Fallen Empire

O N E

The party was over. A lot of the guests is leaving, one by one, having their exits on the front door. My boss are right there, shaking hands with some people he liked and some business partners of our company while I sit here in an empty table, holding my glass of wine, I take a little sip on it when suddenly, a guy in a janitor uniform approach me with a joyful smile.

"Uhm..." He hesitated. He's kind of a guy under twenties, too young to work on a luxurious event place like this.

"Oh, Hi. Do you need something?" I smiled.

"Ah, No sir. I just want to thank you for..." He shrugged and smiled a bit "...for creating a cure with those stupid cancer."

"Oh? Yeah? Well, it's my job kid. It's a pleasure because you appreciated it." I chuckled. Im kind of tired now for having a tough day like, ever before.

"Yeah. Sort of." He tighten the grip on the mop he's holding. He does sound like a very shy Tom Holland. "My mom died in a lung cancer and ended up saying goodbye to me--- Sorry, I just--- driven by emotions." He chuckled while I feel sorry for this kid. "Im not supposed to tell stories like that, yeah? Excuse me." He walked and started cleaning with his crew. A guy jab him in his arm, telling that dont waste the time etcetera and the guy just laugh.

I dont know what to feel though. That kid's smile kind of stab me on my chest because I know, I know that Im not the good one here.

I approach the boy and tried to smile at him. He glanced at me, eyes widening a little bit and  the others tried to turn their gazes at us, murmuring at each other.

"S-Sir?!" His voice cracked.

"What's your name lad?"

"Ugh... Im---".

I saw his name badge at his uniform. "Peter, huh?" He nods. "You know, just keep smiling okay? Work harder and  make your mommy proud!" I punched him in his arm and smiled. He chuckled, tears forming in the sides of his eyes but still smiling.

"Thank you, sir!"

________________

Everyone's out and so am I. My boss is with me, smoking in this parking area. The smoke of it is the same color of his thin hair that goes with the cold wind that is blowing.

"How's George?" The deep and manly voice of the old man catches my attention.

"George is fine. He's home, 5:00 this afternoon." I answered monotonously.

"How 'bout the vaccines?"

"The last update was from Terry, and the first 500 will be done tomorrow at 8:00 and then they will continue processing it at 10."

"Great."

"So, we're successful." I bite my lip whil staring at the clear sky whil the wind touches my chin.

"Kind of. This thing will never be successful like it is right now because of you. It's all of your hardwork Jack. Good job kid." The old man smiled.

"Well, it's not just me, you also helped me sir. You pushed me and... motivated me to do this." I dont know what to feel about what I just said but, I know to myself that I didn't mean something.

"Yeah. Kind of. You're a hero now, and I guess Im just your sidekick." He laugh in his own joke. This old man never change.

"If you insist sir, but, thank you for the compliments. I should go home now, my wife is probably waiting for me now." He just furrowed an eyebrow in my scowl and then burst into laugh.

"Yeah. You're still lucky, kid, you have a wife and I dont." He laughs.

"Do you have a plan to get yours?" I opened the door of my car and waited for his answer.

"Nah. Im fine with those hoes I grab in some bars." Yup. That old man never changed.

"Whatever sir. See you tomorrow." I drove into New York City road and on my way, I saw the Empire State building, giving a good image under the other smaller tower than itself.

Now that the whole world know my name like how they know the Empire State building, I wish that I am that strong like the structure of it, like, I'll stand firmly whatever it happens. I won't fall because Im strong but there's the other half of me, it was like the small tower or a broken lamppost in those streets. It makes me realise the mistake that I made, the wrong choice that I chose, and the bad things that might happen.

I wish that my wish could come true; to be strong like the Empire State Building, especially from now thay I already decided. It already happened so I just go with it, no matter what.

O N E

by

K I N G