The Void Gospel

“The reason people think it’s not easy to take a life” - the stranger’s words cut through the silence so unexpectedly that it made Kira flinch - “is because most of them don’t realize they’ve already taken one.” His voice was calm, collected, and could've been soothing. Her eyes were slowly adjusting to the darkness, revealing a man in his fifties standing over her. Well dressed, neat. Absolutely nothing threatening about him, everything terrifying about the situation. She just came to, tied and gagged in a dark wooden shed. Last thing she remembered was her evening jog through the woods. “People romanticize the concept of reincarnation” - the man continued. “They misunderstand it as a dignified, peaceful ascension of the soul into the afterlife and its resurfacing as a whole new person. Ebb and flow of life and death.” He chuckled. “Quite a comforting thought, to those who subscribe to this belief. Entirely wrong. That’s just not how it’s done.” Kira heard the man’s words, but cou...

 “History of humanity” - Alexei Mullins began his speech - “is a story of denial and deception.” All heads turned towards the balcony, upon which the celebrated architect had appeared. “Today, I stand before you not just as an architect of structures. I have designed for you a new paradigm.” The grand opening of the Worrington Plaza had been the talk of the town for weeks. The brutalistic, concrete form of the complex stood out from the Chicago skyline, with its metallic windows reflecting sunlight in a peculiar, prismatic way contrasting with its porous, dark gray walls which reminded the onlookers of ancient gravestones. It was controversial to say the least, not unlike many previous buildings designed by Mullins.  The 32-story plaza, prestigiously located on Randolph Street, overlooking the harbor and the Daley Park, was intended as a multipurpose commercial complex. Not much was known about the private investor behind the project, Freddie Worrington Jr. Mullins, who on the...