Clash of the Idols (4)

SD was waiting for KJ at the docks and the latter arrived right on time. He observed the Nation's Idol who was browbeaten by the events which took place. It was hard not to pity the man who had only lost in life.

When KJ came closer, SD held out a packet of cigarettes for him.

"Care for a smoke?" he asked. 

"No," KJ said. His tone was flat and dead, devoid of any emotions. He did not know what to feel at all.

"Don't mind if I do," SD sighed. He took out a cigarette and lit it. He was not really a smoker but at times when he felt lost, a puff helped him. KJ did not say anything but leaned against SD's car, staring at the ocean before him. Everything was a blur to him. He did not even know whether he was doing the right thing by going to the President on his own. But nothing else mattered to him. All he wanted was for the chaos to end.

SD was also staring into the distance, his thoughts in a tangled mess.