Intercepts

by T.J. Payne

everything was held together by duct tape and twine, not for lack of technological know-how, but because duct tape and twine were cheaper and easier than dealing with the crippling bureaucracy.

That was the power of parenthood; the protective instincts overrode everything else.

But, then again, he just spent his afternoon surrounded by guys-with-guns and blood-and-guts; maybe that was why he never wanted to spend his free-time with more of the same.

There was no one big, climactic moment that symbolized the end of the friendships. No fight, no jealousy, no nothing. Just

It was the same strategy as being a good parent. Be warm, but firm. Set sensible rules then communicate and enforce them clearly.

Children or not, people were going to be people. They’d be lazy if you let them. They’d be catty if you allowed it. And they’d blame you if they could.

But… but I always felt that in his heart, he didn’t really care about anyone or anything. He was a pure sociopath. He just happened to be one of those sociopaths who’s on the good team.