill decision to compare herself to it. Jioni sat up straight and stared at it. The rat didn’t …
“I don’t want to fight you,” Jioni said as she rocked back and forth. “You should stop whatever you’re doing.” Mac held his stomach with tears in his eyes. “Fight me? I know you won’t.” Jioni held the lance higher and took a step closer. “And that stance, your posture, oh, that’s embarrassing,” Mac said …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-10-1.mov Jioni observed the lance. It was nice only because it was new; she rarely saw anything new. Not a single scratch or dent on it–a true oddity in these times. She held the weapon white-knuckled and incensed, amazed at its beauty–It should be hers instead. Jioni was urged to run off and practice with …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-9-1.mp4 “Mac, you’re better than this,” Jioni said. “Jonesy, I’m just testing out my new Junior Agent lance,” Mac said, showing it off in his hand. “Isn’t it nice?” The weapon made Jioni burn with envy, and it must’ve shown because Mac responded with an even wider smile. But Jioni’s attention shifted to the sound …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-8.mov As Jioni slowed her run to a jog, several distinct sounds bounce off the brick walls: Squeaks, footsteps, and shuffles—none seemed natural. Something different from the typical empty silence. Jioni didn’t turn around. Whatever made those dreaded noises ahead couldn’t be worse than confronting LaMesha again. Jioni got closer—the sound got louder. In time, …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-7-1.mp4 Jioni hesitated but looked up at LaMesha, who had an intense stare full of hatred. “Where are you going in such a hurry?” LaMesha asked in her dull, flat voice. Jioni swiftly went around her. She remained silent at first, not wanting to answer LaMesha’s question, but sighed, then obliged, knowing the possible repercussions. …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-6_.mov In her scurry, Jioni didn’t see LaMesha: an Agent on patrol, but she was able to recognize those habitual robotic footsteps from anywhere. LaMesha was tall—to talk to her, you always had to look up. She wore her dark hair in a braided bun. Her blue and white uniform was clean as she paced …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1-5.mov She left her home in a hurry but was stopped by an uncooperative door; Jioni attempted to shut it several times with no success. Using her body to push it, then she slammed it, but in her impatience, she left it closed but slightly cracked, then sprinted down the steps; she jumped over the …
