A Better Fit May Come Along

Sullen and trite, the tenets that tumbled forth, the words incongruous and purposely parading–and the grandfather clock with its inevitable ticks, became the relentless reminder of the minutes left. Oh, so many wonderful things that surrounded him now; all things pleated and oak wood hand-carved, the smell of damp tobacco coupled with warm vanilla hovered amid faint spiderwebs that hid from the beams of the sun. And one thin crack on the wall, that reached from the ceiling to the floor, called him and kept him…in that lingering moment where automobile horns and giggling children fade into an oblivious nowhere…

“Mr. Vinum!”

“Yes, Madam.”

“We were discussing your future here at Thracos Academy.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“Now…I have mentioned your achievements here at our institution and would like to give you another chance. We think you are a perfect fit here at Thracos. You simply just have to…blend in with rest of your peers.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, you may not come from old money, or have a family worth mentioning, shall we say? But, we believe a man of your…capabilities, is something we here would benefit from.”

“What it’s in it for me?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Why should I stay here? What…is…in…it–”

“Mr. Vinum, you do understand that this is one of the most prestigious institutions on the planet. Most men would…well, I believe we both know why you are here. It seems that you are quite the natural. I find it quite impressive the way you seem to sleep so well at night, considering the things we have you do.”

“I would say thanks for the opportunity, but it appears that I never did need you. I am older now…wiser, I daresay.”

“You still need us…nobody cares unless you have proof of what you can do and what you have done.”

“Once upon a time, I would have agreed with you. I do no longer. This is where we part, Madam.”

 

“Perhaps you are right. A better fit may come along, one never knows. Only way to know is for you to allow that spot available once more.”

“Agreed.”

∞