EXT. CITY SQUARE - EARLY MORNINGA sunny, peaceful city square, A few dog walkers are strolling around, some with real dogs and some robotic ones, frequently stopping to pet each other's dog and for small chats. 

CUT TOEXT: A RIVER BANK IN A SUBURBAN AREA -MOMENTS LATERA GROUP OF DOG WALKERS gathered around. 

DOG WALKER 1

A DEAD BODY is hanging by the bank with top half submerged in water. 

DOG WALKER 2(standing up, horrified)Call the police. 

People are shocked. Disbelief and fear are clearly visible in their faces.  

EXT. CITY POLICE STATION - LATER Police cars rush out, lights flashing. Officers exit and sprint towards the crime scene. 

INT. NEWSROOM - A FEW HOURS LATERThe ANCHOR sits in front of the camera as BREAKING NEWS graphics roll. Behind her, images of the scene play on the screen.

ANCHOR

(serious tone)

A body was found in the city square during the early hours…

The Anchor’s voice fades as the screen starts displaying the crime scene, now marked with POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS tape.  People are gathered and the tension is palpable.

INT. MAYOR’S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER

The MAYOR, a charismatic leader, stands before the camera in his office, determined to reassure the public.

MAYOR

 (stoically)

I understand your concerns. This is the first tragedy in our living memory We are in the early stages of investigation and so far, we haven’t found any foul play. I will update you as we get more information. But for now, please rest assured that we will reach the bottom of it and work hard to prevent these things from happening again. 

EXT. CITY SQUARE - LATER THAT DAY

The crowd murmurs, shock etched on each face. A LOCAL REPORTER hurries toward them with a microphone.

LOCAL REPORTER

 (to the crowd)

Can anyone share their thoughts? How do you feel about this tragedy?

A LOCAL MAN briefly raises his hand. The reporter signals the cameraman, who starts filming him, 

LOCAL MAN 1

 (dazed, shaking his head)

It’s... it’s just unreal. Why would someone want to end their lives?

The crowd murmurs in agreement, confusion and sadness spreading.

LOCAL MAN 2

 (frowning)

I don’t understand! In a world where we can swap our body, why would someone want to destroy their consciousness?”

INT. AUTOPSY ROOM - LATER

The coroner examines the body. A POST-MORTEM REPORT is revealed, stating “SUICIDE

INT. NEWSROOM - LATER THAT EVENING

The ANCHOR returns to inform the public about the report.

ANCHOR

 (Sombrely)

The post-mortem report indicates that this was a suicide. Our hearts go out to his family...

The reporter is seen interviewing various locals again.

LOCAL REPORTER

(talking to a man)

What do you think led to this man’s decision?

MAN

 (Hesitating)

I knew this guy… met him... probably a fortnight ago, He was talking about destroying his consciousness. I didn’t take it seriously because we were drinking.  

LOCAL REPORTER

(attentively)

Did you ask him why?

MAN

As I said, we were drinking and I thought he was joking. 

EXT. CITY PARK - EVENING

The park is filled with anxious citizens. The mood is heavy as whispers fill the air. The MAYOR joins the crowd, addressing them.

MAYOR

 (inspiring calm)

I assure you; we are looking into all possibilities. We will make every piece of information public. Together, we must understand this tragedy.

The crowd quiets down, but their faces show unease.

LOCAL PERSON 3

 (raising his voice)

What can we do to prevent more incidents like this?

LOCAL PERSON 4

 (from the crowd)

And why did he do that?

MAYOR 

We will investigate, and we will reach the root of the cause, for this, we need your help, please provide any information you have about this person to us. Anything. 

INT. COFFEE SHOP - THE NEXT DAY

In a cosy corner of the café, two FRIENDS, SARAH and TOM, sit talking, sipping coffee.

SARAH

 (concerned)

Can you believe it? In a place where everything seems perfect, someone ends their lives?

TOM

 (thoughtful)

Maybe it’s more than we see. Maybe he felt trapped.

They stop, looking around, seeing anxious faces everywhere.