# data[].attributes.body
The stars sparkled like a million fireflies, painting the sky in shades of deep navy blue. In the distance, a storm raged, the thunder rumbling like the pounding drums in a war march. But in the midst of the chaos, a single white dove perched on a branch, eyes closed in peaceful slumber.

The night was as still as a graveyard; the only movement the swaying of the dove's branch. But as the marchers approached, the dove's eyes slowly fluttered open, as if awakened by the call for peace. It spread its wings, soaring towards the sky, leading the way. With each beat of its wings, the storm began to subside, the thunder quieting to a gentle rumble. And as the dove disappeared into the night

But in the heart of it all, a group of protestors marched, their voices raised in harmony as they sang of love and unity.

# data[].attributes.body
Floating. It floats and floats into a whirlpooling abyss that bounces it up and down in the choppy white horses. The species of the sea gather round and admire this feast that they thought was unthreatening, safe, edible but little did these poor creatures know, they were in for a not so pleasant treat. A turtle, green, shells harder than a rock. The clueless creature chomps on the plastic danger leaving not even a bite to spare. The poor creature, starting to suffocate, loses its breath and slowly falls to the sandy, rocky floor of the deep blue. The other sea life scurries away leaving not even a trace of their presence behind. They come across a piece of algae that they didn't hesitate to eat but they didn't know that this so-called algae was a danger to the deep they stop, they squirm and they slowly lose life. These plastic bags are taking away their life.

# data[].attributes.body
My feet hovered above the water as I saw my reflection, sad as ever. Slowly, quietly, I stretched to get a glance of its cooling sensation. Suddenly, I felt a tugging from behind, like usual it was my irritating father dragging me away. “I told you to stay away from the docks! The sea monster lurks there!” he screamed. I abided by his unreasonable demands and went back to my hut.

In the evening, I decided to go rogue, and I sprinted to the nearest boat. Immediately, I used my feet to push the boat into a swift motion and paddled deep into the darkness. All was calm, the moon light glistened on the surface… BAM! I felt a bump on my boat. THUMP. Another. Was it the sea monster? I hastily began to paddle back to shore with as much speed as my arms could handle, before I heard somewhat of a wailing sound behind me. It was a turtle, with a sheet of plastic straining its neck. No aggressiveness, no anger, just pain, because of us.

# data[].attributes.body
a We always look down on poor, working-class and even middle-class citizens in the government. It’s always declared that we are trying to fix problems unsuccessfully, but as everyone knows we have never even tried to appease their needs. Society works like this: everything eventually goes back to the affluent and wealthy. They are the gears and coating of this country, and we have grown to depend on them so much now it is unavoidable to create laws and loosen licensing rights to keep them doing business here. The people are rightfully angry. I am surprised they didn’t start a riot long before today. I hear the mob breach security, I can see the file vaults being breached; in the mirrored glass where I am standing, I catch a distorted glimpse of a person approaching – carrying a brand. I can stop it, but I don't try to. I deserve it.

# data[].attributes.body
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production

Vast spectrums of colour filled the fields, twisting into a mosaic of textures. I brushed my hands against the sparse blades of grass patches beneath me, the plastic bags blooming in the subtle breeze, the trees of water bottles shading the unrecognisable garment turf. Air thick with toxic fumes, the garbage trucks inhaled the stench, and only seemed to groan louder with each breath. These fields were once a luscious green—a natural green—but now they reflected a sea of sepia values sparingly dotted with neon chartreuse and fuschia. Resting on the bushes of plastic benches and barrels, I felt acid rain of sorrow strike against my skin; the blazing dunes of litter were bitterly struck down with the wrath of nature. This was a call from Earth: a cry of desperation, a cry for help. And a cry of revenge.

# data[].attributes.body
I cannot forget the beauty of the forest that enveloped me that I ran aimlessly along; the pungent smell of smoke that suffocated me while I chased the heavy fog; the scorning of thorned roses that trampled me as I tried to escape. I did not realise that something so captivating, could be so ugly in a matter of seconds.

Then I see it. Fire. A bright intensity invades my vision. I was unfamiliar with this burning sensation tugging at me that disrupted the regularity of my pounding heartbeat – flickering, but never died, while I paused to take in the great life force that surrounded this forest. I would be naive to think that I can ever get out. The heat that emanated from the gas-lit fire hit me that this is the repercussion of human greed.

# data[].attributes.body
Wind blows from all directions. Coolness traces across my skin, tearing through the cloth down my spine - it dances around me in a bizarre, yet alluring way. I cannot help but find myself trying to suppress my laughter as I am pulled towards the winds. While the sky greys and the tornado sped towards me, faster than a tiger would pounce onto its prey, a tune escapes my lips. The grasslands are plucked of its essence; the huts crumple like a paper drenched in water - but this subtle beauty only grows more intoxicating.

