“The fireworks here in D.C. are always so beautiful!” said Jlanda.
“It’s the same thing that I wish for Rhukashlavia,” replied Joshua.
They were both standing in the grass beside each other in the midst of a huge crowd.
“You’ll stop Max,” replied Jlanda while turning towards Joshua. “You’ll be free of him someday.”
“Now, tell me if I’m wrong, but are you begging to differ with me, Jlanda?”
“What?” replied Jlanda shockingly. “I don’t understand. What are you saying?”
“I’ll make it clear to you in the best way I can,” began Joshua. “Yes, Max has always been one to drive me insane. His obsession with the Dark Thieves has hurt everyone greatly. Of course, let’s not forget that his blood is still in my blood. I’m also a descendent of the Dark Thieves.”
“But you’re not a Dark Thief,” replied Jlanda. “I’ve never seen you as one. You never acted like one.”
“The Dark Thieves are smart, strong, and witty,” continued Joshua. “For some odd reason, it’s not uncommon in our ancestry.”
“And your point is what?”
“Surely a girl of your sorts would understand this one,” replied Joshua.
“You… want him to change,” replied Jlanda.
“Yes, you seem to be finally catching on,” replied Joshua. “I’d wish that he would’ve started following in the footsteps of mum and myself on leaving the life of the Dark Thieves. We saw the dangers that he just happened to ignore or miss in the whole scheme of things.”
“He wants it too much,” replied Jlanda sadly.
“And I could’ve, too, if I would’ve stayed,” replied Joshua.
Jlanda looked up again to notice the finale of the fireworks show. Joshua looked up as well. It quickly ended, so they began walking away from the park.
“How do you define freedom, Josh?” asked Jlanda. “Did you ever feel free as an American?”
“Most of my life in America had been spent in my childhood,” replied Joshua. “I’ve never known freedom. I’ve only known the cost of freedom. The price is high, but I fight for it everyday.”
“Yeah,” replied Jlanda.
“But tonight was an exception,” continued Joshua. “I felt free to stand in the park and watch the fireworks with you. I didn’t have any need to worry about work, because others were taking my work for just one night. Nights like this are the reason why I continue to fight for Rhukashlavia.”
“Happy 4th of July, Joshua,” said Jlanda.
“Happy 4th of July,” replied Joshua.
