"Where am I...? What am I doing?"
John woke from a semi-conscious state, and the darkness before his eyes swiftly faded, revealing the scene inside the president's Oval Office.
A blond man, vigorous and ruddy-faced, sat behind the desk, looking at John with a kindly smile.
Also looking at John was Chief of Staff Meadows, who stood before the desk reporting to the president. He wore the same kindly smile, making people feel as though they were basking in a spring breeze.
"My dear John, may I ask what the matter is?" the gentleman asked like a true gentleman. At the same time, he praised John to Meadows. "John is a good lad, a hero who returned from Afghanistan. I trust him greatly."
John's mind was a complete mess. He had entirely forgotten why he had pushed open the Oval Office door. He could not even remember when he had arrived here or how long he had been standing there.
Hearing the gentleman's words, Meadows smiled faintly and said:
"I admire heroes who serve their country most. Afghanistan—those are real heroes... I had a friend who returned from Afghanistan with the Marines too, but unfortunately he developed PTSD. Ah, poor old George... By the way, John, did you hear something?"
John's heart lurched at those words, nearly jumping into his throat.
If he were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, this job would be completely over!
He hurriedly followed Meadows's lead and said:
"That's right, Mr. Chief of Staff. I heard a little noise just now. It may have come from another room. It's fine, then. Please forgive my rudeness... I'm terribly sorry."
The blond man with the gentle smile showed a standard smile, nodded, and said:
"Well done, John. I'm proud of you. You were merely carrying out your duty.