Next thing I know, everything is dark.

# data[].attributes.body
Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing

Sun beating blankets of warmth against me, I felt my skin peel in the thick, dry air. The wind was still—a calming kind of still—and time paused as the sun settled against the darkening horizon. Clouds bloomed like an ancient cherry-blossom tree above me, scattering the setting sun’s rays in a kaleidoscope of ambers and auburns, dispersing the heat’s wrath. Rough leather pinched the wrinkles of my skin, the sewed edges fraying.

I felt the sewed edges of my life fraying.

Threading my fingers through whispering wheat fields, I took one last glance. I thought back—back to when I was still young, curious, and full of energy. These fields that once led me to awe-struck wonder now felt humble in familiarity. Now, there wasn’t so much left in this world to discover: only in the next.

Breathing in my last breath, I closed my eyes: “Goodbye.”

# data[].attributes.body
Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation

Beads of sweat escaped from my skin as I gulped for air, desperate for the sight of the horizon. Involuntarily reaching for my absent water bladder, I turned around to see how far I’d come. Trees—as far as the eye could see—and no rivers in sight. When will this end? I swallowed back my discomfort, willing my muscles to work against the acid surging through me. One step; Breathe. Two steps; Breathe. Three steps; Breathe. My lungs ached with an indescribable pain. “It’s fascinating,” I breathlessly sighed to myself, “How such a basic movement can suddenly become exhausting.”. The back of my hand brushed across my damp brow: my exposed scalp unshielded from the blazing sun. This is too much—I can’t take this anymore. And suddenly—just as I felt my legs collapse from under me—I saw it:

Water.

# data[].attributes.body
The day the rain came - a plea from 2099.

I’ll never forget the day. The seas rose, and the rain came. The levees broke. Nature’s bath prevailed upon Earth in bountiful sobs. It was just a storm, they said. Nothing to worry about, they said. But when the rain died away to slow, rolling tears, the water didn’t drain - it rose, gushing through streets in a salty tantrum. And with it, our way of life. Echoes of laughter. Long-forgotten memories.

***

I watch my reflection ripple with every sweeping motion, the canoe tipping slightly with every breath I make; threatening to capsize. As if belonging to an alien being, pale eyes stare blankly back up. And then I saw it. Unfurling beneath the crest of water on which I perch, an entangled mess of the frozen past. Even now, buried beneath an expanse of deep blue, it seems to exude a certain elegance.

I had always wanted to visit Venice.

# data[].attributes.body
Imagine a world where no voices ring, where the chatter of children is unheard of, where no moonlight streaks through the windows of an old family home, where the sensation of happiness is a foreign emotion. where there is nothing at all and nothing to be heard. Instead in its place, lethal gasses seep through the dense atmosphere, the same lethal gasses that massacred the entire human race, the same lethal gasses that we could have done to stop. I trample through the thick mangled undergrowth, its thorns thrashing at my tear stricken face, resembling a wild beast clawing its way through into survival. My airmask drops. A sharp pain impales my chest, dragging across my aortic valve and slashing across my ribcage at a tedious speed, filling my lungs up with venomous gas, causing my feeble body to give in as the ground hits my skin, all goes black.

# data[].attributes.body
The boat swayed back and forth, mimicking the rhythmic sea as the midnight waves splintered the frail teak wood. The ocean was crammed with flickers of silver metal, dodging cautiously around the old vessel. It had been twenty years since the ship had last seen clear waters.
A flash of lightning darted across the empty granite sky, followed by the earsplitting boom of thunder. Bolts of rage blasted the inky void and, as every strike of lightning inched the boat closer and closer to its eventual demise, only to be forgotten, erased from existence.
Beyond the horizon, the land lay still, lifeless. Years of exhausting all its supplies had burnt it to its core. We had done it.

We broke the unbreakable.

# data[].attributes.body
I have lived with my Mother in worn alleyways for 5 years. Ever since Father died, Mother fell into a severe depression. It was the usual lonely day, I woke up in the alleyways, with dirt plastered on me like a bandage. There was a puddle beneath Mother’s face, probably from the uncontrollable tears. I heard the squeaking of mice, racing over the drains in the dark and small alleyway. Why did I have to live in the streets, eating the occasional food that is in the bin? Why did I have to wait for rain, to finally drink fresh water? I exited the alleyway, my long unkempt hair flying behind me as I raced to find some food from neighboring bins. Strong, salty tears fell down my face as I walked, sighing, back to the alleyway. We have no food to eat today.

