Prompt: Write a story which includes the words, ‘… I set off as usual that day …’.

Essay:
I set off as usual that day, the sun barely cresting the horizon, casting a soft golden hue over the city. Unbeknownst to me, my path would lead me straight into the heart of a movement that would alter my perspective on the world around me. As I approached the central square, the sounds of passionate voices and the rhythmic beating of drums filled the air. There, amidst the ancient oaks, stood a gathering of individuals, their signs raised high, each one a vivid declaration of their fight against climate change.

The square had transformed into a canvas of colors and emotions, each protester’s sign a stroke in a larger picture of urgency and hope. “Save Our Planet,” “There is No Planet B,” and “Act Now for Future Generations” were just a few of the messages that caught my eye. The crowd was a mosaic of society, from seasoned environmentalists to young children, all united by a common purpose.