A dark haired boy stands at the cash register of a nearby fuel station staring out the window, his brown eyes not registering the sun beaming through, or the birds passing by. His features are illuminated by the Sun, his high cheek bones, his prominent chin and strong nose, but his eyes stare blankly. Glossed over.
The day had been slow and Mainichi Yumi had slipped away again. His daily duties falling away along with his sight. From this central space between his ears, the shelves of the store didn't exist, nor did the person fueling up their sports car outside. Mianichi loved slow days. The kind you could slip away from the waking world. The days when you could simply Day Dream.
A small flat screen plays in the background, unheard by Mainichi.
A news caster for the local metropolitan area is reporting on a string of recent comas, aneurysms, and dementia. Many of which had struck of the brightest scientists and politicians, among dozens of citizens. Notably, the politicians in question were ones opposing the advancement of science for various political and religious reasons. The scientists were some of psychologies brightest, as well as leading technology entrepreneurs.
News Anchor Female - "This year we have experienced a massive spike in cases of mental health related to comas and aneurysms. It seems that last years dementia and schizophrenia 'outbreak' may have just been the beginning of what could be a new trend in mental health disorders. The families of these victims report that their loved ones did not show any signs before the symptoms began, and several different families told us that the symptoms of dementia and psychosis were not present as early as the day before. For more information as to what may be causing this recent trend, we go to neurologist professor at the state university.
The screen cuts to a middle aged man with a white button up. His beard dark and his hair unkempt.
Neurologist - "I have attempted to see the autopsy reports to little avail. It seems whatever is truly going on in this city may be being covered up. The recent string of comas, aneurysms, and other neurological conditions are not normal for adults in this age range. I have been told from an inside informant that parts of the brain have turned to mush as if cooked in a microwave. I believe something else is causing these symptoms, perhaps climate change, or chemical warfare we have yet to experience. I'm not certain as to the true cause but I know the government is covering it up! This political climate stifling scientific growth is what's to blame! The politicians in po-"
The screen cuts back to the news anchor shuffling papers.
News Anchor Female - "In other news, an up and coming entrepreneur is making waves in the business sector with his insight into technologies that will shape the future. Brokers are counting on him as every investment in the past few years he's suggested has led to massive returns. Find out more about this business mogul tonight at 6."