Denise's heart raced as she stood in the dim light of her tiny kitchen, staring at the empty countertop. The familiar scent of sizzling bacon and toasted bread was gone, replaced by the oppressive silence that filled every home in the city. Breakfast—a fundamental joy now deemed illegal. As the government tightened its grip, simple pleasures vanished, leaving only shadows in their wake. She glanced at the digital clock on the wall, its red numbers glaring like a warning. A year. That’s what awaited anyone bold enough to defy the bans. She remembered how Maddy had laughed off the new laws, her playful spirit unbroken by the bleakness surrounding them. But a few days ago, Maddy had posted a picture of her breakfast spread, an act of rebellion Denise could hardly fathom. What had been a harmless moment of joy could now lead to a year locked away. A knock at the door startled her. Was it the authorities? Or was it Maddy, seeking refuge from the consequences of her actions? As fear mingled with determination, Denise knew she had to act. Now was not the time to cower.