captain

Carmen hung up the phone. Her hands were shaking. 

“What happened, honey?” Her husband, Terrance, inquired. He paused in mid-step, and set down the basket of laundry.

“It was headquarters—they’re promoting me to Captain of the precinct.”

“Honey… that’s fantastic.” Terrance replied.

“Yeah…” Carmen trailed off.

“What are you feeling?” Terrence approached Carmen.

“I don’t know…” She struggled to articulate. “... I think about our kids… and what kind of world they will grow up in.”

Terrence listened. “You’re in a position to influence that, even more so today.”

Carmen leaned over the sink, she extended her arms to brace herself, and gathered her words. “I’m feeling… nervous.” She paused, looking outside the window, “obligated... afraid, strong, remorseful, powerful, engaged, and proud.”

“You can do this, baby.” Terrance whispered, “The world needs you, now.”

-m

June 21, 2020