I knew then that, whatever way that light affected people, I had to move quickly and find shelter before it was too late. I hurried through the streets, surrounded by the putrid vestiges of a decaying city, dodging abandoned cars blocking the path. Everything had been closed for days; the authorities had issued clear warnings to stay home and only go out in cases of extreme necessity. But every second under that unsettling sun provoked an intense feeling of vulnerability, as if something invisible were slowly devouring me.

  My mind wandered, confused by the inexplicable phenomenon, as I headed towards the local police station hoping to find survivors or at least a safe place. Upon arrival, I saw a makeshift barricade of patrol cars and a checkpoint, forming a defensive circle around the building, like a last futile defense against what we didn't understand. The main door was open.

  I hadn't taken more than three steps when, suddenly, a shotgun appeared before me, aimed directly at my face. It was a policeman, or at least he looked like one in the uniform, though he wore a gas mask that made him unrecognizable. I froze, torn between hope and terror.

  —I'm just looking for shelter —I managed to articulate after a long, tense pause.

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  The man didn't respond immediately; he remained silent, watching me intently from behind his gas mask.

  —I don't give a shit —he finally said, his voice hoarse and broken—. This world offers no shelter anymore. We're just meat slowly burning under a light no one can turn off. Why should I let you in?

  I hesitated for a moment, but answered firmly:

  —Y-you're the law.

  The policeman let out a bitter laugh.

  —The law died first. Do you know what my superior said before I executed him? That what we're living now is the only real justice: each one facing the void. Now, close that door. Close the damn door right now!

  I obeyed immediately, closing the door behind me. He stepped back slightly, and in that movement, I sensed imminent danger. I threw myself to the side just as I heard the shotgun blast echo through the building. I ran, hunched over, driven by survival instinct, quickly passing through a door that seemed to lead to the reception area, slamming it shut behind me.