Affairs Of State File

He stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the manicured lawn of the Rose Garden. For years, he had balanced the weight of the nation against the weight of his own conscience. Now, the scales were broken. He thought of the young aides like Michael Lawson , who came to D.C. with fire in their eyes and ended up as kindling for the very fires they meant to extinguish. "Draft the resignation," Elias said quietly. The silence returned, heavier than before.

"We have two hours before the press briefing," Sarah continued, sliding a folder across the table. "We can blame a mid-level aide, or we can go for a full-scale cybersecurity distraction.". Elias finally looked at her. "And what about the truth?" Affairs of State

Elias didn’t look up. He was thinking of the letter in his pocket—the one from his daughter, who hadn't spoken to him since the campaign began. She had seen the rot before he did. He had entered this office promising a " More Perfect Union ," but now he was just another man trying to keep the walls from closing in. He stood up and walked to the window,