PAX ET LIBERTAS IN AETERNUM

Hey. Sorry it took me so long, the rain started to come down heavy and I didn't have an umbrella with me. I hope you haven't been waiting long. Mind if I smoke?

So I heard you're gonna be 53 soon. We both know that's bullshit, you've been around far much longer than that, but lets put up with the trivial formalities. For the sake of the children. While we're on that subject, I heard you've been having trouble with the kids. Well, what's new eh? It's always one thing or the other. To tell you the truth, I prefer having the kids throw their tantrum, make some noise, create their own little drama. It makes me feel less guilty because whatever comes after is something they created themselves. I've got no hand in it whatsoever.

Let me tell you the word I've been hearing on the streets lately. Freedom. Freedom rights, free sex, free size, buy 1 free 1...it's got all the kids in a buzz. And from the look of things, your main concern at the moment would be freedom of equality; tearing down the barrier between cultures, races and religion etc. Well, it sounds reasonable enough. But the tally does not match, and the numbers fall short. Nothing adds up.

There's no need to look so nervous. I'm hungry for Pesto Cavatappi, not mortal flesh. Not this time around, anyway.

Besides, the kids aren't interested in a broken present brought up by the fragile past, no, they see an adamantium future and they want it. They're working at it harder than Lucy has ever worked for me. They should learn to be more careful though. One false step and they'll end up like so many before them. But that's what makes it all the more exciting.

You're right; I find this period so enjoyable because I'm not you. Sorry.

Is that the time? Well, can't be helped that you have work to do. See you later.

Oh, and congratulations.

You're 53 now.