4. They Shoot Single: People, Don't They?

The sniper lowers her rifle, her HUD flashing a green 'COUPLED' icon. She looks at Arthur, then at her gun, then back at him.

In the year 2042, is the most-watched reality show on earth, where the government legally hunts the uncoupled to solve the overpopulation crisis. 4. They Shoot Single People, Don't They?

Arthur bolts. He doesn't run for the shadows like the others; he runs for the local server farm. He knows the Matchmakers track heat signatures through the city’s grid. As bullets—glowing pink "Cupid Rounds"—whistle past his ears, he reaches the mainframe. The sniper lowers her rifle, her HUD flashing

He isn't trying to escape; he’s trying to hack the registry. The sniper lowers her rifle