8.31.25: No More Privileges

They don’t send police anymore. If you break the rules, your privileges vanish. One day you can stream movies, order lunch, unlock your door. The next, the algorithm flags you. No explanation, no appeal. You’re “paused.” Your apartment still works, but you can't go outside. You can't message anyone. No one answers your calls. It’s not a punishment, they say. It’s just recalibration. Most people come back. Some don’t. I’m still here, waiting. I don’t know what I did. Maybe nothing. Maybe everything. My smart fridge still offers meal suggestions. That’s nice. At least I won’t starve while I disappear.