The History of an Evil CEO

Chapter VI The Big Shot Part 2

Today was a day I never expected. My brigade and I were invited to the White House, of all places, to receive medals for our service in Vietnam and for our work training new recruits. Being there, in the middle of the White House, felt surreal. Just a few months ago, we were fighting to survive, but here we were, honored by President Nixon himself. 

When my name was called, I walked up to the stage and President Nixon shook my hand and presented me with the medal. He spoke about the dedication, bravery, and hard work we had shown, and how important our role was in preparing the next generation. As he pinned the medal on me, I realized it wasn't just a recognition of my skills or bravery, it was a tribute to everything we went through and survived together.

 Xavier and Matthew stood beside me, their medals shining under the lights, and I felt a pride that went beyond words. This medal is more than an honor; It's a reminder of everything we faced and overcame. Through all the chaos, fear, and hardship, today we stood together, strong, and unbreakable. It's a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life, as Natalia and Red applauded me, as everyone in the room applauded me, as it seemed like an entire country was applauding me, but...

After the ceremony at the White House, I walked outside and came face to face with a group of anti-war protesters. They were carrying signs and chanting slogans about the senselessness of war, the lives lost, and the future they wanted to protect. At first, I felt the need to walk away; part of me thought they would see me as a symbol of everything they rejected.

But then, something stirred inside me. I stepped up onto a small platform nearby and began to speak. The words came out matter-of-factly, long, confused, and maybe even a little incoherent at times. I spoke of the confusion we all felt, the fear we faced in Vietnam, and the friends we had lost. I spoke of my own dreams, hopes, and even fears that no medal could erase. "I want a world where boys and girls do not have to be separated from their families, where peace is nothing more than a word, and where other people feel superior to them so they cannot change them." I talked about the brothers my friends Xavier and Matthew had made in the war, and how, despite everything, all we wanted was to get home safely.

When I finally finished, there was silence, just for a moment. Then, to my surprise, they started clapping. I'm not sure if they agreed with everything I said, but in that moment I felt understood. And for once, we weren't on opposing sides. We were just people, people who wanted a world where none of us would ever need to pick up a gun again... or so I hoped.

After the speech, I felt a strange calm come over me. The cheers of the protesters echoed in my mind as we all headed to the bus, ready to go home. Just as I was about to get on, Natalia stopped me, looking happy but more serious than usual. She pulled me aside and told me she had made a decision: she had landed a good job as a writer in the UK.

For a moment, I was speechless. Then, with a half-smile, I joked about the irony. -You know, I came all the way to America to find a new life away from my mother, and now you're going to the place I left behind-, I said with a wry smile and a small urge to cry. She laughed, but I could see the same sadness in her eyes. We both knew this wasn't just a trip. It was a new chapter, a new beginning for her.

She hugged me tight, and I realized how much I would miss her. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I know I'll always carry her with me, no matter where we end up.

God knows I love her very much but I also have to go to the Olympics so I hope one day we meet again, I hope so...