The bitter wind came with heavy snow, a kind of weather that was already commonplace in Maliro.
It was as if the heavy snow would never stop falling here. Almost every few days, there would be a thorough cleansing. Though the snowflakes obscured all the filth of the human world, they also slowly stripped away humanity's hope of survival.
An old grandmother stood in the snow, holding her granddaughter's hand. The two of them trembled from the cold, stamping their feet and shaking their bodies in an attempt to ward off its harm.
The low temperature of the ground made feet more prone to frostbite, and those whose feet were frostbitten could not survive here for long.
A huge crowd was lining up in front of a strange, enormous vehicle that looked like a bus or a truck.
The grandmother and granddaughter had come to line up early. When their turn came, a staff member gave them a numbered tag.
"This tag determines whether you'll be able to leave. If you don't mind, I'll fasten it to your wrist."
The girl held out her hand. The staff member adjusted the wire-like band, making sure it would not come loose while also ensuring it was not too tight. Then they squeezed the tool in their hand.
With a click, a bracelet was fastened around the girl's wrist, impossible to break free from. A small metal tag hung from it, bearing her identity information and data of unknown genetic significance.
"Get on board. They'll conduct an assessment inside."
The girl looked at her grandmother. The old woman nodded and gave her two gentle pushes. "Don't worry about me. I'll wait for you outside."
Until the moment of parting arrived, people would never realize the sorrow of parting.
The girl boarded the vehicle.