One by one, they passed through a narrow corridor, its walls grim and sterile under the bleak paleness of the fluorescent lights. As they moved, they glimpsed rooms on either side, each indistinguishable from the next, illuminated by the harsh, white glow from within.


    Ivan was the first to step into one of the rooms. As he crossed the threshold, the door swung shut behind him, plunging the corridor back into shadow. The light from his room disappeared.


    Next, the supervisor stumbled toward another door, his body shaking with panic. His breathing was rapid, erratic. He clutched at his chest as if the weight of the situation had finally overwhelmed him. He collapsed, breaking into a sobbing fit. The man in black had no choice but to grab the supervisor’s arm and drag him into the room, his cries echoing in the hallway. The door shut with a heavy thud.


    K watched, his heart racing, as the sequence continued. He stepped forward to the last door, the final one at the end of the corridor. The air seemed to grow colder as he entered the room. Inside, the light was blinding. The room was stark and empty, save for a solitary desk and a chair facing it. Another man in black sat behind the desk, his uniform identical to the others. The door clicked shut behind K, and he was left alone with this new presence.


    "Mr. Kane," the man began, his voice cold and unwavering, "Let’s stick to K. You are here because you''re guilty of murder."


    “Murder?” K’s voice was shaky, disbelief rising within him. “What do you mean? I’m here to give evidence. I’m innocent!”


    The man’s expression remained unchanged. “Your sentence has already been pre-determined. You are a murderer.”


    K’s heart began to race. “How? Why? What happened?”


    "We received a report that you were on the tube yesterday when a shooting occurred. A passenger died right in front of you."


    K closed his eyes, the memory flooding back. “I remember that... I was so tired, I thought it must have been a dream.”


    "The gunman was masked, and we cannot verify his identity."


    “But I was just sitting there! I couldn’t possibly be the murderer!”


    “No, but there were things you could have done to prevent the murder. You could have offered him your seat.”Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    K shook his head, his thoughts spiraling. “There were so many other people around who could have done the same. Why me?”


    “Because he was standing right in front of you."


    K’s mind spun. "He could have chosen to stand anywhere else. Why does it matter that it was me?"


    The man leaned forward, “That’s exactly why you’re here. The reason he was shot is simple: because you did not give him your seat. Had you offered it, the murder would not have occurred.”


    K’s mind reeled. “But the gunman must have planned it. Who has free access to firearms?”


    The man’s lips twitched slightly, as if considering the thought. “Interesting thoughts, Mr. K. However, I’ve already reached my conclusion. I’ve gathered all the information I need from you.”


    He then stood up “The court will proceed. May good luck be with you.”


    He continued: “I hope you can explain yourself to the judges. My job here is done. I’m simply here to prove that you’re guilty, so you’ll be moved to the next stage”


    K felt a surge of anger rise within him. “Next stage? What are you talking about? You’re just following orders.”


    The man didn’t flinch. “I am here to ensure the process is followed. What happens next is not up to me.”


    “But you’re the one who decides what happens to us! You’re the one who labels us as guilty with no real evidence!” K’s voice was rising, frustration turning into desperation. "You’re telling me this whole thing is just about giving people a sentence? No matter what we say, what we’ve done?"


    The man’s expression didn’t change, “You misunderstand. My job is to gather the facts, to ensure the law is carried out. If you’re truly innocent, then you will have your chance to speak your truth in front of the court. But, until then, your fate is already sealed.”


    K’s chest tightened. “So, it’s all just a show then..”


    The man’s lips curled. “If you want to think of it that way, sure. But the truth is, there’s no place for questioning. No place for dissent. You will be moved to the next stage. I suggest you prepare for what comes next.”


    K’s pulse quickened, his mind spinning with panic and disbelief. “I need a legal representative… You didn’t even give me the option. And now, suddenly, I’m a criminal? A murderer?” His voice cracked, but he fought to keep it steady. “I’m just someone who works in an office, who takes that tube home daily at the same time! How am I supposed to be guilty of this?”


    He couldn’t control the anger now, “This isn’t justice! This isn’t right!” His voice rose, "I didn’t ask for any of this! I didn’t ask for any of this!”


    The man is unaffected by K’s emotions. “It doesn’t matter. The facts are clear. And the truth is, you were there. The court has decided that’s all that matters.”


    K stared at him. “I won’t go down quietly. I’ll make them listen.”


    The man said indifferently “I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Mr. Kane. You can scream all you want. But in the end, the court decides, and your voice won’t matter.”