The Water Line
When water is no longer a right—but a privilege.
“Next.”
“Two liters. Please.”
“ID.”
“Here.”
“...Your ration has been reduced. You’re over quota for the month.”
“What? No, that’s not—there must be a mistake.”
“The system doesn’t make mistakes.”
“My kids—"
“Your revised allocation is 1.5 liters. Take it or leave it.”
“I have two children. This isn’t enough.”
“You can purchase extra credits if you qualify.”
“I don’t. My wages—"
“Then you’ll have to make do.”
“You don’t understand, they’re sick. They need clean water—"
“Everyone does.”
“Please, I—I’ll do anything.”
“Step aside.”
“Just listen to me!”
“Step. Aside.”
“Wait, wait—NO! Don’t touch me—let go! LET GO!”
“Next.”
Real headlines that vaguely resemble today’s fiction:
https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/water-shortage-30-kyaukphyu-township-villages
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