Dan sat in the break room with his co-workers, eyes fixed on the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The news anchor's voice cut through the hum of vending machines and microwave beeps.
"Breaking news: Ossory Province has officially declared war against Intermarium, following its announcement of independence."
Dan shot up from his plastic chair. "What?"
Tobias reached for the remote on the table and switched the channel. "Dan, relax. We're both forty. The odds of us getting drafted are slim."
Dan turned to him, eyebrows raised. "You really believe that? The selective service targets low-income earners—people who can't afford the fifty grand to dodge the draft."
The break room door swung open. Their boss stepped in, clipboard in hand. "Break's over. Let's get back to it."
Tobias stood and gave Dan a reassuring pat on the back. "Stay positive. You've got nothing to worry about."
Dan followed him out, but the knot in his stomach tightened. The world outside felt unstable—and he wasn't sure he'd be spared from its unraveling.