In the beginning, there were only two presences. They had no names, for there was no need to distinguish one from another when they were the only two in existence. They enjoyed the vastness of the world without limitation or constraint, doing as they pleased without any voice to tell them otherwise. They believed the whole world would always be in their hands.
But then, the unexpected occurred: a third person appeared.
With a third existence, they were forced to share their space. Their freedom felt lessened, for every act now carried an effect on another. Yet, the world remained vast, and they found ways to live as long as they did not disturb the newcomer.
Time passed, and just as they grew used to the third, a fourth arrived. Again, the space was shared, and their actions were further restricted. The world was now divided among four, and many of their old ways were limited or erased. It was at this moment, needing to address one another in the shrinking space, that names emerged for the first time.
Then came the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh. It did not stop. The more people arrived, the less space remained, and the list of forbidden acts grew longer. The original two had no idea where these others came from or why they were there. They had no choice but to accept that their world was gone; it had been carved into pieces by strangers who arrived arbitrarily, occupied the land, and set rules they deemed "necessary."
This was a collective—and the original two were now part of it, though they never asked to be.
As more and more arrived, the world became overwhelming. Every action now required the approval of the crowd. Thwarted and disappointed, one of the original two decided to leave this ugly world behind. It was no longer the home they once knew.
The other tried to stop them, saying, "If you try once more, you will eventually fit in."
But the first refused. "I do not want to live in a world full of strangers," they said. "A world of laws and rules that came from nowhere, which I am forced to follow."
One finally left, drifting into the vastness of space to find a new home. The other remained behind, but when they turned around, they looked at the crowd. They saw only invaders—uninvited, permanent guests. Filled with disgust and loathing, the last of the original two prepared to leave as well.
However, they chose to stay for just a little longer—simply to watch as the world turned into such a mucky, foul place.