Page 19 of The Pacifist
I didn’t let his insult affect me. “What you need is a clear head, a great mindset, and the ability to delegate.”
“Spare me your lecture on great leadership.”
“Why?” I moved to the edge of my seat and pushed him a little. “What are you going to do if I don’t spare you?”
“I still have my right arm and that’s all I need to punch you.”
I tilted my head from side to side. “True, but that would require you to finally get out of your bed and since you’ve been unwilling to do that for months now, it sounds like an empty threat.”
Magni growled low.
“What?” I continued. “You think I don’t understand what it means to be physically weak among strong men? What it means to have people look at you like you’re a joke of a man?”
“No, I’m sure you understand that part, but it’s different for you because you were never strong to begin with.”
There was nothing funny about his pain, but I pretended to be amused. “It’s funny you should say that because as I see it, I’m the strongest man in the world.”
“Ha… Either you’re high or delusional?”
“I’m neither.”
Magni pursed his lips. “Look, Jonah, you might be big and strong for a Motlander, but my eleven-year-old son could take you in a fight.”
“No doubt!” I held my chin high.
Magni raised his brow. “So, you’re admitting it?”
Leaning forward, I gave him another smug smile, meant to provoke him. “Absolutely. My strength is up here.” I tapped my temple.
“You mean like Khan? He keeps telling us all he’s a genius.”
That made me laugh. “No. I’m no genius. What I am is a change maker who affects millions of lives. Just like you.”
“Don’t compare us. We’re nothing alike.”
His disgust offended me and made it easier to say what needed to be said, “You’re right. I don’t hide in my room feeling sorry for myself.” I shrugged. “People used to think that you’d soon get out of this room, but I guess they were wrong when they said you’re not a quitter.”
Magni’s right hand flew up and he pointed to the door. “Get the fuck out.”
Satisfied with my work, I rose up to my full height in a slow movement and picked up a notepad on the bed. Magni was fuming while I wrote down a sentence.
“Read it a hundred times until you get it,” I instructed him before walking to the door. “It’s time for you to redefine what it means to be strong. None of your impressive fighting techniques will work on the demons in your mind.”
“You don’t know shit about my demons.”
“I know they keep you trapped in here and that this suite is becoming your own version of hell.” I began walking to the door. “The good news is that when you decide to beat the demons and take back your life, you can… with the right help of course.”
“You think I need your help? I don’t!”
“Strongest man in the world at your service.” I looked him straight in the eye. “Your first assignment is on that pad. I’ll check in on you the next time I come.”
Magni picked up the pad. “What is this crap?” He read the words and lowered his forehead. “There’s no assignment here.”
“You’re smart. You’ll figure it out.”
When I closed the door, I heard Magni curse out loud behind me. All I could hope for was that I had poked the bear hard enough.
CHAPTER 5
