The Grim Barbarity Of Optics And Designseveranc... Apr 2026

"We are severed not just from our outside lives," Burt said, his voice barely audible over the HVAC system. "We are severed from the truth of what we do. They use these paintings to keep us from walking across the hall to say hello. Fear is the most efficient floor plan."

This is a short story inspired by that chilling piece of art. The Grim Barbarity of Optics and DesignSeveranc...

"They tell us you butchered us," Irving said, gesturing to the carnage on the canvas. "And they tell you we butchered you ." "We are severed not just from our outside

Burt reached out, his hand hovering near Irving’s. For a moment, the barbarity of the office faded. There were no departments, no refinements, and no corporate legends—only two men, standing in a hallway, choosing to see each other despite the dark. Fear is the most efficient floor plan

Irving looked back at the marauders in the painting. He realized then that the glowing ID cards weren't just lights; they were the only things the workers could see. They weren't attacking out of hate. They were attacking because the "Optics" of the room had been designed so they couldn't see anything else. "Let's change the design," Irving whispered.