The First Day

The solemn moment was one he had dreamed of many times. The shape of the room is as he had imagined. The birds outside the only sounds. An incubator of freedom, conspiracy, and carnal knowledge all in one. Unmeasurable eloquence nonetheless. He picked up a pencil and wrote the following words:

I am king.

He quickly erased it. Had he really made this journey? Every man and woman dreams of having this view. He became king of the domain of man today. He conquered many barriers. He conquered his own demons, though they were few and far between. He had journeyed to this point, this pinnacle and he had it all. He had fought a tremendous battle and stood victorious. Invincible, no. Enviable, yes. He would have to fight against his own ego and manage his desire to be heard and to be taken seriously. His confidence, though strong, could at times get beyond even him. It could get beyond even her.

"Sir?" asked a small female voice from beyond the door.

No response.

"Sir?" she asked again.

He looked up slowly, the commanding presence of his eyes nearly bowled over the young aide.

"Yes. What is it?" he asked, the voice echoing about the room.

"Your wife is here, sir."

"Show her in, please." he said.

The door opened and in she walked. Her head was held high and her smile radiated passion, compassion, and absolute incredulity. They had both arrived. She sat down on the sofa in the center of the room. He stood up from behind the desk and paced.

"I stand here before you, my love, and I can honestly say I have wont of nothing more. No diamonds, no Everest, no expensive cars...no other request. I only want better things for them."

As he gestured towards the broad, curved window, she stood up and wrapped her arms around him. She felt as complete as she would ever feel. She was also scared for him and for her children. The battle that awaited them was an daunting one. No one believes they can win it, much less start it. No one understands their drive, their energy, or their passion. No one trusts his vision. Entangled in a web of lies, positions, and overtures, nothing is sacred anymore. Nothing commands respect. Nobody respects anybody else.

"It will be alright, dear." His voice was both reassuring as it was musical.

"Let's go," she said.

"Let's go, Michelle, let's go."

adt

cincinnati, oh

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