Echoes of Tomorrow

Exiting the building, the bustle of the city enveloped me. Wild Dog Station was a few blocks away, named after an infamous bar that once stood here. The station was a sprawling hub, with graffiti art depicting wild dogs running along its walls, adding a touch of rebellion to the otherwise sterile cityscape. My pace quickened as I approached FreshMart, the site of my recent job loss. I walked past with my head held high, half-hoping to be recognized by someone from the store.

However, my confidence faltered when I noticed a group of men nearby, spray-painting the walls and swigging beer. A chill ran down my spine as memories of the robbery flashed in my mind. I quickened my steps, trying to avoid any interaction.

Just as I thought I was clear, one of the men called out, "Hey, isn't that the juicy girl from the shop?" Laughter erupted from the group, and lewd comments about my figure followed. My heart pounded in my chest as one of them yelled for me to wait, to let him 'get a feel' of me. Panic set in. I started to run, the sound of their laughter and footsteps hauntingly close.

Running in these shoes was a nightmare. I darted through the streets, narrowly avoiding a car that honked angrily as I crossed on a red light. Glancing back, I saw the men were still pursuing me, their crude shouts echoing in my ears. "Please, not today," I begged silently.

Finally reaching the metro station, I saw police officers near the entrance. The men chasing me slowed down and eventually stopped, not daring to continue their pursuit in the presence of law enforcement. Relief washed over me as I passed the gates, my eyes flashing green to confirm the payment.

Gasping for air, I swiped my comlink at the gates, the green light flashing as I passed through.

Inside the station, people cast curious glances at me. I tried to compose myself, straightening my clothes and taking deep breaths. The echoes of the men's taunts still rang in my ears, but I forced myself to focus on what lay ahead.

"This is it, Marlene," I whispered to myself. "Time to change everything."

The screens in Wild Dog Station flickered with adverts, each trying to catch the attention of busy commuters. I tried to focus, sorting through my jumbled thoughts. Pulling out a stick of gum, I popped it into my mouth, hoping the minty freshness would help settle my nerves.

The train arrived, I stepped inside, still feeling the remnants of my earlier panic but determined to let it go. I found a seat and pulled out my comlink, scrolling through my playlist for that perfect song to calm my mind. Music had always been my escape, a way to shut out the world and find peace in chaos.

Finally, I settled on a track called "Echoes of Tomorrow" by The Lost Frequencies. It was an electronic piece with a haunting melody that somehow always seemed to resonate with me. The lyrics spoke of resilience and finding strength in oneself, a message that had always hit close to home. The pulsing beats and the ethereal voice of the lead singer provided a soothing backdrop to my tumultuous thoughts.

Listening to "Echoes" I let my mind drift. I thought about my past, about being an orphan with no memory of my parents. All I had from them was a name and a legacy of questions with no answers. My distant relatives had sent me to Crystal City Academy, a place where I felt more like a forgotten item than a student. They never visited, never showed any interest, until I turned 18. Then, they coldly informed me of the inheritance left by my parents, money that suddenly made me valuable in their eyes.

But that meeting, devoid of warmth or familial love, only strengthened my resolve to be my own person. I dropped out of the academy, a place I never wanted to be in the first place. That money, while not significant in the grand scheme of things, gave me the independence I craved. It allowed me to start a life on my terms, in a city that could be cruel but also full of opportunities.

As the train whisked me towards the city center, the song filled my ears, and its lyrics echoed in my heart. It was a reminder that despite the odds, I had come this far on my own. And now, with a potential opportunity at TriColor Corp, I was ready to face whatever came next.