# data[].attributes.body
Oh look! Another jellyfish, that guy threw it in the ocean for me. How nice of him, let me just eat that. Anyways, let me introduce you to myself. My name is Turtee the Turtle. I am a turtle and I am only 1 year old! I know, I am quite young but I know how to catch food, my parents taught me. The white, kind of transparent thing is called a jellyfish. I also know how to eat fish! I am also a boy and I have a brother, a mother and a father. Ow! Sorry I feel sick, my head hurts. I am going to vomit! It must have been that jellyfish. OW!...

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Diary,

It's day 783 of the great scorch. There is no point anymore. Ever since the rise in temperature the water evaporated and everything died. It's one dessert.  We could not stop it. This could be my last time writing. It has not rained in 5 days and the water supply is running dry. I have not found any more survivors. I think I'm the last human. The only other thing out here is the sand worms. Their boring underground makes underground tunnels near the mantle. The only chance of survival is to go down into the tunnels and see if there is water there. It's the only hope I have. The worms sense vibrations in the ground so I will hit the ground until one comes and then hook onto its back and ride it. Hopefully, I live.

Until then ill see you around.

H.C

# data[].attributes.body
My mouth starts to water as soon as I smell hot soup. I rush up to the desk to place my food order. I hadn't eaten anything in a while.

"You are not allowed any"

I look with astonishment at the counter worker.

I immediately become aware of everyone's attention focused on me. Everyone around me is whispering, and I can hear it. Why am I not allowed any?

The counter worker simply stares at me.

I follow his stare till it lands on my sleeve. the sleeve that I've been so proud to display. The sleeve bearing my six-pointed yellow star.

I'm drowning in the silence.

Someone who says, "He's a Jew!" with disgust shatters it.

As I'm being pulled out of the store, the whispers and points are more obvious than ever. I do not yet understand, what did I do wrong?

# data[].attributes.body
I dived into the ocean, surrounded by fish swimming up, down, left, and right. Until I saw a current I tried to swim away but it was too strong. I was sucked into the stream and I needed to get to the surface to breathe. Then I realized there was trash that was stuck to me that was stopping me from going up so I tried to get the trash off me. Is that a shark swimming towards me? Then I saw a shiver of sharks. I was so terrified as if my soul went out of my body. I tried to stay calm but I got unconscious. Eventually, I fainted but the last thing I saw was the sharks swimming away. Sometime later I woke up in the hospital. I called the doctor and she said I have water in my lungs. She said I was saved by 2 fishermen.

# data[].attributes.body
He looked down into the endless abyss below him. The water dark and murky he could barely see the reflection of his gaunt face on its surface. Sighing, he reached for his plastic bucket and tied it to the fraying rope he brought and began to lower it into the well. The water, so low this time of year it felt like an eternity before he felt the pressure release and the bucket hit the water. The hot sun stared down at him as he began to heave the bucket up the well. His palms sweating and exhausted could feel the rope begin to slip from his hand but he could see the bucket emerge through the surface of the well. So leaning over the edge he attempted to grab the bucket with his hands. He could hear the cool fresh water call out to his dry lips as he leaned just that extra inch further but panic surged through his body as he felt his foot leave the ground and his body lurch forward into the abyss.

# data[].attributes.body
I walk along the pavement, each step I take layering more soot onto my shoes. I feel the grimy air surrounding me that covers the stars which were once so visible. I can feel it seeping into my lungs. I cough, crimson liquid splattering. My body aches but I carry myself further. In the distance, a fox now completely covered in black whimpers and reluctantly lays down, wrapping its fluffy tail around itself before falling into its final slumber. A fire in my chest convinces me to quicken my pace. I can feel my heart beating in my ears. I glance up at the bold red letters above me reading ‘Emergency’ but I don't have time to shout. I fall to my knees, and clutch my chest.

The most painful goodbyes are preventable. If you raise your voice to the rain now, we can end this.

# data[].attributes.body
In the November of 1934, I had been working as a lobby boy for a well known hotel in Hungary. I had not known anyone prior to my employment at the establishment, and I had not heard from any relatives in some time. I don't think I ever felt truly lonely though. There was a girl who worked at the Bakery. She seemed to take an interest in me, and I quickly became infatuated with her. We made a plan, to get us out of there. We would save a bit of money, and move somewhere new. In the Autumn of 1939, we boarded a train to Poland. Midway through the journey, a few soldiers stopped our train. That's when I first saw the red armbands.

# data[].attributes.body
Darkness. That's all I know. It’s as if I hadn’t opened my eyes. I crave the light of morning. Darkness. It’s all that exists. A rumble. Cries from the others in their cages. My mouth is shut. I won’t let the darkness enter. The rumble gets louder and a sliver of daylight shows itself. The jaws open. Light. It is cold. I can see the other cages. Girls. Pale children with no hair. People with dark skin. People with hijabs. Some are missing limbs. Hundreds of boys enter. Their happy cries taunt me. I see red. They run. I can do that too. They laugh as they play. Blonde hair, blue eyes, strong bodies. Their minds are fresh. What about me? I could be just as smart. They are given everything on silver platters. We’re locked in silver cages. The boys leave. The jaws close.

