The Examples

THE EXAMPLES

CHAPTER 1

THE PLAN

It was a morning similar to the usual day-to-day life. The sky displayed blue, purple, and orange hues. Switch had been following his routine for months. His surveillance had gone smoothly. From his vantage point by the entrance, he blended in without drawing attention. To others, Switch appeared as just another person at the gym, engaged in their workout. However, he was observing.

From the reflective gym windows, he monitored all areas - the stretching section, the weights area, the lines of cardio machines, and most importantly, the sole entrance and exit. This phase required patience, involving months of routine observation and maintaining a low profile.

Now, the surveillance phase was complete. The critical phase commenced, which held significant consequences and could not be reversed.

The sounds that came from the gym would have you believe it was alive.

Feet pounding against the treadmill, the rhythmic stair climbers going up and never really moving, the controlled breathing and breathless conversations that bounced off the walls, mixing with the pumping music that echoed from the speakers.

The energy and blind routine create an illusion of safety, and no one notices the cracks.

Switch adjusted the treadmill speed and incline. His movements were slow, smooth, and calculated. He was present but not immediately noticeable.

He observed the room, taking note of everything, he saw.

Personal trainers were engaged in discussions about techniques. Weightlifters were exercising, people were admiring themselves in the mirrors. Runners were focused on their routines, with headphones isolating them from their surroundings.

"Blind. Every last one of them," Switch remarked with frustration, shaking his head at the collective ignorance of society. He pondered the ease with which people adhere to blind faith.

Alarms were ignored and red flags were overlooked, as often happens. There was an implicit trust in any system to ensure safety. The assumption was that if there were a real danger, someone would intervene. This belief persisted without further consideration, without knowing or questioning who this responsible individual was or when they would appear to alert others to the dangers.

The naivety of individuals, treating the world with the simplicity akin to a child’s comfort in a pacifier, reflects a certain blindness.

Months of tracking, observation, and meticulous planning ensured that Switch’s strategy would proceed without deviation.

This endeavor had transcended personal revenge and evolved into a demonstration of proof—evidence that ignorance has consequences and that people often overlook vulnerabilities until they become ensnared by them. Switch continued to advance his plan, adhering to the prediction that realization would come too late for intervention.

CHAPTER 2

THE ALARM

A sharp blast resonated through the gym as the alarms sounded, accompanied by lights blinking in erratic patterns of red and green. Despite the piercing sound, it did not elicit concern from those present. Initially, the alarm was disregarded, drawing only brief glances from a few individuals who perceived it more as an inconvenience than a threat. The machinery operated uninterrupted, conversations continued, and the noise was deemed a malfunction and considered to be the responsibility of others.

Switch remained motionless, observing and anticipating. No one reacted or showed concern.

This was entirely predictable. Individuals often disregard warning signs, assuming that others will address the issue. The consistency of human behavior was evident as the alarm continued to sound with persistent intensity, yet there was still no response.

People did not heed the warnings or their surroundings, absorbed in their activities. The alarm sounded again, louder and with more urgency. After a few moments of hesitation, more individuals began to notice. As the machines slowed down, a sense of unease spread through the gym.

It was too late. They were too slow to react, and the countdown had already progressed. The wake-up call was imminent, and ignoring it was no longer an option.

CHAPTER 3

THE INTRUDERS

One of the intruders, led by impulsiveness and a natural inclination towards anger, shattered any lingering echoes of sounds.

BANG, BANG, BANG Bullets sprayed across the vending machines, shattering glass into lethal fragments. Energy drinks burst open, the liquid spilling like blood. The violence lasted only seconds, but that was all it took, finally, the seventy eight clueless gym members snapped to attention.

In a moment of sudden concern, time seemed to extend indefinitely. A slight tremble in a trainer's voice marked the transition from routine to heightened alertness, creating an atmosphere of urgency and apprehension.

Amidst the chaos and panic, Switch emerged among the crowded gym attendees. He had blended in seamlessly and went unnoticed until he deliberately approached the second intruder, who appeared to be equally menacing.

Without a word, Switch set down a heavy-duty duffel bag with a loud thud, the sound so loud, it ricocheted off the walls, marking the moment when indifference gave away to a sawing realization of vulnerability. A slight smile appeared on his lips as he looked around the room, assessing the level of attention. "It seems we have their attention now," the second intruder stated in a calming voice.

Switch draped an arm over the second intruders’ shoulder, Switch had a sharp mocking grin, as his eyes gazed out to the trembling crowd. “You see Rix,” Switch said, his voice laced in amusement. “This- right here- is what I call ‘from indifference to fear’” He gestured lazily, showcasing the fearful faces before them, as if presenting a masterpiece to admirer.

A chuckle rumbled in his throat. “Look at them, today Rix, we show them what my indifference truly means. What my fear has molded me into.” His fingers twitching at his side, barely containing the energy and adrenaline coiling within him.

