By: Nathan Geng

The man walked angrily through the store; his frustration was show evidently. I saw him approaching and immediately started running. He wore navy blue pants and a Nike t-shirt, and he was moving quickly, almost as if he was chasing me.

“You stole my money!” he yelled angrily.

I sprinted as fast as I could, my legs carrying me down the block and towards my shelter. I reached it swiftly and prepared myself for any possible confrontation. I was a part-time worker at Burger King and this place was my home, my sanctuary.

I noticed that the man was not alone. He had brought along some companions and they were getting closer. Desperate, I squeezed into a small opening next to a building, hoping to hide. Unfortunately, the man spotted me and started shouting, signaling his group to give chase. I knew this building well from my younger days of working here.

I dashed through the factory, familiar with its layout, and quickly made my way out. Now, we were on the rooftop, with the ground ten stories below. I was familiar with this place too, as it held memories of my past. I used to jump between buildings with a friend, until that tragic day when he stumbled and fell to his death. I had avoided this place ever since. But now, facing the pursuit, I considered making that daring leap. However, as I prepared myself, a loud ringing sound filled the air, and reality suddenly dawned on me. It had all been a dream, a fabrication of my imagination. I woke up and yawned in my pod, realizing that I was in the Matrix.