The Eccentric Ceremony, Weekly Short-Short Note, 410 Characters

An invitation to the Eccentric Ceremony arrived.
What is this, an Eccentric Ceremony? I'm not an eccentric, I grumbled, but when I looked closer, it wasn't an invitation, but a summons.
It stated that if I did not attend, I would be arrested.

The venue for the ceremony was in the basement of the city hall.

The people gathered there varied in age and clothing, but they had one thing in common: none of them stood out.

When the appointed time arrived, there was a heavy sound behind us.
I immediately realized that the emergency door had closed.

A voice flowed from the speakers on the ceiling.

"The government defines citizens as those who possess a specialized ability in something."

It was a businesslike, emotionless voice.
"You are unnecessary."

I heard the sound of someone gasping.

"You are not abnormal people. You are simply ordinary people who have increased too much and are unnecessary. The Eccentric Ceremony is a ritual to turn unnecessary people into nothingness."

Turn into nothingness.
Only those words remained in my ears.

"Your existence will also gradually fade from the memories of your family and acquaintances."

It is hard to breathe. I realize belatedly that it is poison gas. Someone lets out a groan.

My vision slowly turns dark.