His eyes darkened. “And believe me, fear changes a man!”

Rix stood grinning, as he watched the terror in their eyes. He licked his lips, savoring the moment, his gaze hungry. Fear was power and the power was exhilarating.

Switch turned to the members, his tone almost playful, but there was no mistaking the command beneath it. “Now, he drawled. “We are going to be good little boys and girls and all those in between and hand over phones, devices, jewelry, clothes, shoes…..everything” His chuckles was cold, devoid of warmth or remorse.

“Vulnerability” Switch mused, “let us see it in full view.”

His eyes flicked to Rix. “Strip them of their humanity”

The trembling gym members obeyed; hesitance swallowed by dread. One by one, they relinquished their possessions, casting them into Rix’s waiting hands.

Switch nodded, pleased. “Good listening!”

CHAPTER 4

THERE IS ALWAYS A REASON

A jammer had been placed to block out all the signals, calls, texts, emergency connections, gone. There would be no outside help, no frantic warnings sent out. No one would be stopping the plan.

Switch paced, his movements erratic, his pleasure evident in the way he soaked in the horror on their faces.

“Turn your attention to the exit,” he continued, gesturing toward the newly trapped doorway. “It has been updated… to ensure a rather explosive reaction to any hero who thinks they are something they are not!”

The crowd trembled with fear, anxiety and overwhelming panic.

The gym was a primary territory, a gathering spot for the wealthy, the powerful, the influential. And for months Switch and Rix had been studying the routine of their selected targets. And now, it was time to collect.

Rix sorted the members, separating the Ten VIP hostages, personally selected for their social importance.

“Would it not be VIH instead of VIP?” Rix joked, laughing at his own attempt at dark humor.

A heated argument broke out, as Switch waved his gun animatedly. “No! who says that? Who walks around saying VIH? That is ridiculous! The hostages are still people, pathetic, sure but even that starts with a P!”

His frustration faded quickly, replaced with cool calculation.

“Just keep them in there.” He pointed to the caged off Pilates section.

Rix obeyed, separating them from the others.

“What about the rest?” Rix asked, glancing at the remaining gym members, the unfortunate extras, now potentially collateral damage.

Switch surveyed them, his eyes scanning for problematic variables. He was not interested in slaughtering them, yet.

“Section them off into groups of four, cable tie them together. Lock them to the toilet rails inside the cubicles. Keep them out of the way, but make sure nobody escapes.”

And then, finally, Switches examples were left.

The chosen hostages, the ones who would make the point crystal clear.

Switch returned his attention to them, his chosen examples.

“Is it not odd how we can predict what is going to happen?” Switch mused, pacing in front of the examples. “Chain reactions. Cause and effect. And yet, we as a society do nothing to stop them, always waiting for the last second, like a bad bluff in a poker game.

Switch stepped closer.

The examples sat stiff, afraid to move, afraid to breathe, their lesson was just beginning.

CHAPTER 5

REASONS, ARE EVERYTHING

Switch's voice was sharp and strained, with a noticeable crackle at the edges as if under significant stress.

He paced violently; his thoughts were slamming together too fast, too loud. As if her were suffocating in the air, his chest heaved, eyes burning as he tore through the room, hands gripping his gun, forcing submission.

“You know the irony?” Switch’s voice carried through the gym, smooth yet edged with something dangerous. He moved in slow and deliberate stride, circling the examples, his presence suffocating.

“None of you had to die today!” Switch said, as he spread his arms wide, almost theatrically, as if presenting a grand illusion.

“But your insistence on waiting, on letting things spiral before taking action, well, it means I simply must oblige. And after all, until this morning, did you all not agree this was the correct way to govern? The right way to protect? The best way to help? The right way, right?

The examples shuddered as switch paced, his movements erratic yet controlled, like an animal enjoying the hunt. His gun flailed in his hands, unpredictable, capable of going off at any moment.

The weight of his words pressed into them, words soaked in bitter conviction, laced with an unsettling logic.

The examples sat frozen, terrified yet listening, trapped in the reality of his unhinged lecture.

“So then,” he continued, eyes widened with twisted amusement, “you would have to say this is the right way, after all, think of the changes that will be made because of today.”

The bravery bug bit one of the examples and with an act of defiance breaking through the fear, a man, fueled by narrow courage and short-sighted hope, stood abruptly. “What if nothing changes?” The example, challenged. “What if our freedom was taken, and you still do not get what you want!”

Provoking irate individuals was unwise, yet this example continued to provoke Switch, appearing indifferent to the potential anger he might incite.

Switch paused, his body still. Every muscle locked in place except for one thing, his lips, curling into a smirk.

“But I want you all to die,” Switch shared. His voice is quiet but razor sharp. He tilted his head slightly, examining the brazen example like he was a puzzle. “So, tell me, who says I will not get exactly what I want?”

