The Grim Barbarity Of Optics And Designseveranc... | 2024 |

Irving looked back at the marauders in the painting. He realized then that the glowing ID cards weren't just lights; they were the only things the workers could see. They weren't attacking out of hate. They were attacking because the "Optics" of the room had been designed so they couldn't see anything else. "Let's change the design," Irving whispered.

This is a short story inspired by that chilling piece of art. The Grim Barbarity of Optics and DesignSeveranc...

Suddenly, the elevator hummed in the distance—the sound of an "Outie" leaving, a consciousness being switched like a light bulb. Irving looked back at the marauders in the painting

Burt stepped closer, the light finally catching the silver in his hair. "The grim barbarity isn't the killing, Irving. It's the design. Look at the eyes in the painting." They were attacking because the "Optics" of the

Burt reached out, his hand hovering near Irving’s. For a moment, the barbarity of the office faded. There were no departments, no refinements, and no corporate legends—only two men, standing in a hallway, choosing to see each other despite the dark.

"They tell us you butchered us," Irving said, gesturing to the carnage on the canvas. "And they tell you we butchered you ."