807
Although Backlund's curfew had nominally ended, in practice, it remained an unspoken rule everyone observed.
Under the current economic conditions, more and more people were losing their jobs, and more and more vagrants were appearing on the streets. It was said that the economic downturn caused by the impact of the war had driven large numbers of people into the East Borough, almost filling all the homes that had been emptied by the Great Smog.
Not only that, but people driven mad by hunger frequently turned to crime. News of streetwalkers, vagrants, and men and women who lived or traveled alone being murdered appeared in the newspapers again and again, accompanied by reports of their money, possessions, and food being looted. The people of Backlund felt both numb and fearful. As a result, few risked going out at night, and even those who had to leave home for work often traveled in groups.
But now-
Among the first wave of people to rush out were believers of the Church of the Storm, as well as those who charged toward the nearby food distribution points thinking, "Let's give it a try," or, "Surely no one would dare deceive people in the Church of the Storm's name?"
Mrs. Stalin Sammer was among them. She ran breathlessly alongside the lady she knew, following the crowd as they hurried toward their destination street. As older housewives, they could hardly outrun the workers or young people. Although they had left early, by the time they arrived outside the food distribution point with their hands pressed to their waists, a fairly long line had already formed.
After reaching their destination, Stalin hurriedly put a little distance between herself and her friend before she had even caught her breath.
When food and livelihoods were at stake,