Journey into the Mind, Part 5

Tear gas fell upon the rioting crowd as riot police moved forward against the protesters. The people were angry; the government had reduced their social benefits, exported jobs, and threatened them with the removal of their health care. The workers had had enough; the day after the government’s announcement, they mobilized en masse to strike against the government’s austerity. The anger of the crowd was palpable, and they continued forward regardless of the tear gas. Covering their mouths, they charged forward against the riot police. There seemed to be an infinitely long moment in between their charge and their inevitable clash with police, as if the anxiety and tension felt by every police officer were enough to stop the rushing crowd. The footsteps of the workers echoed off of the surrounding buildings, creating the sound of giants stomping. The workers continued charging, their anger and fervor driving them forward like a locomotive out of control. A single policeman, in the moment before the rioters made contact, withdrew his shield, drew his gun, and fired in fear. The crowd hit the police barrier with the force of Hercules, knocking many officers off their feet. Defending the capital building was the only objective for the police, regardless of cost or casualty. The only problem with their objective was that, at the moment, it seemed unlikely.