The room tightened with dread, they feared and coward against the wall, some prayed, and others pleaded directly to Switch for mercy and others hoped quietly that police would save them.

For Switch, this was not a game, this would be the last day for many.

Switch had been led to this moment. He had not always been a man filled with anger, devoid of alternatives, determined to see others suffer and learn from their choices by experiencing the consequences of their actions. Previously, he did not adhere to an "eye for an eye" mentality; Once, he was like them, a standard member of society. Someone who believed in helping, someone who had faith in change.

However, now he aimed to exact a more severe retribution.

CHAPTER 6

TWO WRONGS, FORCE A CHANGE

Switch experienced betrayal, dismissal, and mistreatment by the very system designed to protect and serve. He was subjected to the harsh reality of selective justice, where value was often determined by convenience. Certain individuals were considered eligible for assistance, while others were identified as financial, physical, mental liability, an uncomfortable truth often overlooked.

“I have made my peace with contradictions, lies and mind games,” Switch continues, his voice drenched in bitterness. “I do not care about a ‘fair’ fight anymore.”

He exhaled, slowly.

“Then again…. I did learn that from the likes of you, my very own selected examples.”

Pausing near the scattered snacks, remnants of the vending machine carnage, he let thoughts linger, allowing the weight of his rage to settle in.

“I tried.” He muttered, kicking a few loose protein bars. “I tried to keep being good, to rise above the outlandish treatment I was given. But somehow, I always end up covered in metaphorical shit!”

A dark chuckle escaped his lips.

Switch frisbee threw a protein cookie at one of the examples. “Here, I am no monster.” He grinned, mocking their terror. “A last meal is important, is that not what they say?”

Switch laughed, amused by the fear of his examples.

Switch’s shoulders tensed slightly, as he paced, considering his next words.

“My purpose was stripped away, bit by bit. No matter how much I fort to keep it, to keep my sanity, you or versions of you, swooped in and took it, sucked me dry until there was nothing left. No carrot at the end of the stick, nothing to entice me to keep going. And with no reward- well, that illusion of hope! That delusion of change! It shattered!”

Switch’s gaze darkened.

“And in that moment, I realized…. Freedom is a myth, a fabrication and, it entitles you to nothing!”

CHAPTER 7

YOUR MISTAKES, BECAME MINE

A moment of silent peace touched each of the individuals as they transitioned from fear to uncertainty. They questioned the seriousness of the man's actions. Would he truly follow through with his stated intentions, or was he, despite his violent theatrics, merely seeking recognition? Perhaps he was simply a man in need of compassion, overwhelmed by grievances that he struggled to relinquish.

Another brave example stood up, braving the chance to speak.

“There was nothing we could have done,” she said carefully, trying to build compassion and connection. “We just work there. We are not gods, what would you have wanted us, individually, to have done?”

The example had made a huge mistake.

Switch did not like misplaced courage. Without hesitation, he grabbed her, dragging her toward the closest weight machine.

“Set it to twenty-three kilos, now!”

The woman trembled, her breath shallow as she pleaded, shaking her head no, she pleaded but her voice broke, and words would not come.

“DO IT NOW!!” Switch screamed in her face.

Concerned for her safety, she took a deep breath to regain her composure. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the settings.

Switch moved the chest press bar, lifting the 23-kilogram weight towards himself. "Lay your hand flat on the weight," he instructed.

The example went pale, her eyes darted from let to right wildly, her body shaking and her voice quivering as she begged for mercy, tears in her eyes “Please, please you do not have to do this.

Switch examined the example without response to her appeals for assistance, compassion, and leniency. Her pleas, however, did not evoke any sympathy, much like his own previous appeals.

"Put your hand on the weight bar, or I'll add thirty kilos. You have three seconds," Switch said, starting to count. "One, two..." Before he could finish, she complied.

Switch released his grip, the weights slammed down with a brutal force.

A scream tore through the gym. Switch leaned down, his mouth near her ear.

“There was nothing I could have done.” His tone was eerily calm. “I am just a criminal; I am not god.” Switch continued to mock.

Switch then straightened himself back upright, turning to face the rest of the examples.

“Now,” he announced. “If everyone is finished making points, can we move on with it.”

Switch’s gaze scanning their faces, lingering, waiting to see if another would dare speak out. Would another example sacrifice themselves for nothing?

Silence.

Complete, suffocating silence… Not even a sniffle among the examples.

It took two hours before the police finally realized how serious the situation had become.

Too late.

Or maybe, it had always been too late.

Not just for the examples.

Not just for Switch.

For them all.

Forgiveness had been an option, once,

An arm’s length away.

A graspable resolution.

Possible, once upon a time.

BUT,

No one reached for it.

No one held accountability.

No one helped when it mattered.

The refusal to act, the dismissal of pain, the blind dis

regard for

those falling apart…

These were the sparks that ignited the fire, and now the consequences had been painted all over the gym walls.

THE END