Backdated: Aug 2nd, 2015
It was strange, standing in his bedroom. Nothing had changed, yet it felt as though everything had. The previous evening was mostly a blur. Talking with his father was never a pleasant experience even on the best of days, but something just was worse yesterday.
“I’m worried you’re falling off the path set for you, son,” his father had said from behind his desk. His father was in his fifties, a well to do businessman, and one of the most traditions people Drake had ever encountered or read about. Even his grandfather, who still lived in Japan, wasn’t as rigid as his father was. He’d let Drake keep his long hair, his obsession with tea, even allowed him flexibility in his class choice for college, provided it helped him get into a much better college. Drake was used to the moving goal posts, as they’d been there his whole life, yet this set of posts surprised him.
“You’ve so much promise, son. Yet you’ve not come to me with a career choice. You’ve not committed to a discipline and I am worried for your future. I’ve sent you to various study abroad programs, offered the best education I can – including, may I remind you, an in at Yale – yet you’ve decided for a subpar education at Destiny City University doing who knows what,” his father continued, his voice growing sterner and slightly raised in volume as he spoke. Drake showed no outward emotion; he’d learned at a young age to not emotionally respond to his father’s demands. It was to be ‘yes sir,’ ‘no sir,’ and ‘I understand, sir,’ or silence. If he was permitted to explain himself, he was to be as concise as possible. Otherwise he was supposed to be ‘stronger’ and ‘unfazed’ by anything his father said. He was to analyze it, incorporate it, and not show weakness. This time was no different.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” His father steepled his fingers, staring at him from behind his hands. Drake swallowed very quietly, hands tucked behind his back.
“I have not found a concentration, sir. There are many subjects that have interested me, but I have not found one to settle on yet. I simply wish to make an informed decision before I decide on my future, Father. That is all, sir,” he said, bowing his head respectfully. Part of him tensed for the blow that may come, because it wouldn’t be the first time. Yet it did not come, and he stared at the desk, trying to gage his reaction.
“I’m disappointed son, but I respect your decision to be informed. This will be the path on for the rest of your life, so being wise about your decision is important. However, you must decide soon. You’ve until the end of this academic year to decide, or I will decide for you. Do you understand?”
Drake released his tense muscles, bowing full at the waist. “I understand, sir.” He was dismissed shortly afterwards.
One year to decide his fate. It seemed surreal, given his status as a senshi and the magical world his father had no idea about. How was he supposed to decide his entire life, when he wasn’t even sure he’d be alive in the next year?
Standing his bedroom after two months away, and yet he felt more like a guest, than someone coming home.
One year.
[ WC: 568 ]