Darkness.

# data[].attributes.body
Violently swerving, the boat lurched towards the giant island. Hail hammered down like bullets on the deck and I couldn’t see. Stomach wrenching, throwing my body forward as waves came from all directions, trying to kill me. I saw a sudden movement underwater. Agile and big, the monster dashed in circles around the boat in seconds. It had no fins, just a body and its head was pointed. It was circling my boat over and over as all I could see was a blur. It propelled upwards straight into the boat, causing my feet to crumble and my whole body was sent panicking. Parts of the boat flew everywhere and the monster disappeared. The boat was in ruins. There was only one way out of this. The island. The boat moved towards the island as I reached out, all I could feel was plastic.

I was doomed.

# data[].attributes.body
Parasite

There's a new parasite going around. Its name remains unknown.

It's barely noticeable at first; a slight itch that lingers for seconds.Then- as fast as it appears, it's gone.

Time persists as the itch delves deeper, curling into the crooks of your mind. Yet, it can still be easily ignored.

Eventually, it sprouts- growing tendrils that squirm and wriggle, now making its presence distinct. Extending its vines it spreads, throbbing pain slithering in its path. It takes root, hallowing an insatiable abyss within the confines of mortal flesh. Ivory daggers and crimson cacophonies wail and shriek, watching the spine contort as white spears pierce your fragile skin.

"Tell me!" You'll beg, branded with agony, "Who has evoked within me Erysichthon's curse?"

Amongst mumbled prayers and blurring vision the foul parasite will emerge, only to laugh and rear its ugly head at the sight of your plight. And when the light drains from your glossy eyes, it'll finally whisper its dreaded name:

Hunger.

# data[].attributes.body
The future waiting, new developments to be made. I lie on the lush ivy green grass, my mind racing at a million miles per hour. I hear whispers lingering above my ear. The flowers pollen drifts through the air making my nose tingle. The early morning breeze dances through my soft hair. The sound of the magpies ring in my ear. A graceful butterfly lands on my shoulder, the world stops. I stand up and the once sunny sky is dark, time passes so quick.

The world has awaken, the stars illuminate the sky. In the distance, you can see the lights of the bustling city. The trees are stalking soldiers, glaring over me. The wind is like a tsunami washing over me. The sound of silence calms me. The moon shines in my direction, blinding my eyes. I stand up ready to take on the future ahead of me.

# data[].attributes.body
As the train exited the unilluminated tunnel, I see the city for the first time. Dozens of glistening glass skyscrapers pierce from the ground to the sky like a beacon of hope. Covered in nature, trees and vines hang from every balcony in sight, making the city look and feel like a jungle. The lights glaring in my eyes was sunlight reflecting from the thousands of solar panels giving life to the city.

The harmonious mixture of concrete and nature gives a home to thousands of animals and humans. It was breathtaking. Slowly, the train came to a stop; I stepped onto the platform floor. A flood of emotions washed over me and a singular tear fell from my eye - I was in paradise.

We built this, or should I say we can build this.

# data[].attributes.body
The boy yanks his rod into the murky water. His hysterical laughter fills up the thick air as his bobber floats. The lake is mounted with waste, speckles of imperfection trampling onto an otherwise picturesque view.

The water levels are the lowest I have seen. It is the molecular motion of particles, an off-putting unpredictability that leaves you with endless ‘what if’s. His rod tip droops down heavily as he lets loose a small smile, which fades away as he becomes tight-lipped as he reels in a half decomposed fish.

But as beads of sweat trail down his face, I realise that we are not so different – he and I.

While he flaunts his aloofness, I stand in the sidelines, cowardly hiding in hopes of a knight in shining armour to save humanity in its most vulnerable state.

# data[].attributes.body
A lonely bowl, starving, glaring at itself, agonising reflections of scars on the bottom of the bowl.

I see no hope.

Seconds, days and years have gone by and not even a single grain of rice has become my everlasting saviour. Gradually, I feel the rise of jealousy consuming me- from the day I was born as a bowl, I always thought that I would be the wealthiest of them all and no one would ever be able to compete with me. But that was just a fantasy, a dream, a teardrop of hope wiped away.

Memories flash past and stab my heart with a damaged dagger of depression. Seeing my friends actively, happily, and elegantly made and being rescued by those prosperous beings has led me to rethink life as a whole.

Doesn’t every one of us deserve to have an equal amount of optimism in the world?