“I thought I was the only one, but that was just a lie.”

 

 

[Long ago:]

 

 

He’s teaching me to use a firearm.

And he’s teaching me well.

 

 

As we go over the proper procedures, we make small talk.

After all, we’re both Federal officers.

When the conversation goes deep, he’s intrigued to learn I’m a political scientist.

 

 

His eyes snap on me to the sound of a bullet being chambered.

“Do you think our founding fathers had this in mind? I mean, where our country is now? Because I don’t.”

No.

Neither do I.

 

 

My agreement stems from my education.

Both formal and social.

It’s not due to some imagined intimidation.

 

 

I elaborate.

Now we’re both instructors.

I teach him to see through the lies.

As he teaches me to use a firearm.

 

 

 

 

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